We invite the pilgrim to enter the Caminha region through the village of Âncora, making their way through the forest paths and over Ponte da Torre, an ancient bridge from the end of the 17th century made of stone deck slabs. This bridge served as the main passageway for people and goods over the Âncora River before the new royal road was built in 1856. Follow the way and when you get to Vila Praia de Âncora you will come across a Dolmen, a tomb from the megalithic period (between 4000 and 3500 BC), known as the Barrosa Dolmen.

Once you reach Praça da Repúblic (main square) you may admire the chapel dedicated to Sra da Bonança, the patron saint of shermen.

As you make your way toward the sea, you will nd the imposing Lagarteira Fort, a military construction from the end of the 17th century.

If you follow the “per loca marítima” (the coastal way) you will then come to St.o Isidoro chapel, another ageold monument. The porch provided shelter for pilgrims on the Way. Between the sea and the mountain, you may catch sight of yet another Fort, called the Ínsua Fort and Modelo beach.

You are now walking on the ancient Camarido road, surrounded by the verdant green of the “Mata Nacional do Carmarido” (protected forest). Make your way into the town of Caminha via the old Caminho de Viana road, today called Rua dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Road) where you may admire typical small single-storey houses belonging to shermen, known as Meia Casa de Pescadores (half a house). Here visit the chapel dedicated to Na Sra de Agonia. (Our Lady of Agony).

You will have reached the historical centre of Caminha: admire the Clock Tower (Torre do Relógio), a remnant part of the medieval oval wall (the New Door was built when king D. João II’s two brothers travelled through Caminha in pilgrimage to Santiago), the stone fountain from the 16th century, Casa dos Pittas, featuring characteristics of late Gothic-Manueline style, the Misericórida Church built in a renaissance and baroque style and the ancient homes of the bourgeoisie on Rua do Vau.

Now walk along Rua Direito or dos Meyos, the central route of the medieval section of the town which leads into the oldest built section of Caminha. In the background, the imposing Matriz church (main church). Construction of the church began in 1488 during the reign of João IV.

Cross the bridge over the Coura River, these waters ow into the estuary of the Minho River, and walk through the village of Seixas until you encounter the São Bento Chapel. The route takes pilgrims back to the riverside, to enjoy the views. Before leaving the land of Caminha, you will have the opportunity to admire Rock Art, in the Góios monte (Lanhelas), here you will nd singular motifs engraved in rock, the only of its kind found in the country.