XX 10 9 FOZ DO MINHO Here the Rio Minho meets the sea and widens into a shallow basin fronted by dunes. Fishermen come and go in small boats over this Spanish/Portuguese river border. From Caminha head S on N13 for 1km, turn ,, R at brown sign for Foz do Minho, follow for 1km. Parking. 2 mins, 41.8682, -8.8621 z
waterfalls & rockpools 10 PONTE DE SÃO JOÃO, RIO COURA A scrabble down a steep stony track yields a vast azure pool. Dive from huge rocks and swim into quartz caves. Filled by the mountain spring which begins high in the hills at the monastery of São João. From Covas (Coura bridge) follow the N301 ,, W towards Caminha. After 1.5km you pass over an old bridge; park on the roadside, and on the R is an overgrown path down. 5 mins, 41.8775, -8.7156 Tv=
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11 CASCATA DO PINCHO Smooth granite rocks beneath the falling waterfall form a deep diving basin. At midday the water is brilliant turquoise but thrillingly cold.
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Viana Do Castelo
From Espantar head N, pass the café ,, Caçana and continue on the cobbled road. After 750m and just before the woods, take the slip road to the L, follow downhill. Reach the pool by a short walk upstream. 5 mins, 41.7977, -8.7518 T1qh
ancient & sacred 12 ANTA DA BARROSA This megalithic dolmen was erected in 3,000BC and the large flat stones leaning together still create a shelter. Sit crosslegged on its dusty floor as the dusk draws in. A grassy area and shady trees around provide a good picnic place. From Âncora head N on the N13 towards ,, Vila Praia de Âncora, cross the river, at the roundabout take first R onto N305, 2nd L into small R. da Barrosa; dolmen is at the end of the road on the R. Cross into the grassy area. 1 min, 41.8100, -8.8506 QqW 13 IGREJA DO SÃO SALVADOR, BRAVÃES Make a pilgrimage to this church with orange trees and great views across the Lima valley. Wild animals are carved in a triumphant arch over the western door and stalk through all the masonry of this 12th century church.