Living in Caminha: Portugal’s green border town

Weather and climate in Caminha

The Minho region is famously green for a reason. You can expect plenty of sunshine and temperatures that are perfect for the beach in summer, usually sitting comfortably in the mid-20s. The trade-off for all that lush scenery comes in the winter when there's a fair bit of rain between November and March. Often, you’ll get heavy downpours followed by bright, clear spells. The temperatures stay mild, rarely dropping near freezing, so it’s more of a season for waterproofs and cosy afternoons than for heavy winter coats.

Things to do in and around Caminha

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For a fairly small town, Caminha punches well above its weight when it comes to keeping you busy. You’ve got this brilliant mix of history, nature, and that quirky cross-border culture to explore.

Wander the historic centre

Get lost in the network of narrow, cobbled streets. You can admire the 15th-century parish church, Igreja Matriz, discover little chapels, and see the remnants of the old town walls.

Take the ferry to Spain

For just a few euros, the little ferry chugs you across the Minho to the Spanish town of A Guarda. It’s perfect for a change of scenery, some different tapas, and a walk up the Monte de Santa Trega for incredible views.

Hike in the Camarido National Forest

Tucked right behind the coast, this beautiful pine forest is a fantastic spot for a shady walk or a bike ride. It leads directly out onto the beach.

Experience the Medieval Fair

If you happen to be around in July, the Feira Medieval is unmissable. The whole town steps back in time for a few days with hog roasts, costumed parades, and market stalls.

Hit the local beaches

Moledo is the most famous, with its breezy shore and island fort, making it a hotspot for kitesurfing and other watersports. A little further south, Vila Praia de Âncora offers a wider, more sheltered bay that’s great for a relaxed swim.

Best neighbourhoods to live in Caminha

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Finding the right spot in Caminha really depends on whether you see yourself as more of a town, river, or beach person. The good news is that everything is so close, you’re never far from what you want.

Historic Centre of Caminha

This is perfect if you love the idea of stepping out of your front door and being right in the middle of things. It’s ideal for those who want to live without a car, though be prepared for charming but older properties and potentially tricky parking.

Moledo

This small coastal village just south of Caminha has a gorgeous, breezy beach. It has a more modern, holiday vibe, with more villas and apartments. It can get quite busy in summer, but is beautifully peaceful in the off-season.

Vila Praia de Âncora

This is a larger, more functional town with a lovely, wide beach, a proper fishing harbour, and more year-round amenities like big supermarkets and a wider selection of restaurants. It’s a very practical choice, especially for families, offering a good balance of beach life and convenience.

Pros and cons of living in Caminha

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Nowhere is perfect, and Caminha is no exception. It’s a fantastic place, but it's good to go in with your eyes open.

Some of the advantages of living in Caminha include:

• Incredible location: the combination of the river, the sea, a national park, and Spain on your doorstep is pretty much unbeatable.
• Authentic Portuguese lfe: it doesn’t feel like it’s built just for tourists or expats. Life feels genuinely Portuguese, which means you get a more immersive experience and it's generally more affordable.
• Natural scenery: the Minho region is stunningly green, and the coastline is wild and dramatic. If you’re an outdoorsy person who loves walking, cycling, or just being in nature, you’ll be in your element here.
• A slower, safer pace of life: it’s a very safe, community-focused place, which is brilliant for anyone looking to escape the rush and stress of a big city.

However, like all places, Caminha comes with its downfalls:

• Winter weather: the rain is what makes the region so beautiful and green, but if you’re chasing year-round sun, this isn’t the spot for you.
• It’s a small town: the peace and quiet is a huge draw, but the flip side is fewer amenities.
• Limited job market: unless you work remotely or are retired, finding work locally can be a real challenge, especially if you don't speak fluent Portuguese. 

Is Caminha expensive?

The cost of living in Caminha is quite reasonable, especially when you compare it to Lisbon or Porto. That said, it’s not the undiscovered bargain it might have been a few years ago, as its popularity is definitely on the rise. 

Your day-to-day spending won't break the bank. According to Numbeo, grabbing a coffee while you're out will rarely cost you more than €2, and a glass of local wine is usually between €2 and €3. For lunch, you can often find a cheap and cheerful meal for around a tenner. For a proper sit-down dinner for two at a nice mid-range place, you’d be looking at something between €30 and €50, which is pretty good value. A beer to go with it will set you back about €3.

Household bills are manageable too. For a standard flat, your basic utilities like electricity, water, and gas should fall somewhere between €100 and €200 a month, though that obviously depends on your own usage and how many people are in the house.

The biggest expense, as always, is housing, and this is where you can see that Caminha real estate is getting more attention. As of June 2025, property prices in Caminha averaged around €1,583 per m², which is a 16.1% increase from 2024. If you're looking to rent, you can expect apartments to start from around €700 per month, though this will vary depending on the size and location.

• Property for sale in Caminha
• Long-term rentals in Caminha

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Living in Caminha as an expat

If you're picturing a massive, organised community with constant events like you might find in the Algarve, you'll need to adjust your expectations. The international community in Caminha is much smaller and more scattered. Many people find this is a huge plus, as it encourages you to properly immerse yourself in Portuguese life rather than staying in an expat 'bubble'.

So it's a good idea to make an effort to learn Portuguese. While you'll find English is spoken, especially among younger people, it's not a given for everyday life in a smaller town like this. Locals are very friendly, but they really do appreciate it when you try.

So, how do you actually meet people and build a life in Caminha?

• Be a regular: pick a local café for your morning coffee and stick to it. Shop at the weekly market. You’ll quickly go from being a new face to a familiar one.
• Use online groups: for connecting with other internationals, your best bet is probably online. Look for Facebook groups for expats in the Minho region or specifically for the Viana do Castelo district.
• Get involved locally: Keep an eye on posters around town or at the Junta de Freguesia (the local parish council office) for events.