Moledo Beach & Ínsua Fort
Praia de Moledo e Forte da Ínsua
A long beach backed by pine forest on the south side of the Minho River mouth, with a 17th-century monastery fort on a small offshore island. It is a popular beach in northern Portugal.
Moledo Beach lies next to Caminha, with a wide sandy beach backed by pine woods. It is known for its clear water and for the tradition of holidays by upper-class Portuguese families, and it was once rated among the best beaches in Europe. At the northern end of the beach, on the offshore Ínsua Island, stand a 17th-century Franciscan monastery and a five-pointed star-shaped fort. The view is best at low tide. The island is closed to the public, so admire it from the beach or join a boat tour. Waves are strong and good for surfing, but watch for rip currents when swimming. In summer there is parking and restaurants nearby. It is about a 25-minute drive from Viana do Castelo.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Caminha
- Citânia de Santa Luzia
- Sanctuary of Santa Luzia
- Romaria da Senhora d'Agonia
- Praça da República
- Viana do Castelo Cathedral
- Costume Museum
- Fort of Santiago da Barra