Viana do Costelo or Caminha for a rest day?

[Tammom]

I am torn. VdC seems to have lots of history, but Caminha seems charming.

Your shared experiences would be appreciated.

 

[Camembert]

Both places have their charms
I should choose Viana do Castelo myself.
A nice walk to the Santa Luiza mountain and the view from there
the Parador, maybe for a coffee
Near the railway station is a shopping center
the best pension wehad was pensão a Laranjeira ( NOT hotel Laranjeira - that is on another spot) the pension owners walked the Camino them selves
they have a nice restaurant and nice rooms .

Caminha is a antique place also nice you have seen it within one or two hours.
After your sightseeing you could call the fisherman Mario ( see more posts here for his phonenumber) and cross the river and walk to A Guarda in Spain what is also a nice place to stay.

 

[jungleboy]

I am torn. VdC seems to have lots of history, but Caminha seems charming.

Both true, so it depends on how you see your rest day. If you see it as an opportunity for tourism and exploration, then choose VdC. If you want to really rest up and do very little, Caminha is quieter and might be a better choice.

 

[klimmo]

I enjoyed VdC a lot, lovely centre (everything I needed to take care of my blister) and as said above lot's to see. I enjoyed the walk to the fort and the visit of the hospital ship museum.

(I haven't been to Caminha as I crossed to Spain from the campsite.)

 

[IvetaA]

I am torn. VdC seems to have lots of history, but Caminha seems charming.

Your shared experiences would be appreciated.

Both places are good - to each their own. But I would prefer Caminha - charming old center,quiet, relaxing, cozy. A wonderful view of the Spanish coast. I spent a night there last year and thought it was worth staying another day. Unfortunately, I had a limited time...

 

[Laynni]

My vote goes to Viana do Castelo

 

[Adhemar78]

I am torn. VdC seems to have lots of history, but Caminha seems charming.

Your shared experiences would be appreciated.

I spent a night in Viana do Castelo and then a night in Vila Praia de Ancora. Viana de Castelo was nice enough. I only passed through Caminha on my way to the ferry terminal but I remember thinking that it looked like it would have been a nice place to stop.