The Minho River transforms from a border to a destination with free boat tours

The links between towns lying on both sides are poised to get stronger

The Minho River serves as the borderline separating Northern Portugal from the region of Galicia (Spain). These days crossing is easy but what about the water body as a space of its own? Is it something that still separates or can it unite?

Residents and visitors of four municipalities located on its banks (Monção and Valença in Portugal and Tui and Salvaterra in Spain) now have the chance to answer them for themselves with the launch of boat tours from 25 February. These will be completely free of charge and tourists only require previous registration in order to book a seat in one of the 15 seats available on the vessel.

Reflective of a desire for joint cross-border development

The initiative was born out of the “Rio Minho: A Navigable Destination” Interreg project which has resulted in the implementation of a set of measures and activities focused on the attractiveness and sustainability of the river.

It also stems from the vision of the former mayor of Salvaterra, Arturo Grandal that the river should be navigable and a source of wealth, prosperity, culture and leisure. He was at the helm of the Galician municipality for impressive 40 years, starting in 1979 before both countries were EU members and thus the border was still a very present entity.

The towns staring across the river did not really know each other and links were weak, save for smuggling operations.

In addition to boat trips, the River Minho Route will consist of short routes and a longer trip, which will occupy a whole day, with visits to the two Eurocidades/Eurociudades (as the local European Groupings for Territorial Cooperation (ECTGs) are commonly referred to) involved in the project: Monção/Salvaterra and Valença/Tui. These routes count with the support of a tourist guide, who will guide passengers on visits to the historic centres and fortresses.

According to the municipality of Monção, “in addition to providing relaxing and inspiring river walks, the short routes and the wide route will show the diversified natural, cultural and ethnographic heritage of the four border municipalities, with transport on land being carried out in minibus and train”.