Cávado

Cávado is a river in northern Portugal, one of the principal watercourses of the Minho region. It flows westward from inland to the Atlantic, draining a valley that gives its name to the Cávado Valley. The river traverses the districts of Braga and Viana do Castelo, passing near towns such as Barcelos and Amares before reaching the coast at Esposende, where its estuary opens to the Atlantic. The river’s basin covers several municipalities, including Barcelos, Amares, Vila Verde, and Esposende, and provides irrigation, water supply, and a setting for rural and urban development.

The estuary at Esposende forms a large marsh and dune complex, supporting a diverse community of birds and other wildlife. It is a protected coastal ecosystem and is sometimes included in national and European nature networks for conservation.

In cultural and historical terms, the Cávado has long shaped the economy and landscapes of the region, with mills and irrigation historically concentrated along its lower courses. Today, the valley remains important for agriculture, tourism, and regional identity, with Barcelos and the surrounding towns hosting markets and crafts that reflect the river-driven landscape.