This area along the River Minho is very pretty, green and lush with vineyards and market gardens in abundance. Often there will be summer fog in A Guarda, but a short drive inland and the weather is hot and sunny.
A Guarda was settled as a defensive point and was attacked by the Portuguese on several occasions. The Castillo of Santa Cruz in the harbour now stands behind the tall sea defences but played a role in its day. The wall is there to protect the town from the force of the ocean, which used to crash against the town harbour road!
The colourful houses around the harbour are called "Casas de Indias" as they were built by emigrants from Latin America, who returned to Galicia bringing with them a taste for bright decoration.
At the top of Monte Tecla, the remains of a "Castro" are one of the best examples you will see of this type of pre-historic Galician settlement. It is possibly somewhat "over" restored, however it gives a very good idea of the network of round houses and has spectacular views over the coast and the River Minho. There are picnic areas up here and it´s a great place, on a clear day, to spend a few hours.
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