Minho (river)

The Minho (Spanish: Miño) is a major river in Galicia in northwestern Spain that flows to the Atlantic Ocean and forms part of the international boundary with Portugal along its lower course. It is an important regional river for fisheries, irrigation and local transport.

The river descends from upland terrain in inland Galicia and flows westward toward the Atlantic, where it opens into an estuary before reaching the ocean between towns on the Spanish and Portuguese sides of the border. The Minho’s estuary and lower reaches are notable for tidal influence and coastal wetlands.

The river basin supports agriculture, local fisheries and towns along its course and is a defining geographic feature of northern Galicia and adjoining areas of Portugal.

• Border role: Forms part of the border zone between northwestern Spain (Galicia) and northern Portugal for sections of its lower course, with an estuary at its mouth between Spanish and Portuguese towns.