Like Valença do Minho to the west, Monção (mohng-sowng) was once an important fortification along the border with Spain. It has a modest but attractive historic centre – which includes the remains of its 14th-century fortifications still watching over the river – that sees far fewer visitors than Valença’s. The town’s big claim to fame is its fine vinho verde (wine), with signs touting Monção as the cradle of the refreshing Alvarinho wine (Spain’s Galicia makes similar claims).