Top Things to Do in Ponte de Lima, Portugal’s Oldest Village

Situated in the heart of Portugal’s Minho region, Ponte de Lima is a charming historical village that is easy to visit from Porto. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, ancient architecture, and for having the oldest village charter in Portugal. It’s an easy day trip from Porto, taking less than an hour’s by car or 90 minutes by bus. Prefer an overnight stay? You can easily combine this with a side trip to Viana do Castelo. Here are our top things to do during your visit to Ponte de Lima.

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Getting from Porto to Ponte de Lima

Traveling from Porto to Ponte de Lima is straightforward and scenic, offering two main options:

By Car: The quickest way to reach Ponte de Lima is by car, taking the A3 motorway towards Valença. This route takes about 50 minutes and allows you to enjoy the beautiful vistas of the Minho region at your own pace. Before reserving your rental car, be sure to check out the top tips for renting a car in Portugal!

By Bus: For those preferring public transport, regular buses run from Porto to Ponte de Lima. The journey takes approximately one hour and thirty minutes, and costs 9-24 Euros.

Getting from Viana do Castelo to Ponte de Lima by bus: If you are combining this with a visit to Viana do Castelo, the bus between the two takes about 40 minutes.

Top Things to Do in Ponte de Lima

Explore the Medieval Bridge

Start your visit at the town’s namesake, the medieval bridge that spans the Lima River. This bridge, part of which dates back to Roman times, is a focal point in the town. The bridge offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Emperor Cesar Augustus had this bridge built in order for the road to cross the Lima River, somewhere around the 1st century. Nowadays, the bridge is part of the Portuguese Camino Central route.

If you enjoy visiting Roman artifacts, don’t miss the Roman Temple in Évora.

Visit the Museu dos Terceiros and the Castle of Curutelo

The Castle of Curutelo is not currently open to the public. If you enjoy staying in castles, look forward to a scheduled 2025 opening of a Vila Galéhotel in the castle. It is still fun to walk around outside the castle and enjoy the views.

This Museu dos Terceiros houses a rich collection of religious art and artifacts, offering insights into the local history and culture. It’s housed in a beautifully restored convent.

Stroll through the Historic Center

Ponte de Lima’s historic center is a delightful maze of narrow cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and picturesque squares. Take your time to wander through the area, stopping at a local café to sample some vinho verde, the region’s famous young wine.

Relax in the Parque do Arnado

This theme garden offers a perfect blend of landscape design from different cultures, including Portuguese, Renaissance, and Baroque gardens. It’s an ideal spot for a leisurely walk or a picnic by the riverside.

Additionally, try to synch up your visit with the International Garden Festival, typically held from the end of May through October.

Hike or Bike the Ecovia

For nature enthusiasts, the Ecovia along the Lima River provides a serene setting for a hike or bike ride. The trail offers panoramic views of the river and the lush Minho countryside. If you’re feeling motivated, bike all the way to Viana do Castelo (about 30 km each way). You can always hop on a bus for the return trip after enjoying the beach.

Visit the Riverfront Market

No visit to Ponte de Lima would be complete without stopping at the riverfront market, held every few weekends. The lively vendors and colorful stalls offered everything from local crafts to homemade treats.

Additionally, visit the municipal market held on weekdays in town.

There are many things to do during your visit to Ponte de Lima, ranging from historical sites to cultural and outdoor activities. Whether you’re exploring its ancient streets, enjoying the local food, or simply soaking in the atmosphere, Ponte de Lima is a captivating escape from the hustle and bustle of Porto. You can easily combine this with a visit to Viana do Castelo, Guimarães, Braga, or Peneda-Gerês National Park.

Dining in Ponte de Lima

No visit to Ponte de Lima is complete without trying the local cuisine. Try the traditional favorite Arroz de Sarrabulho at Taverna Vaca das Cordas or other local restaurant.

Where to Stay in Ponte de Lima

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