Free walking tours in Ponte de Lima and what to see

Must-sees

Ponte de Lima prides itself on being the oldest town in Portugal, with a charter dating from the 12th century. Its signature is the bridge over the Lima river, with a medieval section and another of Roman origin on the far bank. By the river, the sandy riverbank hosts one of the oldest markets in the country every other week.

The old town has towers from the former walls, the main church and houses bearing coats of arms. Across the bridge are the Church of Santo António da Torre Velha and the international garden festival, which every year brings together themed gardens by the river. The surroundings are full of quintas and manor houses devoted to vinho verde.

Free tours and guided visits

The range of activities in Ponte de Lima is small: the most common thing is to hire a bike and ride the Lima Ecovia, a riverside path that runs to Viana do Castelo and inland.

The town is on the Portuguese Way to Santiago, and many pilgrims stop here. The vinho verde wineries in the area organise visits and tastings.

How long to spend

Half a day is enough to stroll the old town, cross the bridge and see the gardens. With more time, the Ecovia, the vinho verde quintas and the Peneda-Gerês National Park, less than an hour away, make for a couple of relaxed days in the Minho.

Where to stay

In the old town there are small hotels and guesthouses, with the river and the restaurants a step away. The most characteristic places to stay in the area are manor houses and rural quintas, known as turismo de habitação, surrounded by vineyards and gardens. You need a car for them.