Ponte de Lima
Discover Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima is a town on the banks of the River Lima, in Minho, in Viana do Castelo district. It is the oldest village in Portugal. This village and its iconic bridge are located in the heart of the Vinho Verde region, which, together with its lively festivals and popular festivals, has made it famous throughout the country. Ponte de Lima (POHN-t(ih) d(ih) LEE-muh, /ˈpõ.tɨ dɨ ˈɫi.mɐ/) is named for the long bridge over the River Lima. It is said that the Romans thought this was the mythical river Lethe because of its beauty and were afraid of losing their memories if they were to cross it! Their undaunted general swam across alone and called to each of his men by name to prove he had retained his memory and then they all crossed.
What to Experience in Ponte de Lima
Taste of Ponte de Lima...
In Limian gastronomy, the most prominent dish is sarrabulho rice with rojões - a delicious dish, with various spices, and full of tradition. Pork is one of the main ingredients of the region's cuisine, being essential in dishes such as "Clara Penha pork leg", the belouras, the green chorizo, the farinhotas. The slaughter of the pig itself was and still is a reason to bring family and friends together. Another ingredient much appreciated in the kitchen of the village is lamprey. It can be cooked in different ways, but the best known are Lampreia Rice and Lampreia à Bordaleza. Also in sweets the gastronomy of the region is very rich, the most famous being the burnt milk-cream. Taste the Vinho Verde, characteristic of the region. Beyond this village are the other attractive villages of Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez. On the way to Arcos is a lovely old Romanesque church at Bravães. Plus: the city of Viana do Castelo, the towns of Caminha, Âncora, Valença, and Monção
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe A27 is a small motorway that connects the village to Viana do Castelo. The IP1 also passes through the village, which starts in Valença, on the border with Spain, and ends in Castro Marim, in the Algarve, crossing the country from north to south. The IP also passes through Braga, Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia, Espinho, Santa Maria da Feira, Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Fátima, Caldas da Rainha, Santarém, Lisbon , Loulé, Faro and Tavira, among many other towns and villages. Several national roads (the N306, N307, N202, N204 and N201) also pass through Ponte de Lima. Ponte de Lima is a medium-sized town, but the attractions are located a short distance from each other, in the small historic center. In fact, walking makes the visit much more pleasant (unless it comes at a time when the city is flooded with tourists, as in the Feiras Novas, when it is almost impossible to walk on the streets overflowing with people)....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Ponte de Lima is a medium-sized town, but the attractions are located a short distance from each other, in the small historic center. In fact, walking makes the visit much more pleasant (unless it comes at a time when the city is flooded with tourists, as in the Feiras Novas, when it is almost impossible to walk on the streets overflowing with people). The car is a useless means of transport, because most attractions, such as the Church of Ponte de Lima, can only be reached on foot or by bicycle. However, it can be useful to reach some attractions like the Museu dos Terceiros or to reach the north bank. Ponte de Lima is a region relatively rich in traditional handicrafts, from woolen covers, embroidery, lace and other weaving products to rustic furniture and basketry. Also of interest are the regional clogs. You can also buy regional food and drink.
Where to Stay
Beyond this village are the other attractive villages of Ponte da Barca and Arcos de Valdevez. On the way to Arcos is a lovely old Romanesque church at Bravães. Plus: the city of Viana do Castelo, the towns of Caminha, Âncora, Valença, and Monção
Money & Budget
Ponte de Lima is a region relatively rich in traditional handicrafts, from woolen covers, embroidery, lace and other weaving products to rustic furniture and basketry. Also of interest are the regional clogs. You can also buy regional food and drink. Barrosã meat, famous for its succulence, the highland goat, with a characteristic flavor, and Vinho Verde ("green wine"), the region's gastronomic symbol. There are several places to go shopping in Ponte de Lima: In Limian gastronomy, the most prominent dish is sarrabulho rice with rojões - a delicious dish, with various spices, and full of tradition. Pork is one of the main ingredients of the region's cuisine, being essential in dishes such as "Clara Penha pork leg", the belouras, the green chorizo, the farinhotas.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Ponte de Lima
Ponte de lima, portugal
a bridge over a body of water with a church in the background
a city with a river running through it
almost a painting
Father teaches his son how to play guitar.
A pregnant woman, son, and toys.
vintage mail boxes
Family happily anticipates their new baby.
a close-up of a flower
I found this couple having a good time in a good place, a beautiful place to discover and spend a weekend.
Ponte de lima, portugal
a bridge over a body of water with a church in the background
a city with a river running through it