Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima is the oldest town and one of the most beautiful towns in Portugal.(90 km up to the north from Porto).

It belongs to Viana do Castelo district in Minho. It is often said, that the people living in these areas, enjoy the best quality of life in Portugal.

 The name of town Ponte de Lima comes from the roman bridge that passes over the Lima-river.

Most of the Manor Hoses are located in these Minho areas.

Places of interest:

Churches; Matriz from 1300 century and Santa Casa de Misericórdia.

Museum Terceiros.

Theatre Diogo Bernarder. 

Cadeia tower from 1300 century. 

House of Barbosa Aranha.

Gardens(Arnado):4 thematic gardens(art of gardening):the  Roman,Labyrinth,Renaissance and Baroque Gardens.

Remember:

Open-air market:every second Monday on riverside.

Feiras Novas(traditional celebrations).Every year in the end of September.One of the biggest events in the country.

Feira do Cavalo/ International Horse Fair(competitions, shows, music etc) Every year in the end of June.

Outdoor and nature activities:

Hiking in National Park  and hillwalking. 

(Wild horses are often seen in the mountains). 

Lagoas- natural park. 

Canyoning.  

Horseback riding.

Swimming and fishing.

Hunting.

Jeep riding. 

Bicycle riding.

Rafting.

Golf. Ponte de Lima golf course is located in a very beautiful mountain scenery

Tennis.

Wine farms and wine tasting. Try local speciality, Vinho Verde;"green" young sparkling white wine:

The GREEN WINE- co-operative of Ponte de Lima- has more than 2000 members; the wine of this co-operative has won many international prizes.

There  are also great private wine-farms in Ponte de Lima region:The most known worldwide -Quinta do Ameal- has won numerous international prizes for its very tasty biological white wines.

Beautiful places to visit:

Gerês - National Park.

Lagoas-natural park.

Mountains Serra Amarela.  

Arcos de Valdevez; the town next from Ponte de Lima on the other side of the River Lima.

Ponte de Barca;  the village near Ponte de Lima.

Viana do Castelo; the famous city of handicrafts and ceramics.

Beaches; Praia do Bico, Moledo.

Vila Nova de Cerveira; the town near to the border with Spain. Take the ferryboat and you´re in Spain!

Valença;  the nearest Portuguese city before  Spain, surrounded by massive walls.

Guimarães; the city where the country was born. The Historic Center of city was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001 by UNESCO, due to  its Middle Age Castle and  historical monuments.(2012- Capital of Culture)

Braga; Known as a religious center in northern Portugal. Famous Sanctuaries Bom Jesus and Sameiro. Bracalandia amusement park for kids. 

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