Ponte de Lima, one of Portugal's most enchanting small towns, sits on the picturesque banks of the Rio Lima. At its heart lie charming cafes and riverside gardens, surrounded in turn by verdant vineyards. The town's magnificent 31-arched medieval bridge, built in part using Roman-era remnants, is undoubtedly its main attraction — and most of the best places to stay in Ponte de Lima are clustered close to the crossing.
Amble around Ponte de Lima to admire beautiful mansions, many of which now house museums, galleries and striking boutique hotels. Gardens and vineyards abound, with tours and tastings of locally produced wines, plus guided garden wanders. The twice-monthly market, held every second Monday, sees the town at its liveliest, with stallholders and shoppers gathering to chat and barter over fresh produce and crafts. Fill your bags with terrific Portuguese delights, returning to your pick of the best places to stay in Ponte de Lima to cook up a storm or tuck into delicious homemade fare.
Day trips to the nearby towns of Ponte de Barca and Arcos de Valdevez, each brimming with heritage buildings, also come highly recommended. Opportunities for hiking and cycling are almost endless in this part of Northern Portugal — and perhaps most enjoyable during the cooler spring and autumn months, when the sun is softer and the flowers are in bloom.
