About Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima is one of Portugal's most beautiful little towns, on the picturesque banks of the gentle Rio Lima. The heart of town is full of cafes and riverside gardens and the outskirts are green with vineyards. Ponte de Lima is popular with Portuguese tourists, who come for long weekends every second Monday when there's an amazing market - so you need to book the best places to stay in Ponte de Lima in advance to avoid disappointment.

The 'ponte' in Ponte de Lima is a lovely, 31-arched medieval rehash of a Roman original, part of a Roman road, and most of the town's highlights are within a few streets of this bridge. Now open only to foot traffic most of the bridge dates from the 14th Century, though one end is still real Roman.

As well as the bridge, and charming cafes and boutiques and the market, Ponte de Lima has a number of beautiful mansions, some of which have been converted into hotels and some museums and galleries. Ponte de Lima also has plenty of green space, including gardens surrounding a particularly lovely public swimming pool.

What not to miss

  • The market every second Monday is notoriously popular with the locals, they even plan long weekends around it!
  • The 14th century bridge, which has much of Ponte de Lima's other sights within walking distance
  • Many vineyards and gardens to explore in and around the town
  • There are many good day trips in the local area, these include excursions to Ponte de Barc and Arcos de Valdevez.

At peak season (and during those market long weekends) the demand for lovely rooms is high, with locals and tourists alike coming to relax. So if you want to guarantee a bed in one of the best places to stay in Ponte de Lima book ahead to avoid disappointment!

    The best places to stay in Ponte de Lima

    For a contemporary B&B

    • Casa do Rio Vez is a lovely, contemporary B&B which has been converted from a mill. There are three rooms and one self-catering apartment, all of which have terraces overlooking the river. And the whole property is surrounded by pretty gardens. Romantic and great value.

    for a country house

    • Paco de Calheiros is a stunning Portuguese country house surrounded by beautiful gardens. Rooms are elegant and the public spaces quite grand, with beautiful paintings and antiques.There's a pool and a tennis court associated with the hotel and then a private villa which sleeps ten and has its own pool and tennis courts too.

    For an apartment or villa

    • If these hotels don't quite tick all your boxes, have a look at the many apartments and villas in the area with our booking partners Booking.com

    Travel Information

    • Porto International airport is around 1 hours drive away from Ponte de Lima (85km)

    • For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partners Rentalcars

    • The best time of year to go Ponte de Lima is June, July, August, and September. These summer months enjoy the least amount of rain and most amount of hot sunshine! The most rain in the area can be expected in the wettest month - January, though the other winter months can also be very wet.

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          The best hotels in Ponte de Lima

          Casa do Rio Vez

          Ponte de Lima

          A gorgeous B&B mill house renovation with contemporary chic rooms and one self-catering apartment. Serene terraces on the river's edge, lovely gardens, and fishing on the river. A romantic choice, and great value.

          • Views - Lovely river views.
          • Value chic
          • Romantic Break
          • Restrictions on children - Over 7s welcome.
          from £65 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
          Paco de Calheiros

          Ponte de Lima

          A stunning Portugese country house with beautiful gardens. Grand and elegant rooms and living spaces have paintings and antique furniture. The private villa has its own pool and tennis court. A great choice for families, avid gardeners, and couples.

          • Families - The private villa has sleeps 10 and his its own tennis court and pool.
          • Views - Beautiful valley views.
          • Sights nearby - Dos Terceiros Museum, Arnado Theme Park, the Museum of Rural Ponte de Lima.
          • Swimming Pool -
          from £103 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
          Check availability on Expedia
          Carmo's Boutique Hotel

          Ponte de Lima

          A chic boutique property located in a secluded spot in Portugal's oldest town, Ponte de Lima. Indulgent suites feature in-room freestanding bathtubs and muslin-draped four posters. Sample regional dishes, while admiring valley views, at the restaurant before booking in for a spa treatment.

          • Local exploring - Situated in Portugal's oldest town, Ponte de Lima, there's plenty of historical sights to explore nearby
          • Spa breaks - The spa is not to be missed with its extensive treatment list including a bath in goat's milk!
          • Spa - The Divine Spa offers a range of Aromatherapy, bath and massage rituals plus ayurvedic treatments
          • Sights nearby - Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Porto and Guimarães
          from £182 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
          Check availability on Expedia