Best things to do in Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima is said to be the oldest town in Portugal. I have some doubts about that, but that it is a historic town and one of the most beautiful municipalities in Portugal, there is no doubt!

In Ponte de Lima you have a lot to discover:

If you are looking for history, then the town center will not disappoint you, with its incredible Roman and medieval bridge, one of the most beautiful in the country.
If you are looking for rural surroundings, The 4 Abbots Table region will surprise you with its terraced landscapes.
There are waterfalls in Ponte de Lima, did you know?
And then there are the Lagoons of Bertiandos and São Pedro d’Arcos, a paradise for lovers of hiking and birdwatching. It has wooden walkways for a peaceful walk in contact with nature.

This is the summary of what awaits you in this article. A huge variety of tourist attractions! Ponte de Lima is a true diamond in the rough in the center of High Minho.

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Where is Ponte de Lima located?

In this article I will share with you all things to do in Ponte de Lima. But first, do you know where this Portuguese town is located? Ponte de Lima is located in Viana do Castelo district, bordering the municipalities of Paredes de Coura, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca, Vila Verde, Barcelos, the municipality of Viana do Castelo itself, Caminha and Vila Nova de Cerveira. North of Portugal, then. 😉

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When to visit Ponte de Lima?

Ponte de Lima can be visited at any time of the year. You will always have plenty to do, as the municipality is really rich in attractions to see and visit.

I leave you, anyway, a list of the main annual festivities, so that you can try to coincide your visit with a little more animation in the streets of Ponte de Lima.

Corpo de Deus: an ancient religious festival, which has been celebrated since the 16th century. Despite being religious, it was always associated with outdoor bullfights, called in Portuguese “Vaca das Cordas“. I leave you a video below to better understand how everything is processed.
Feiras Novas: feast in honor of Our Lady of Sorrows (second weekend in September). There’s a lot of music, fireworks and lots of street entertainment, both day and night. You can find out more on the official website.
With less emphasis, don’t forget the festivities in July: Festa da Senhora da Boa Morte and Festa do Senhor do Socorro.
Finally, in August, the Festivities of Senhor da Saúde.

Travel Insurance and Car Rental

The historic center of Ponte de Lima is easily visited completely on foot. Actually, it is on foot that it should be explored in detail. If you want to discover more of the municipality and go to some of the hidden corners that I will show you in this article, then a car is absolutely mandatory. If you don’t have a car, rent one with Discover Cars.

As far as travel insurance is concerned, it may be important if you go hiking in the 4 Abbots Table area. I recommend World Nomads for that.

What to eat when visiting Ponte de Lima?

In my opinion, Sarrabulho Rice is a must! It’s made with blood, but it’s delicious, and a gastronomic experience you won’t want to miss when visiting Ponte de Lima. It is the most typical dish of the region, and is served with rojões, also typical.

The lamprey caught in river Lima is also a possibility, but I don’t appreciate it very much. For dessert, try the sweets called Leite Creme or Maravilha do Lima.

Where to eat when visiting Ponte de Lima?

In Ponte de Lima I’ve eaten at Gaio Restaurant and Muralha Restaurant. I really liked both, they provided very good Sarrabulho Rice! I also heard very good things about Taverna Vaca das Cordas, Tasca das Fodinhas, and Manuel Padeiro. I’m sure there are others!

Accommodation tips to visit Ponte de Lima

Accommodation	Score	Location
Alma da Vila	9.9	Ponte de Lima Town Center
Mercearia da Vila	9.6	Ponte de Lima Town Center
Carmo’s Boutique Hotel	8.7	Surroundings
Casa da Travessa	9.6	Ponte de Lima Town Center
Hotel Império do Norte	8.8	Ponte de Lima Town Center
Terraço da Vila	8.8	Ponte de Lima Town Center
Casas do Picoutinho	8.7	Surroundings
Quinta da Ribeira	9.0	Surroundings
Encosta do Monte	9.0	Surroundings
Graciosa Guest House	9.4	Surroundings
Residencial Retiro Sra. da Luz	9.2	Surroundings
Casa de Anquião	8.8	Surroundings
Paço de Calheiros	8.6	Surroundings

SEARCH FOR MORE ACCOMMODATIONS IN PONTE DE LIMA

Things to do in Ponte de Lima | Portugal

Many people spend just a morning or an afternoon in Ponte de Lima, visiting only the historic center. You can follow the tips that follow if you only have a day or 2 to visit this municipality, focusing on what interests you the most! I recommend at least 3 or 4 days, however. Think about visiting the region of the 4 Abbots Table, and do not forget to explore Bertiandos Lagoons and some of the best viewpoints in the county.

Map with Things to do in Ponte de Lima

Visit Ponte de Lima Historic Center

A good place to park your car on arrival in Ponte de Lima is at Parque do Areal (next to the Roman Bridge), or at Parque da Guia (next to Alameda dos Plátanos). I always park my car in this second place, because I love the avenue, and I always want to stop there on any visit to Ponte de Lima. Consider the numbering I present as a possible sequence for your itinerary.

1. Guia Park and Alameda dos Plátanos

The Alameda or Avenida dos Plátanos is gigantic, with this type of trees on one side and the other, for almost half a kilometer. It is completely pedestrianized and beautiful all year round, except perhaps in winter, as the plane trees are bare at that time. The photographs that I will show you below are from the beginning of winter, interestingly enough, so you can expect even better if you visit in spring, summer or autumn.

At one end of the avenue is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia. On the other is Passeio 25 de Abril, where you will find the Roman Bridge of Ponte de Lima.

2. Terceiros Museum and Diogo Bernardes Theater

Terceiros Museum is located in the extinct Convent of Santo António and in the building of the Third Order of São Francisco. It has a garden in front, but it’s the interior that really fascinates every visitor. Its collection is mostly sacred art, and the architectural details of the church stand out.

Behind the Museum you will find Diogo Bernardes Theater, from the end of the 19th century, in Italian style.

Convent of Santo António (Terceiros Museum)

Terceiros Museum - Church — Terceiros Museum – Church

3. Municipal Market and Pillory of Ponte de Lima

Leaving Alameda dos Plátanos behind, you will first find the Municipal Market of Ponte de Lima. Don’t forget to admire its tile panels.

On Passeio 25 de Abril you will also find some very interesting sculptures, such as the Allegory Monument to Feiras Novas and Folklore, the Monument to Peasants and Farmers and the Pillory of Ponte de Lima. The latter is obviously of greater importance, having its origins in the 16th century.

4. Roman Legion and Decius Junius Brutus

You will also certainly notice the presence of two sets of statues on the banks of river Lima. In one of them are soldiers of the Roman Legion, and in the other is their commander on horseback: Decius Junius Brutus. These statues were placed there as a reminder of one of the legends of Ponte de Lima, from Roman times: the legend of the river Lethes.

Supposedly, River Lethes was the river of forgetfulness, and it was known to lie to the west. It was said to erase the memories of anyone who crossed it. The Roman soldiers believed that Lima River was that river, and when they reached its banks, they refused to cross it. It was Decius Junius Brutus who crossed it first, and from the opposite bank he called the soldiers by name, one by one, proving that his memories were intact, and that this was not, therefore, the river of forgetfulness, or that at least, it was not causing oblivion.

Roman Legion in River Lima banks (Ponte de Lima)

Decius Junius Brutus in River Lima banks (Ponte de Lima)

5. Cadeia Velha and São Paulo Towers

In Cadeia Velha Tower you will find Ponte de Lima tourist office. You can stop there to collect more information about the historic center and surroundings, and even a tourist map. This tower is connected through a wall with the Tower of São Paulo, and it is possible to access the top of the wall through Picota Square, at the rear. This walled structure dates back to the 14th century, during the reign of King D. Pedro I.

Cadeia Velha Tower, in particular, was converted into a prison in the 16th century, hence the name given to it. As for the Tower of São Paulo, I highlight the marks that you can find on its walls, in memory of the floods in river Lima that hit the town in the past: the marks correspond to the level that the water reached at those times. 😐

At the top of the walls of Ponte de Lima

6. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, Mother Church of Ponte de Lima and Church of Mercy

Next to Cadeia Velha Tower you will find a small chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, from the 17th century. You will also find an arch in the wall, which you must cross to reach Picota Square.

I recommend that you arrive at the Mother Church of Ponte de Lima from Picota Square. From there you will have a good view of the façade of the church and its tower. It is also in this square that restaurant Muralha is located, which I recommended in this article.

Don’t forget to check out the monument to Vaca das Cordas, dedicated to the most important and unique annual event in Ponte de Lima. You will also find a statue of Cardinal Saraiva, a native of this town, who was in the past President of the Chamber of Deputies, Cardinal Patriarch of Lisbon, Rector of the University of Coimbra, and Councilor of the Portuguese Government.

The Mother Church of Ponte de Lima has a Romanesque style, dating from the 15th century. Its tower, however, is from the 16th century. It is in honor of Nossa Senhora dos Anjos, and it is believed that it was built to replace an earlier church from the 12th or 13th centuries. Next to it is the Church of Mercy of Ponte de Lima.

7. Squares of São José and Camões

The square of São José is to be considered as a waypoint on the way to other places in the historic center. It has a small monument related to the festivities of Feiras Novas, another important event in the town.

In Camões Square, the fountain, known as Noble Fountain, stands out. It was built in the early 17th century, and was once an important source of water in the village.

8. Roman and Medieval Bridge of Ponte de Lima

In front of Camões Square you will find the access to the Roman Bridge, or rather, to the Medieval Bridge, completely pedestrian. There are two separate sections of this bridge: a medieval one and a Roman one. The medieval bridge is the main one, which goes from this bank to the other. The Roman part begins after the Church of Santo António da Torre Velha.

The Roman Bridge is believed to date from the 1st century.

9. Church of Santo António da Torre Velha and Chapel of Anjo da Guarda

Crossing the bridge, the Monument to the Way of St. James stands out. You also should not miss visiting the interior of the Church of Santo António da Torre Velha and the Chapel of Anjo da Guarda. The latter is Romanesque, dating back to the 13th century.

10. Arnado Theme Park

The best thing on this bank of Lima River is without a doubt the colorful Arnado Theme Park. You have different places to visit within the park, associated with different themes, such as the Roman Garden, the Labyrinth Garden, the Renaissance Garden, the Baroque Garden, or the Greenhouse area. These places will allow you different sensations, and if you visit them during different seasons of the year, you will have different experiences! 😉

11. Rural Museum and Interpretation Center of the Territory of Ponte de Lima

The Rural Museum and Interpretation Center of the Territory of Ponte de Lima are inside the Arnado Theme Park. They are there to help you discover how people live and work in the municipality’s rural environments, for example in agriculture, wine production, or baking. An interesting space to learn more about the traditions of this region.

12. Portuguese Toy Museum

I was really surprised by the Toy Museum, for me the most interesting place to visit in Ponte de Lima, completely different from the rest. The amount of toys on display is impressive. It was very interesting to see toys from my childhood that no longer exist today, and also to be able to observe even older ones. At the end of the various exhibitions there is a giant train model, made with extraordinary details, and that really works!

13. Time Travel (High Minho 4D – Ponte de Lima Portal)

The Time Travel museum is a new museum space in High Minho. There is or will be one in every municipality in this region of Portugal, namely in Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Valença, Monção, Melgaço, Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca and Paredes de Coura.

The one in Ponte de Lima is dedicated to the Roman ages, showing you not only the heritage that you can find in the municipality, but also in others in High Minho. An excellent place to get to know places that you probably didn’t even think to include in your itinerary through this region, but that have a strong history!

Time Travel - 4D High Minho — Time Travel – 4D High Minho

14. International Garden Festival

I’ve never been to the International Garden Festival, but I think it must be fabulous! It is only open between May and October of each year, since in the remaining months it is being prepared. Every year there are new themes, new gardens.

15. Alameda and Chapel of São João

On one side of Ponte de Lima is Alameda dos Plátanos and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia; on the other side is Alameda de São João and the chapel with the same name, dating from the middle of the 19th century.

In this area there are other car parks, if you didn’t find a place on the previously mentioned. From there, I recommend heading to Rua do Arrabalde, passing by the Neptune Fountain on the way to next place of this list.

Capela de São João em Ponte de Lima — Chapel of São João in Ponte de Lima

16. Fountain of São João

In addition to the Fountain of São João, you will find in the same square a statue in honor of the Count of Aurora: José de Sá Coutinho, an illustrious writer from Ponte de Lima, winner of several prizes, who lived in town until May 1969.

17. Pereiras Chapel

Going up the Artists road, you will arrive at the Pereiras Chapel. From there, you have a good view of Lima river, as it is located in an elevated place, at the top of a long staircase. This chapel dates back to the 16th century and was initially called Chapel of Santa Rita de Cássia.

Capela das Pereiras ao visitar Ponte de Lima — Pereiras Chapel in Ponte de Lima

18. Interpretation and Promotion Center of Vinho Verde

The Vinho Verde Interpretation and Promotion Center is a space for disseminating what can be expected from the region of that type of wine. There are several exhibitions about the history of wine and the manufacturing processes, and at the end you can have a tasting, which is included in the entrance price.

19. Garden of Dr. Adelino Sampaio

The Garden of Dr. Adelino Sampaio has on one side the emblazoned Casa Torreada dos Barbosa Aranha, where the former interpretation center is located. In a central position you have the Town Hall, the Monument to the Poet António Feijó and the Town Fountain (Fonte da Vila, in portuguese), whose tradition says that if you drink from its water, you will never leave Ponte de Lima.

Garden of Dr. Adelino Sampaio in Ponte de Lima

20. Monument to Queen D. Teresa

I cannot fail to mention the Statue of D. Teresa, right on Avenue António Feijó. Queen D. Teresa was a very important figure in the formation of Ponte de Lima as the oldest town in Portugal (people say it is, but actually it isn’t the oldest!).

Monument to Queen D. Teresa in Ponte de Lima

21. Marquish Palace and Military History Interpretation Center

The Marquish Palace is a kind of castle in Ponte de Lima. It was built in the 15th century as the residence of the mayor D. Leonel de Lima, and today it houses the Interpretive Center of Military History of Ponte de Lima.

For those visiting the interpretive center, I would like to point out the possibility of going up to the top of the castle for a panoramic view over the town’s historic center.

Paço do Marquês de Ponte de Lima — Marquish Palace of Ponte de Lima

Military History Interpretation Center of Ponte de Lima

Panoramic view at the top of Marquish Palace

22. Park and Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa

Ponte de Lima is a garden town, as you might have already noticed. Opposite the Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa (18th century) there is another one. Several garden benches, a pond, and plenty of shade.

Parque da Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Lapa

23. Villa Moraes, Villa Belmira and Square Dr. António Magalhães

Both Villa Moraes and Villa Belmira look like palaces, which is why I refer to them in this article as passing points to admire the architecture, which is quite unique. In front of Villa Belmira is Square Dr. António Magalhães, which on one side has Gaio Restaurant, suggested before as a great place to eat Sarrabulho Rice.

There is not much else to see in the Historic Center of Ponte de Lima. But I recommend that you still walk along Rua do Souto, Porta Nova Square and Rua do Castelo. Then get ready to discover the surroundings. 😉

24. Santo Ovídio Viewpoint

I leave Santo Ovídio Viewpoint in this section, simply because it is the best you will find for Ponte de Lima and the Historic Center. It is at the top of the hill that can be seen from the town, and it really is a strategic place. This hill was once occupied by a fortified settlement.

25. Ponte de Lima Town Park

The Town Park is also on the outskirts of Ponte de Lima. It is not a mandatory stop, but it is a green space, good for a family walk or for a jog at the end of the day or at dawn.

Visit the 4 Abbots Table Region

The 4 Abbots Table Region is to the north of the municipality, and comprises 4 parishes of Ponte de Lima:

Bárrio and Cepões
Calheiros
Labruja
Labrujó, Rendufe and Vilar do Monte

I visited all these villages, and my favorite was undoubtedly Labrujó, with its incredible greenish terraces next to the mountain range. To the north is the Protected Area of Corno de Bico, which you might also want to explore, on the border with Paredes de Coura.

1. Interpretation Center of the Villages of the 4 Abbots Table

The Interpretation Center of the Villages of the 4 Abbots Table should be the starting point on any itinerary there. In it you can gather information about the trails, watch a video presentation of the region, and even learn more about all the sights to discover. Located in Vilar do Monte.

2. The 4 Abbots Table

The 4 Abbots Table is a real table that you can visit. It really exists and is not far from the Interpretation Center. I recommend going there on foot, taking the trail I will mention next.

The table is located at the exact intersection of the 4 villages mentioned above. As I understand it, it used to be a meeting place for the abbots of each village to discuss the problems of their parish. Tradition from the 18th century that is still maintained today with the annual visit to this place by the 4 Parish Presidents and by the Mayor of Ponte de Lima. 😉 It’s an old table with four benches, and in front of it there’s a beautiful viewpoint over a terraced landscape.

3. The 4 Abbots Table Trail

The 4 Abbots Table trail is described in detail on the Visit Ponte de Lima website. I leave you a link to the respective article. It is a circular trail that starts and ends in Vacariça, with a length of almost 12km. One of the crossing points is the actual Table of the 4 Abbots, but you will also have mountain landscapes to admire on the way.

4. Labrujó

Labrujó, as already mentioned, is the prettiest village in the 4 Abbots Table group of villages. It is certainly the prettiest village in Ponte de Lima too! At least that I know of! I’m sure you’ll love visiting its church and walking along its cobbled alleys overlooking verdant terraced fields.

Aldeia de Labrujó na Mesa dos 4 Abades — Village of Labrujó

5. Viewpoint of Socalcos de Labrujó

If you want a higher view of the terraces, go up to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora de Fátima, next to which a modern structure was placed (I think it’s hideous, honestly!), marking the viewpoint.

6. Viewpoint of Penedo do Rebolinho

Another possibility to see the terraces is the Viewpoint of Penedo do Rebolinho, already included in the Protected Area of Corno de Bico. The roads to get there are all dirt, but the main ones are passable by car. Small walks are needed, however, for this and the next viewpoints to be mentioned.

7. Viewpoint of Chã do Vento (Alto do Rio Mau)

Chã do Vento Viewpoint faces north, so there are no terraces. But the landscape is also very beautiful.

8. Viewpoint of Alto do Cabeço

The Viewpoint of Alto do Cabeço once again overlooks the terraces. It is in a place full of giant granite boulders.

9. Anta da Cruz Vermelha

There is also a megalithic monument to visit, to which a red cross has been added (ence the name). It is dated to 2500 years BC.

10. Viewpoint of Corno de Bico

Optional is Corno de Bico Viewpoint, the highest point of the mountain range. It is already on Paredes de Coura side, providing grandiose views of the region to the north. I also highlight a lake at the top of the mountain, whose coordinates I leave below. Bathing is prohibited there, but it is a beautiful place!

Lake coordinates: 41.86144, -8.52763

Out of curiosity, when I visited this region I found people doing motocross on these dirt roads!

Lagoa do Corno de Bico — Corno de Bico Lake

11. Rendufe Church

Outside the Corno de Bico area is Rendufe. The Church of Rendufe is nothing special in terms of its façade, but the view from there is quite beautiful for the surroundings, and you will be discovering the center of another of the villages of the 4 Abbots Table region.

12. Sanctuary of Senhor do Socorro (Labruja)

Labrujó has the most beautiful terraces and rural surroundings; in turn Labruja has the most beautiful and important church, the Sanctuary of Senhor do Socorro. Noteworthy are the various statues of biblical figures in front of the church, dating from the 18th century.

13. Waterfalls of Labruja

There are two sets of waterfalls that I came across by chance when visiting Labruja. They are very close to the Sanctuary, and the first even has a small parking lot and wooden walkways.

Coordinates of the 1st Waterfall: 41.8417, -8.59733
Coordinates of the 2nd Waterfall: 41.83945, -8.59599

Both waterfalls are close to each other. The first is visible from the road, the second requires a short walk from the first, following the riverbed and passing by old mills beside it. I think they are worth it, but they are not absolutely spectacular.

14. Pé do Negro Lagoon and Toca River Beach

Two of the best places in the county for a dip are clearly Pé do Negro lagoon (on river Mestre), and Toca River Beach (on river Labruja). I preferred the first one more, as it has a wilder look, but the second one is more spacious. Both are magnificent places to spend a summer afternoon.

15. Castelo Viewpoint in Calheiros

Castelo Viewpoint is located in Calheiros, the last parish of the four mentioned. From there, you’ll have an unobstructed view of Calheiros and Lima River, from a metal platform placed on top of a giant boulder.

16. Palace and Church of Calheiros

It is possible to sleep a night in Calheiros Palace (18th century). I didn’t, so I didn’t visit inside, but I was allowed to peek into the gardens and pool area: I simply asked for permission when I got there, and I was quickly told yes.

Calheiros Palace has beautiful gardens with a nice view and even its own forest. Excellent for a quick walk, respecting that it is a private location.

As far as the Church of Calheiros is concerned, it is right outside the Palace, so you shouldn’t miss it.

Calheiros Palace - Viewpoint — Calheiros Palace – Viewpoint

Calheiros Palace - Gardens — Calheiros Palace – Gardens

Calheiros Palace - Pool — Calheiros Palace – Pool

17. Viewpoints of Penedo Branco and Vacariça

Finally, I mention the Viewpoints of Penedo Branco and Vacariça. Vacariça is, as I mentioned, the starting and ending point of the 4 Abbots Table Trail, these two viewpoints being very close to the village. The second is easily accessed by car, but the first must be reached on foot or by 4×4, as the dirt roads are terrible there.

Penedo Branco Viewpoint is extraordinary for a sunset. In the distance, you can see river Lima passing by Ponte de Lima.

Penedo Branco Viewpoint in Ponte de Lima

Visit the Waterfall of Rio Cabrão

The Waterfall of Rio Cabrão is a natural monument of Arcos de Valdevez, but on the border with Ponte de Lima. That’s why I mention it here. It’s awesome, and adds a lot to this itinerary, in my opinion! 😉

To reach it, you have to walk a bit, but not that much. I recommend that you take a circular trail from the entry point to the waterfall, going up to its top, and then down the path that you will find up there towards the village of Rio Cabrão. Afterwards, it will be downhill along a paved road to the starting point. It’s a 3km route.

Along the trail there are wooden walkways that help you overcome the rock formations that you will find. The walkways take you to a viewpoint with a frontal view of the waterfall. If you want to climb to the top of it, there is a side path, but without walkways: just a wooden handrail to support you. This step of the trail is more difficult.

The Waterfall of Rio Cabrão is not very big in width, but in height it is. What impresses the most is the rocky wall through which it descends, and together with the walkways, it is an activity that you will not want to miss when visiting Ponte de Lima.

Waterfall of Rio Cabrão - Walkways — Waterfall of Rio Cabrão – Walkways

Visit the Tower and Monastery of Santa Maria de Refoios do Lima

Other must-see places in the municipality of Ponte de Lima are the Tower and Monastery of Santa Maria de Refoios. The tower was converted to tourist accommodation, being of medieval origin. The monastery, in turn, dates back to the 12th century, having obviously undergone interventions later, namely in the 14th, 16th and 18th centuries. Today it is occupied by a university school.

Visit the Bertiandos Lagoons and surroundings

If you are looking for more nature watching tourist attractions, I definitely recommend the Bertiandos and São Pedro d’Arcos Lagoons.

1. Bertiandos and São Pedro d’Arcos Lagoons Routes

The trails that you can take next to the Bertiandos lagoons have wooden walkways. They also have observation posts along the way and even towers that you can climb to observe the birds and enjoy the tranquility that the place emanates.

There are several routes at your disposal, which you can learn more about on the official website of the lagoons. I walked the River Route, and I believe it is the most suitable for those who just want to see the essentials of this place.

If in doubt, be sure to visit the Environmental Interpretation Center. It is right next to the marked beginning of the main trails.

2. Esteiro Bridge and Bertiandos Palace

For those who take the Solar Route, for example, two crossing points are Esteiro Bridge and Bertiandos Palace. I do not consider taking this route mandatory, as it is possible to reach both by car.

Esteiro Bridge was built in the 16th or 17th centuries. Bertiandos Palace was founded in the 15th century. I don’t think it’s possible to visit it inside, but you can admire it from the gates, and don’t forget to look at the 3rd-century Roman Milestone in the palace gardens.

3. Casa da Lage

Casa da Lage (less imposing than the previous Bertiandos Palace) appears for those who walk on the Cruise Route. Today it is a rural accommodation in Ponte de Lima, dating from the end of the 17th century.

4. Estorãos Bridge

I also highlight Estorãos Bridge, which is a crossing point of the Water Route. This trail is probably the most complete of Bertiandos Lagoons, as it passes through all the points I mentioned earlier. It simply lacks a circuit around São Pedro Lagoon, which is without a doubt the center of the entire park, and which you discover when you take the trail I walked.

Other places to visit in Ponte de Lima

I will now share with you other places to visit in Ponte de Lima. Apart from the first one, all are located south of river Lima

Cais da Garrida: it is a nice place on the banks of river Lima, where the Ecovia passes. It is located in Refoios and has a pleasant space for picnics.
The Viewpoint from Santa Catarina Chapel to Lima valley.
Monte de Madalena Park and Viewpoint
Viewpoint of the Chapel of São Lourenço d’Armada
Viewpoint and Swing of Risca. Attention: I found the structure in poor condition, but the landscape was beautiful.
Bom Jesus de Anais
Viewpoint of São Cristóvão and Curutêlo Palace (at the southern end of the municipality).
Viewpoint of Monte da Nó, next to a lookout post. It has a great view, but access was on foot.
Nossa Senhora da Boa Morte Sanctuary, with a beautiful park to visit. 🙂
Correlhã Romanesque Church, or São Tomé Church, dating from the 13th century. Next to it you will find the Chapel of Santo Abdão, from the same period.
Chapel of Senhora da Rocha and Castro de Santo Estevão. The latter dates back to the Iron Age, having ceased to be inhabited only during the Middle Ages.

All these places have excellent landscapes to observe. That’s why I recommend them in this article, but consider them as optional in this itinerary to visit Ponte de Lima. Below I leave you photos of all of them.