Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima, Portugal
A riverside town of arcaded streets, with a long bridge of Roman and medieval origin crossing the Lima. Stroll the tree-lined riverbank promenade, then linger over lunch in the old centre.
Ponte de Lima received its first town charter on 4 March 1125 from Theresa, Countess of Portugal, and is regarded as one of the oldest towns in Portugal with municipal rights. It owes its name to the bridge over the Rio Lima: in Roman times a stone bridge already stood here on Via XIX of the Antonine Itinerary. In the 16th century King Manuel I had the bridge paved and fitted with battlements.
Today the town is an important stop on the Central Portuguese Way of St James. According to the source, the surrounding area has the largest concentration of Baroque manor houses in Portugal, and the region is known for red Vinho Verde. The Feiras Novas, a large festival that draws many visitors, have been held since 1826 on the second weekend of September; it is crowded then. The town is easy to explore on foot, and half a day is enough for the bridge, the riverside promenade and the old town.
- Nearest town
- Ponte de Lima, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.7678, -8.5836
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Lima NatureMotorhome stopover12 km from Ponte de LimaMotorhomes
- NaturVianaCampsite14 km from Ponte de LimaTentsCaravans
- Camping de CovasCampsite16 km from Ponte de LimaTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- ORBITUR Viana do CasteloCampsite23 km from Ponte de LimaDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Lima EscapeCampsite23 km from Ponte de LimaTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersWi-Fi
- Camping Sereia da GelfaCampsite23 km from Ponte de LimaElectricity
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Ponte de Lima?
Ponte de Lima is in Ponte de Lima, Portugal, at GPS 41.7678, -8.5836. It is about 22 km from Viana do Castelo.
Can you camp near Ponte de Lima?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque de Campismo da Quinta de Pentieiros, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 19 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Ponte de Lima?
Places worth a stop nearby: Santa Luzia Sanctuary (22 km), Castro de Santa Trega (27 km), Bom Jesus do Monte (29 km) and Valença Fortress (29 km).
When is the best time to visit Ponte de Lima?
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)