Ponte de Lima

Camino Portugues

To end of camino
152.9
Altitude
15

Pedrosa

2.70

Ponte de Lima

3.20

Arcozelo

Services
ATM
Yes
Bar
Yes
Grocery
Yes
Medical Center
Yes
Pharmacy
Yes
Public Pool
Yes

Ponte de Lima is a charming town with a small market center. The 30 arched bridge over the Rio Lima leads to the albergue and Santiago, but before you cross it be sure to have a walk around the town. The not to be missed bits are the Largo de Camões (the main plaza near the head of the bridge), the Iglesia Matriz, and remnants of the old defensive walls the Torre de San Paulo and the Torre Cadela. There are several other churches and chapels around town, and all of them pay tribute in some way to the pilgrimage to Santiago. For a quiet and beautiful place to rest, cross the river to the Parque do Arnado.

Once over the bridge, you find a museum of toys and the albergue.

Notice

Ponte de Lima has played host to a very large festival known as ‘As Feiras Novas’ every second weekend in September since 1826. It is a massive party, and if you have not made a reservation long in advance, you may find yourself without a home for the night. 

Fiesta

As Ferias Novas, the town festival, is celebrated without pause on the second weekend in September, a three-day feast.

History

The bridge of the Rio Lima gives the town its name and has been around for quite some time. The oldest 7 arches are Roman and from the 1st Century, the most recent are Medieval and were finished in 1370. Your feet will not be able to tell the difference.

The Road

Cross the bridge, passing the museum of toys and the albergue and turn right on the first street. The camino joins a small country lane, passes under the highway, and into Arcozelo

City Map

Comments

All Caminos App User (not verified)

I booked through Booking . Com. The bed was the most wonderful bed that I’ve slept in all of my camino. I had a kitchenette and huge shower.
The owner went above and beyond for me. She also included this bit of history.

Our accommodation is located on the 17th century Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela. Pilgrims coming from Braga would pass through Rua de MERIM, where the back of our accommodation is located, go down Rua do Pinheiro and, as the town was walled, they would either enter the gate at the beginning of Rua de Souto and cross the town, at the risk of being robbed by those who lived within the walls, and then gain access to the bridge, or there were others who crossed the river below the avenue of plane trees, where the Açude is located today because it is the narrowest area, on the other side of the river is the Chapel of São Gonçalo, which dates back to that time.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

The donativo is clean and new, but no sheets and the showers are cold and communal. If you want an alternative stay at the old Village hostel - you can book a small room for 3-4 people and split the cost.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Is there a train from Porto to PdL, or bus?

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

There is a new little bookstore here called Livraria A Uniao in this town. The shop owner is very knowledgable and gives good recommendations. She has books in English and tries to carry ones pilgrims will like.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Great for fans of brutalism architecture. Showers are moldy, the toilets smell of urine, the room doors don't close when not locked, the WiFi isn't working, the whole place is desolate and depressing. Breakfast is not pilgrim friendly, it only starts at 8.30.

Camino de Sant… (not verified)

Stayed at the gracious guest house. Beautiful room with private bath half mile or so up hill from the bridge and town square. $40-42 euros/ night

Camino de Sant…

Terraço da Vila was a great place to stay - two days here to rest was lovely in centre of town. Fantastic burger place across the road from here!

Camino de Sant…

Still a great place to stay. September 2020

Camino de Sant…

Spend the night and enjoy the river. We spent Sunday night in town. Lucky we didn’t hit Saturday because was full. So be careful that weekends get busy.

Camino de Sant…

Just passed through, but a beautiful town. At at Cafe de Terra and it was delicious, I recommend trying the coffee with lemon. Went swimming in the river and it was chilly but refreshing. Best stop of the trip for me.