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.

The Best Places to Stay in Ponte de Lima

For a Heritage Conversion

• Casa do Rio Vez began life as a mill. A careful restoration of the original building has transformed the space to hold three whitewashed rooms and one self-catering apartment. Perfect for unwinding, each space has its own river-facing terrace, and pretty gardens surround the whole property. A great value B&B in a historic setting. 
• Paco de Calheiros is a stunning country house with elegant guest rooms and grand shared spaces. There's a pool surrounded by beautiful gardens, a tennis court and a private villa which sleeps ten. Brilliant for families or groups, as well as romantics seeking a rural retreat with a real sense of heritage charm. 

For Design-Led Style

• Carmo's Boutique Hotel is an impressive glass and concrete structure with 15 stylish guest rooms. The feel is swish and contemporary, and the best of the suites are tented, with private balconies, big sink-into tubs and dazzling valley views. Expect a superb spa and restaurant, too. One for design-conscious romantics. 

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Fly to Porto International Airport, and continue 50 minutes by road or one hour by rail to Ponte de Lima. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick up in advance.
• Northern Portugal is fantastic to explore by car. Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Ponte de Lima is a great year-round destination. Travel in July and August for the warmest weather (averaging around 30°C), but the spring or autumn promises cooler climes and fewer visitors. This is a hugely popular region so book well in advance to avoid missing out.

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Viana do Castelo.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Northern Portugal.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.