North Portugal Tourism Guide - Ponte da Barca

Ponte da Barca

Ponte da Barca, named after the bridge that used to ferry pilgrims across the Rio Lima, is to the east of Ponte de Lima. This is a beautiful waterfront town dominated by the 15th century bridge. The old town is east of the bridge with narrow lanes leading off the main road Rua Conselheiro Rocha Peixoto. Wednesdays are the big event of the week when a huge market sprawls out along the riverside.

Romantic walks can be taken along the willow shaded waterfront from where you can get good photos of the 10 arched bridge and the town behind. Beside the bridge is the old arcaded marketplace and the Jardim dos Poetas, a garden dedicated to two poet brothers, Diogo Bernardes and Agostinho da Cruz, who were born in the town.

The countryside around the town lends itself to some good hikes - ask at the Tourist Information Office for more information Rua Placido de Vasconcelos. Tel: 351 258 820 270. Open 9.30 am-12.30 pm and 2.30-6 pm.

The town's website also has some downloadable routes for walking and driving and although they're in Portuguese there is an explanatory map that may be useful. Check the link right.

Peneda-Geres National Park

Both Ponte de Lima and Ponte da Barca are good bases from which to explore the northern section of the stunning national park, Parque Nacional da Peneda-Geres. The Regional Development Association for Peneda-Geres National Park (Adere-PG) is based in Ponte da Barca on Largo da Misericordia 10, Ponte da Barca. Tel: 351 258 452 250. Open Mon-Fri 9 am-12.30 pm and 2.30-6 pm.

You can obtain leaflets and maps on all aspects of the National Park including information on the wildlife, landscape, architecture and walks. The other national park information centres are the gateway interpretation centres at Vila do Geres in the southern part of the National Park at Vilar da Veiga 4845, Geres. Tel. 351 253 391181; Fax: 351 253 391496, Arcos de Valdevez north of Ponte da Barca at Rua Padre Manuel Himalaia - 4970 Arcos de Valdevez - Tel. 25865338; Fax 258522707.