Valenca and Ponte de Lima: 10-day Portugal itinerary

Days 5 and 6: Valença and Ponte de Lima

Valença and Ponte de Lima are days five and six in EuroCheapo’s 10-day itinerary for Portugal.

Make the trek north to Minho: It’s about four hours in bus or train or 2.5 hours in a car from Coimbra to Valença. This region of Portugal’s known for its production of Vinho Verde, a slightly fizzy, young and delicious wine, and its walled border cities.

Valença (Day 5)

Valença, also called Valença do Minho is a walled town along the Minho River, bordering Spain. Access the cobblestone streets and white-washed buildings in its medieval old town on foot via Portas do Sol.

Hike along the ramparts of the fortress, a Gothic and baroque military fortification originally built in the 13th century. Search out the Roman milestone inside, dating back from the 1st century AD inscribed with the name of Tiberius Claudius.

Other attractions of note are the Romanic churches of Saint Mary of Angels and Saint Stephen, and the old canons along the city’s north wall. Snap shots of the Eiffel-inspired late 19th century International Bridge. Hungry? Regional specialties include Cabrito à Sanfins (roast baby goat) and fish and meat empanadas.

Rest up for the night for a reasonable price at Hotel Valença do Minho, a ten-minute walk from the fortress. Just be sure to reserve in advance especially for summer, holiday and weekend stays — there isn’t a lot on offer, and Valença’s picturesque old town and proximity to Spain makes it a popular budget escape for Spaniards.

Ponte de Lima (Day 6)

The oldest village in Portugal, Ponte de Lima is best-known for its long medieval bridge (with Roman origins) crossing the Lima River. Every second Monday, there’s a large country market here, one of the largest in Portugal, a great place to people-watch and score fresh produce and artisan edibles.

While you’re there, be sure to head to a local bar and sample one of the region’s well-known (in Portugal) red Vinho Verde wines.

Have a leisurely stroll through this tiny city’s center and outskirts before you head on to Braga’s Ibis Budget Braga Centro (Avenida da Liberdade, 96) for the night (30 minutes via Line 11 bus or car).

Our 10-day Portugal itinerary

Valenca and Ponte de Lima are days five and six of our recommended itinerary for a 10-day trip in Portugal. Click below to continue!

Days 1 and 2: Lisbon

Days 3 and 4: Sintra, Cascais & Coimbra

Days 7 and 8: Braga and Guimarães

Days 9 and 10: Porto