"Ponte da Barca" a Ponte da Barca Travel Page by RedMoon

The trip to get to Ponte da Barca is exausting if u use public transports, mosly because the train line ends too far from it, in Braga (the second capital of the North of Portugal). After arriving to Braga, you have to go by Bus and ask the Bus driver where to leave. Otherwise u might end in Viana do Castelo or any other unknown land ;)
But is compensating to arrive there, its totally different from Lisbon, or southern Portugal, more green, and more Portuguese.
The Bridge that stands in this image is the Village's symbol, and what gives its name. "Ponte da Barca" means "bridge of the boat" (still in use).
It crosses Lima River and it dates from the XVI century.

My best tip on whats best to do in Ponte da Barca is to choose the party time (all years between 19 and 24 August) where u can have fun especially during the night (forget to sleep at night in this time or get an hotel far from center), during the day u can walk around the city, try the wonderfull cakes and tradicional food, drop by the tradicional exposicions all around, and my favourite; swim in the River :). Its a bit dangerous, so better to keep in the swimming area.

Go for a walk and mix in the many parties that happen all around the small place.
Thats a hit, on the last nights u can join to a group of dancers that are trying to beat a record of 4 days dancing without stopping, everyone is can participate, its really funny and healthy ;)