Ponte de Lima
I journaled this while doing the Portuguese route in February 2018.
The approach to the beautiful town of Ponte de Lima meanders through the tiny hamlet towns of Anta, Bouca, Paco, Periera and Barros which seem to merge all into one as I drifted through them. This five kilometer portion of the Camino parallels the Rio Lima and it transitions from fields with sheep and goats, to woodland pathways, to apple orchards and vineyards where grape vines are supported by rows of ancient tall slabs of granite, buried in the ground and sticking up like three-meter stone fingers. Finally, I found myself on the cobblestone promenade of the narrow park that runs along the Lima River skirting the entire northern side of Ponte de Lima. Giant plane trees, a type of sycamore, were planted on both sides of the promenade creating both a corridor and a natural shade canopy overhead. These trees had grown to 150 feet high as the riparian location was perfect for this species of deciduous trees which thrive in wetland locations. I stopped and sat on one of the park benches and decided that this has to be flat-out one of the loveliest riverside locations anywhere. Right here, along the sandy banks of the Lima River, a “farmers market” pops up every two weeks and is said to be the oldest outdoor market in Portugal. In addition to fresh produce, vendors also sell textiles, cheep clothing and household goods in a relaxed atmosphere created by the languidly flowing river and the old medieval character of the town.
www.visitepontedelima.pt
but you have my vote.
