The town’s a delightful mix of stunning sights and quaint ones. Take a walking tour to see its old houses and explore its lively centre.
The cosy art and culture centre (CAC) is in an old factory and hosts plays and music performances. Movie fans can go to the cinema, an Art Deco hall.
1. Walk along the river
Ponte de Sor’s riverside promenade Avenida dos Platanos is the town’s favourite place to stroll. It’s a lovely spot to admire the medieval bridge and the city walls.
Alternatively, head to the Montargil dam on the hilltop dotted with cork oaks. The 18th-century chapel is worth a look for the altarpiece with exuberant gilded woodwork.
The Montargil dam is also a popular spot for fishing and canoeing. There’s a picnic area, too.
2. Take a boat trip
The boardwalk along the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade is great for families, but it’s even better explored by water. The specially designed boats can get you into the grottos and caves that are carved out of the sandstone cliffs.
In the nearby Fluviario park you can admire all the freshwater fish species, housed in habitats that mimic their natural homes. The park is also a hub for water sports in summer. You can rent equipment from the club.
3. Visit the art and culture centre
In the heart of town, the Grao Vasco museum displays works by Portugal’s greatest painter. There’s also the cathedral and the 16th-century Misericordia church.
On a nice day you can relax at the riverside park with its benches and deciduous trees or take a dip in the public outdoor pools. There are also venues for concerts and events throughout the summer.
The new centre has a permanent art collection and temporary exhibitions. It’s also home to a cinema.
4. Visit the Galveias church
Named after the old Roman/medieval bridge that still carries cars, this is one of the most picturesque towns in Portugal’s northwest corner, Alto Minho. It is a favourite stop for pilgrims on the Caminho de Santiago, so you might be lucky enough to see some as you stroll around town.
The town also has a pretty square, gardens and bandstand as well as a dainty care home. The new riverside park has lots of benches, deciduous trees and a cafe bar. In summer you can swim in the public outdoor pools.
5. Go to the Fluviario
The Fluviario offers plenty of walking routes and a chance to explore the nature reserve. You can also enjoy the views of the medieval bridge that gave the town its name.
Taste some of the region’s delicacies in one of the many cafes. Try the grilled trout or roasted carp, or a soup with fava beans and wild asparagus. And don’t forget to sample some Vinho Verde. It’s a delicious local wine that’s produced around this area.
6. Go to the cinema
One of the oldest towns in Portugal, Ponte de Lima is filled with pretty plazas and ancient religious buildings. It also houses an interesting museum and beautiful nature scenery.
There are some wonderful restaurants in Ponte de Sor. Local specialties include freshwater fish like trout or carp, grilled, fried or cooked in stews. Game dishes are also popular, including pigeon, quail, rabbit and wild boar.
The cinema in Ponte de Sor is an Art Deco building that opened in the 1930s. It is a lovely venue for watching films in the Portuguese language with subtitles.
7. Go to the Montargil dam
The Montargil dam is an ideal spot for kayaking. This “sister” activity to surfing is popular on calmer waters and allows you to discover new interesting perspectives.
In the home of Vinho Verde, a trip to Ponte de Sor would be incomplete without wine tasting and seeing the vineyards. The area also has great walking routes and hiking trails to enjoy the nature.
Hotel Paco do Vitorino is a 4-star Ponte de Sor property with luxurious rooms and an outdoor pool. Check availability and photos.
8. Go to the Zona Ribeirinha
The Zona Ribeirinha offers plenty for visitors to do. There’s the town’s library and archives as well as a theatre and exhibition galleries. There’s also a high-tech lab and workshop for schools and artists called the CAC.
This building first opened in the 1930s. It doubles as a theatre, hosting plays, music performances and conferences. English-speaking visitors will be pleased to hear that films are shown in their original language with subtitles rather than dubbing. This is an excellent place for strolling, relaxing and forgetting about daily worries.
