Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and remains rooted for the year. Jardins Temáticos is next to a public swimming pool on
the western side of the river.
Activities
Ecovia
On both sides of the Rio Lima you'll find riverside paths. Given the distances it's best to
explore them by bike or horse. Rent wheels (per hour €2) at Clube Náutico or at Passeig
25 de April (per hour €2, per day €8).
On the right bank the paths follow the river west for 9km to Fontão and east for 8km to
the settlement of Refóios do Lima. West of Ponte de Lima, the
ecovia
(greenway) begins
again off Av dos Plátanos and runs 13.3km to Vitorino das Donas. The big government
dream is to eventually follow the Lima all the way to Viana do Castelo, but for a day's
whirl, this will do just fine.
WALKING
Village Walks
There are several charming walks through the countryside, past ancient monuments and
along cobbled lanes trellised with vines. The
turismo
has literature on routes ranging from
5km to 14km. Pack water and a picnic - cafes and restaurants are rare.
A steep 5km climb north of Arcozelo yields panoramic views up and down the Lima
valley from a tiny and bizarre
chapel
(open irregular hours) dedicated to Santo Ovídio, pat-
ron saint of ears. Yes, you read that right. The interior is covered with ear-shaped votive
candles offered in hope of, or as thanks for, the cure of an ear affliction. You can also
drive up; the turn-off from the N202 is about 2.5km upstream of the N201 bridge.
WALKING
Clube Náutico
( 258 944 899;
www.cnplima.com
;
kayak & canoe per 1.5 hr €3; 9.30am-12.30pm & 2-8pm)
Across the
river and 400m downstream from town, this aquatic outfitter rents out canoes and plastic
kayaks for exploring the mellow river as it spreads over willowed sand bars, glistens blue
in the sun and fades to deep green at dusk. It also rents out bicycles (per 1½ hours €5).
WATER SPORTS
Festivals & Events
Vaca das Cordas & Corpus Christi
CULTURE
