Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The ninth Friday after Easter is the date for a tradition that probably dates back at least to
Roman times and possibly has Phoenician origins. It features a kind of bull-running in
which young men goad a hapless bull (restrained by a long rope) as it runs through the
town. It's followed the next day by the more pious Festa do Corpo de Deus, with religious
processions and flowers carpeting the streets.
Feiras do Cavalo
( www.feiradocavalo.com ) Held annually in the third week of June, this horse fair is one of the
town's most raucous festivals, when the Expo Lima (the riverside fairgrounds), becomes a
race track and stage for horses, carriages and musicians.
CULTURE
Feiras Novas
(New Fairs) Held here since 1125, this is one of Portugal's most ancient ongoing events.
Stretching over three days during the third week of September it centres on the riverfront,
with a massive market and fair, and features folk dances, fireworks, brass bands and all
manner of merrymaking. Book accommodation well ahead.
CULTURE
Sleeping
Pousada da Juventude
( 258 943 797; www.pousadasjuventude.pt ; Rua Papa João Paulo II; dm €12, d €26-30; ) Built of
concrete, wood and glass, this striking, contemporary youth hostel is a pleasant 10-minute
walk from the centre of town along the river. Facilities are limited, but the dorms and
doubles (with private and shared bathroom) are clean and attractive.
HOSTEL $
Quinta de Pentieiros
( 258 240 202; www.lagoas.cm-pontedelima.pt ; site adult/child €3.50/2, casas €55; ) Inside the La-
goas nature reserve, this estate has campsites and more comfortable bungalows and casas
with kitchen units that work well for families. There's also an inviting swimming pool (€2
on weekdays, €3 on weekends), horse riding and bike rental. Prices are lower (and crowds
fewer) on weekdays.
CAMPGROUND $
Residencial São João
( 258 941 288; alojamento_s.joao@sapo.pt; Largo de São João; s/d €35/40; ) This welcoming, family-
run guesthouse offers a decent collection of clean, serviceable and mostly bright rooms
GUESTHOUSE $
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