If you want to learn about the rich and fascinating history of Portugal’s Lima valley while enjoying its natural beauty and produce, try the Lima Valley Giants Route. The ‘giants’ are four local heroes whose achievements have had a significant impact across the globe. They are: Fernão Magalhães, the navigator; Father Himalaya, the inventor; João Álvares Fagundes, the discoverer, and Francisco Pacheco, the saint. Their home towns and villages are dotted around the area between Ponte da Barca, Ponte de Lima, Viana do Castelo and Arcos de Valdevez, which means you get to explore both sides of the River Lima as you delve into the past.
The Lima Valley Giants Route requires a little imagination, and preferably a local guide, to help you step back in time over 500 years and, using buildings and important sites that existed during the giants’ lifetimes, see the Lima valley through their eyes. The architecture may have changed over the centuries or disappeared completely but it’s still possible to get a sense of the different historical periods.
Of course, there are plenty of other things to see and do in the area so you can break up the history lesson by visiting more modern sights or adding some sports and cultural activities to your trip. With the Peneda Gerês National Park at one end of the route and ten coastal beaches to choose from at the other, there’s enough natural beauty to keep you here for several days.