The route to Santiago passes near to Vila Verde so provides the opportunity to walk some of it. It starts at Ponte de Prado bridge and is roughly 15.5 kms long ending in Rio Mau. It allows you to enjoy the rural landscapes and heritage in a different way.
Vila Verde actively promotes the production of handicrafts locally, and these include ceramics, linen, basketwork, jewellery, wooden items, and the famous ‘Love Handkerchiefs’ for which Vila Verde is renowned.
These are beautifully embroidered linens with words and pictures which were traditionally given by girls to their fiancés when they were due to live away from home for a time.
Some of the best markets in Portugal are within easy reach of Vila Verde. The largest is at Barcelos on Thursdays, about 40 minutes’ drive but well worth it to see the colourful display of assorted goods and food items not to mention the famous Barcelos Cockerel. A huge market is held on alternate Mondays in Ponte de Lima alongside the river. Vila Verde itself holds a flea market on the last Sunday of each month and a handicraft fair on the 1st and 2nd Sundays of each month.
