From Arouca: 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkway Tour

Northern Portugal , Portugal

From Arouca: 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkway Tour

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About this experience

Start your tour in Alvarenga, you'll start the hike through old village paths, towards the 516 Arouca Bridge.

Prepare for the most exciting 516 meters of your life on the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension pedestrian bridges in the world. Be suspended 175 meters above Paiva River.
Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River. Halfway through, we will rest at Vau River Beach, on hot days, the river invites you to take a refreshing dip, so bring a swimsuit!

After the walk, treat yopurself with a charming stop in the town of Arouca, where you can enjoy a drink and local snack — a traditional Arouquesa roasted veal with a drink of your choice. (included in the option "With Lunch"). For those who prefer the vegetarian option, we offer a rich and flavorful vegetable feijoada, served with white rice.

Available options

Without Lunch

Duration: 4 hours

With Lunch

Duration: 5 hours<br/>Typical Meal: On this Option it's included the Typical Meal + Drinks

What's included

Bottled water

Enjoy a typical Portuguese Meal (included on option "With Lunch").

Personal Accident Insurance

All Fees and Taxes

Tickets to the Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca Bridge

Interpretative Guide along the walk.

Halfway through the Paiva Walkways, take a break at Vau River Beach and restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice, and fresh fruits.

Photo Report

Detailed itinerary

Walk along the Paiva Walkways, stop at scenic viewpoints to snap photos. See the famous zig-zag staircases, riparian forests, waterfalls, and cliffs of the gorge. Halfway through, take a break at Vau River Beach and restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice, and fresh fruits.
On hot days, take a dip in the river. From here to the end of the trail, get closer to the river. Feel the strength of the rapids through their roaring sounds. After the hike, be driven to the mountain area of Arouca.

The Arouca Geopark, it's a classified territory recognized by UNESCO from 2009, that gathers 41 Geosites within an area of 328 square kilometers. It defines Arouca as a territory with a special Geological Heritage, where you can find phenomena such as "Birthing Stones" and "Giant Trilobite Fossils" that are unique on the world and others like "Frecha da Mizarela", the highest waterfall in mainland Portugal, the "Corn Bread Stones" or the "Union Stones", and some more amazing attractions!

Prepare for the most exciting 516 meters of your life on the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension pedestrian bridges in the world. Be suspended by Tibetan-style steel cables in the sky, 175 meters above River Paiva and Aguieiras Waterfall.

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

6 reviews

5★

4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

34 reviews

5★

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Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Pessoas com mobilididade reduzida

Crianças com menos de 6 anos

Meeting point

Your Guide will be wearing a white T-shirt with a "Just Come"
logo.

About Northern Portugal

Northern Portugal is a region rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known for its lush landscapes, medieval towns, and vibrant cities like Porto, it offers a blend of coastal charm and inland adventure. The region is famous for its wine, particularly the Port wine from the Douro Valley, and its delicious cuisine.

Top Attractions

Livraria Lello

One of the world's most beautiful bookstores, known for its stunning neoclassical architecture and inspiring Harry Potter connections.

Historical 1-2 hours €6 entry fee (redeemable with book purchase)

Douro Valley

A UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its terraced vineyards, scenic landscapes, and Port wine production.

Nature Full day Free to explore, wine tastings and tours vary in price

Guimarães Castle

A medieval castle that played a significant role in the formation of Portugal as a country.

Historical 2-3 hours €5 entry fee

Must-Try Local Dishes

Francesinha

A sandwich filled with meat and covered in melted cheese and a hot beer or tomato sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat and gluten

Bacalhau à Brás

Shredded codfish with onions, potatoes, and scrambled eggs.

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Peneda-Gerês National Park Rafting in the Douro River Wine tasting in the Douro Valley Beach relaxation in Foz do Douro Exploring historic sites in Porto and Braga Visiting museums and art galleries Boat tours in the Douro River Surfing in Matosinhos

Best Time to Visit

June to September

The peak season offers warm weather, ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The region is bustling with tourists, and all attractions are open.

18°C to 28°C 64°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural regions

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time, WET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Northern Portugal is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas and crowded places.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber to avoid scams.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport • 11 km from Porto city center
Vila Real Airport • 5 km from Vila Real city center

By train

Porto Campanha Station, Braga Station

By bus

Porto Bus Terminal (Campo 24 de Agosto), Braga Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects major attractions and neighborhoods in Porto.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Ribeira Foz do Douro

Day trips

Braga

55 km from Porto • Half day to full day

A historic city with a rich religious heritage, known for its baroque churches and medieval architecture.

Guimarães

50 km from Porto • Full day

Known as the birthplace of Portugal, Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a well-preserved medieval center.

Festivals

São João Festival • June 23-24 Festa de São João • June 23-24

Pro tips

Visit the Livraria Lello early in the morning to avoid long lines and crowds.
Try the Francesinha, a iconic sandwich from Porto, at Café Santiago or another local favorite.
Take a day trip to the Douro Valley for wine tasting and scenic views.
Explore the historic center of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Portugal.
Walk along the Ribeira district in Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colorful buildings and a lively atmosphere.