Paiva Walkways are located on the left bank of the Paiva River, in Arouca municipality, Aveiro, Portugal. The trail has 8 km and it provides a walk among almost untouched nature, unique beautiful landscapes, in an authentic natural sanctuary along the brave waters downhills, quartz crystals and endangered species in Europe. If you enjoy trekking and trails in the nature this is a perfect attraction for you! The route extends from the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, and the Vau beach in the middle. A journey through biology, geology and archeology that will remain, of course, in heart, soul and in mind of any nature lover. Passadiços do Paiva is a walk along a wooden footpath through the gorge that has carved the Paiva river.
I assumed I would do the trail back and forth (16km in total), but the hike with countless stops for photos, swimming and eating took much longer than I thought. When we got to the exit near Espiunca, there was an hour before the trail closes, the way back was out of the question (covering 8 km takes a minimum of 2.5 hours). At the moment there is no bus connection between the two entrances, the only means of transport are taxis and the journey costs around 13€. There was no other choice, we got into the first car and the journey was made more pleasant by the driver senhor António.
Arouca 516 – the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world is located in Portugal
In 2021 a suspension bridge 516 meters long was opened in the north of Portugal, the municipality of Arouca. It is the longest structure of this kind in the world. The Tibetan-style suspension bridge took three years to build. The structure is supported by steel ropes and two huge V-shaped towers. The walk takes 10 minutes, during which you can enjoy panoramic views of the waterfall, gorge and fast-flowing river below your feet. The bridge connects the Aguieiras waterfall and the Paiva gorge and is Portugal’s newest tourist attraction offered by Geopark Arouca.
Rules & Conduct in Passadiços do Paiva Walkways:
Walk in a group
Walk always in the walkway
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Observe the fauna from the distance and do not damage the flora
Do not leave trash in the nature
Respect private property
It is forbidden to input music players
It is forbidden the entry of prams
It is forbidden the entry of animals
Avoid making noise and attitudes that disturb the local peace
Do not collect plants or rock samples
Children should always be accompanied by adults
If you find obstacles or landslides, do not go forward
Come back by the same route
No smoking, making bonfires, camping or adventure sports
It is forbidden to circulate by bicycle, motorcycle or other motor vehicles
Respect and obey official guidelines and information
Visit also the remaining territory Arouca Geopark recognized by UNESCO as a Geological Heritage of Humanity.
Official site: http://www.passadicosdopaiva.pt/
Departure: Areinho / Espiunca
Distance to Cover: 8700m (linear)
Average Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Difficulty Level: Hard
Unevenness: Steep
Type of Route: Small Route
Scope: Sports, Culture, Environment and Landscape
Advised Season: All the Year
Price: 2€ (buy your ticket online or in high season you will risk not entering)
Opening hours: from April to September: 8:00 – 20:00
October to March: 09:00 – 17:00
