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Arouca, Portugal Outdoor activities

Our most recommended Arouca, Portugal Outdoor activities

From Porto: Arouca 516 and Paiva Walkways Guided Day Trip

1. From Porto: Arouca 516 and Paiva Walkways Guided Day Trip

Discover the beauty of the Paiva river and gorge on as you hike along the Paiva Walkways and experience the thrill of crossing the 516 Arouca suspension bridge on this guided tour with hotel pickup and drop-off in Porto. Indulge in some local fare with the included lunch at a restaurant.  Starting from Porto, you be picked up in an air-conditioned van and relax on the drive through the Portuguese countryside. Enjoy a short rest stop in Arouca where you have the chance to purchase a snack in this town that is known for its sweets.  Reach Areinho and enter the Paiva Walkways and start your journey by climbing a stairway of around 300 steps and reach the incredible 516 Arouca bridge which is at an elevation of about 175 meters above the Paiva River. Learn about local culture from your guide along the way. Admire views of the Aguieira Waterfall and Paiva River as you cross this stunning bridge. Continue your journey following the path of Paiva Walkways as it follows the flow of the river. Walk at your own pace, take in the lush vegetation, and try to spot wildlife like birds.  Relax at Vau beach mid-way through the hike and carry on all the way to Espiunca, where our hiking ends. From Espiunca travel to a restaurant in Alvarenga where you can try “Arouquesa” DPO beef (other non-meat options available).End your day with a comfortable ride back to your hotel in Porto.

From Porto: Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

2. From Porto: Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

After meeting in central Porto, set off towards the Paiva Walkways where you'll cross the world’s longest suspension footbridge, Arouca 516. Later, walk the scenic trail of the Paiva Walkways, have lunch at a local restaurant, and visit the town of Arouca. The Arouca 516 Footbridge spans 516 m (1,692 ft) across the valley and hangs 175 m (576 ft) above the Paiva River. The walking deck is made of a see-through, open-grid metal mesh, guaranteed to add a kick of adrenaline to your experience. Nearby, the Paiva Walkways offer one of the most beautiful walking trails in the world and are a World Travel Awards winner. It is an 8 km boardwalk zigzagging down along the left bank of Paiva River at Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. In between your trip, stop for lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant with panoramic views. Meat, fish, and vegetarian options will be available. Before heading back to Porto, visit the town of Arouca for a glance at local culture and Portuguese architecture styles. Afterward, head back to Porto to get dropped off.

From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

3. From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

Cross the second Worlds Longest Suspension Footbridge - the Arouca 516 - and walk the Paiva Walkways, considered one of the most beautiful trails in the world (seven kilometers). Restore your energy with a delicious traditional lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at Aveiro, the so-called “Portuguese Venice” and traverse the canals on a boat trip. Wander through the old quarter to see the main Art Nouveau buildings, the fish market, and taste one of the city's delicacies, soft eggs. Last but not the least, see the famous haystacks of Costa Nova. Discover the magnificent fishing village with its wooden houses in bright striped colors.

From Porto: Full-Day Paiva Walkways Tour

4. From Porto: Full-Day Paiva Walkways Tour

Begin your day with a convenient pick-up from your hotel followed by a 1.5-hour drive to the start of this great trail. Your personal guide will give you great insights about life in Portugal and ways and traditions of making the way to the Paiva Walkway go by in a flash. The hike along the river will be filled with geologic, natural and archeological interest located in the most beautiful locations.  After this 3-hour hike, a great lunch will be required and there is nowhere better to have a great lunch than in this region. Taste the best meat in Portugal at Alvarenga, famous for its 'posta arouquesa,' a delightful piece of grilled beef that will make you regain all your stamina. End your day with a tasting of a typical local liquor called Pinguça. Experience the best nature and gastronomy Portugal has to offer.

Other Sightseeing Options in Arouca, Portugal

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What people are saying about Arouca, Portugal

Worth the money. Great tour guide, good food that cater vegan and the food keep flowing. Get the choice if want to climb the stairs to bridge or skip it. Meet the tour guide halfway of the walkway. Get food/restaurants and places to visit in Porto and even Lisbon.

This was the highlight of my trip to Porto! Ricardo was excellent in guiding the small group of eight. I highly recommend it for those who enjoy walking or hiking and sightseeing all in one. The food at the restaurant was also a delicious treat.

It was a wonderful trip! A sunny day, new friends, spectacular views and a perfect guide. Andre was a charismatic guide, very knowledgeable and patient! I highly recommend this wonderful trip and especially the guide! Thank you!

Had an awesome hike with Ana. I would highly recommend this tour. For those traveling to Porto without a car, this package was ideal. Lunch at the end was really good.

Perfect activity, the guides André, Pedro and Goncalvo were incredible.