Arouca

Starting from Porto, you will be picked up and driven through the Portuguese countryside until you reach these amazing nature tourism structures. Along the way to the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge and the Paiva Walkways you will go by Arouca. In Arouca there is a convenient stop where you can grab a snack for the way if you wish to do so. This town is famous for it’s traditional sweets! Once you reach Areinho (one of the entrances of Paiva Walkways), you start your journey by climbing the strairway of around 300 steps and reach the incredible 516 Arouca elevated about 175m above the Paiva River. Crossing this bridge is one unforgettable experience. Get all the information about this structure and be amazed with the views over to Aguieira Waterfall and Paiva River. You will continue you journey follwing the path of Paiva Walkways as it follows the flow of the river through the next 8 Km. Along the way you will be able to enjoy the wilderness and set your own pace. Enjoy the landscapes and the moment. Relax at Vau beach mid-way through the hike and carry on all the way to Espiunca, where our hiking ends. From Espiunca we will make a small connection to Alvarenga, where in a local restaurant we will have a great meal with the famous “Arouquesa” DPO meat (other options available). The day ends with a comfortable ride back to Porto, where you can keep on learning about our country and culture directly from a local guide.

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.

Discover the Paiva Walkways and more on a private van trip from Porto or the Douro Valley region. See one of the cleanest rivers in Europe, walk up the impressive Paiva Walkways, and tuck into a delicious local lunch or Portuguese flavors. En route, learn all about the area from your local guide. After being picked up from your accommodation in Porto or the Douro Valley region, embark on a full-day private guided tour. In this tour you will have the opportunity to explore one of the most clean rivers of Europe! How? You will visit the Paiva Walkways that is one of the nature wonders of the north of Portugal. In here you will have a 3 hour walking trail where you can marvel with the amazing landscapes. At the end you will be presented with a delicious lunch, a tipical and once again, delicious portuguese cuisine.

Explore the Paiva Walkways, 8km of steep wooden walkways along the left bank of the Paiva River in Arouca municipality, located in the North of Portugal.  Embark on a journey to discover the biology, geology, and archeology in a natural sanctuary. Expect to see some quartz crystals and Europe's endangered species. The average duration of this walk is 2 hours and 30 minutes, and the difficulty level is rated as hard. The walkway provides access to three river beaches where you can refresh yourself, and cafes are located on both ends of the walkway, in Espiunca and Areinho. There are many shaded areas along the route and be assured you do not need to traverse the suspension bridge along the route.