Our most recommended things to do in Arouca

From Arouca: 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkway Tour

1. From Arouca: 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkway Tour

Discover the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge and Paiva Walkways on a tour from Alvarenga. Explore one of the most beautiful wild river gorges in northern Portugal with a guide. Start your tour in Alvarenga, where you'll meet your guide and have a safety briefing and get some information about Arouca Geopark and the Paiva River Valley. Then, you'll start the hike through old village paths, towards the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge. When you get to the bridge, your crossing will take place at an exclusive time, with only your tour mates and guide. Feel like you're walking on air as you immerse yourself in the imposing surrounding landscape. If you don't want to cross the bridge on foot, you can be transferred to the other side in a 4x4 free of charge. After getting across the bridge, walk along the Paiva Walkways. Your guide will show you some great spots for photos while highlighting the famous zig-zag staircases, riparian forests, idyllic waterfalls, and impressive cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. Halfway through, you'll rest for a while at Vau River Beach. There, you can take in the landscape while you can restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice and fresh fruits. On a hot day, you can take a refreshing dip in the river, so make sure you bring a swimsuit. After your stop, hike along the wooden walkway along the river back to your starting point.

From Porto: Arouca 516 and Paiva Walkways Guided Day Trip

2. 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: 516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways Guided Tour

3. From Porto: 516 Arouca Bridge and Paiva Walkways Guided Tour

Join a guided trip to the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge and Paiva Walkways from Porto. Discover one of the most impressive wild river gorges in the north of Portugal. Join a certified local guide in crossing the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge 175 meters above River Paiva. Start your adventure from Porto with comfortable transportation to the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark and a safety briefing. Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an 8.7 km wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. Begin the hike through old village paths. Then, 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. Feel as though you’re walking in the air, immersing yourself in an imposing landscape of wild and stunning nature. If you want a more laid-back experience, be transferred to the other side of the bridge by a 4x4. Moving on, 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. Finally, treat yourself to a traditional Arouquesa roasted veal in a typical restaurant (included in the option "With Lunch"). For dessert, taste some ancient conventual pastry, next to its origin, the Santa Maria de Arouca Monastery.

From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

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

Cross the world's second longest suspension footbridge at the Arouca 516 and walk the Paiva Walkways which are considered one of the most beautiful trails in the world (seven kilometers downhill). Restore your energy with a delicious traditional lunch in a typical Portuguese restaurant. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon traversing the canals of Aveiro on a boat trip. Wander through the old quarter to see the main Art Nouveau buildings and the fish market. Return to Porto at the end of your tour.

From Porto: 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkways - Guided Tour

5. From Porto: 516 Arouca Bridge & Paiva Walkways - Guided Tour

The Guided Tour to the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge and Paiva Walkways will make you discover the one of the most impressive and beautiful wild river gorges of the north of Portugal. As we are a certified local operator, the crossing of the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge will take place at an exclusive time, with only your tour mates and guide. Along the Paiva Walkways hike, your local Tour Guide will call your attention for special curiosities and explain them. The Paiva Walkways The Paiva Walkways are an 8.7 km wooden walkway that were built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. It's located in the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, which is in the north of Portugal, at 75 km southeast from Porto. This amazing attraction, due to its impressive beauty, has been awarded for 10 times at the World Travel Awards contest. The 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge It is one of the longest suspension pedestrian bridge in the world, with 516 meters long and 175 meters high. Suspended on steel cables in a Tibetan style, the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge was a big Engineering challenge. This amazing structure connects both banks of the Paiva River Gorge, over the beautiful Aguieiras Waterfall. The Guided Tour The 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge & Paiva Walkways Guided Tour will start in Alvarenga, where you meet your Tour guide and have a safety briefing and a contextualization on Arouca Geopark and Paiva River valley. Then, we start the hike through old village paths, towards the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge. The crossing of the bridge is a magic moment. You will have the feeling of walking in the air, as well as immersing yourself in an imposing landscape of wild and stunning nature! But if you're not on your bravest days, no worries! We will transfer you to the other side of the bridge by 4x4, free of charge! Moving on, along the Paiva Walkways, we will show you the best scenarios for your photos. Highlighting the famous zig-zag staircases, riparian forests, the idyllic waterfalls and the impressive cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge. Halfway through, we will rest for a while at Vau River Beach, contemplating the landscape, while you can restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice and fresh fruits. On hot days, the river invites you to take a refreshing dip, so bring a swimsuit! From here to the end, wooden walkway goes closer to the river. Therefore, we can feel the strength of the rapids, along what is the best White Water Rafting course in Portugal. The Transfer from Porto You will driven by a professional driver, in a modern and comfortable van, from Porto city center to the mountain area of Arouca. This drive takes about 1 hour in total, being half of it in high ways. Typical Lunch - Arouca Great Gastronomy! After the hike, you'll delight yourself with the traditional "Arouquesa Roasted Veal", in a typical restaurant. For desert, you'll taste some of the ancient Conventual Pastry, next to it's origin, the Arouca's Santa Maria Monastery.

From Porto: Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

6. 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 (downhill), 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. Enjoy a stroll down a 7 km boardwalk, zigzagging down along the left bank of Paiva River at Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. Next, enjoy a delicious veal roasted in clay pots at a traditional restaurant (fish and vegetarian options available). After lunch, discover Arouca and learn about its culture and history with convent sweets tasting related to Arouca Monastery.

From Porto: Paiva River Canoe Rafting Adventure Tour

7. From Porto: Paiva River Canoe Rafting Adventure Tour

Discover the Paiva River in a Canoe-Raft. Use this 2 or 3 seat inflatable boat to navigate through the many rapids of the Paiva River, that will bring you enough adrenaline and fun for your day. In between the rapids, you'll find time to relax in the nature around you and challenge youself in some optional jumps into water. This fun nature experiencie is perfect for some time with your family and friends! The Paiva River The Paiva River stands as one of Portugal most wild rivers. Placed on Northern of Portugal, near Porto, among mountains and deep valleys, it presents itself as a river with crystal clear waters with the right amount of adventure thanks to it's many rapids! The gorgeous landscape of this river, among native forests and high cliffs, gives way to a perfect scenario for an exhilarating adventure in pristine nature. The Adventure Tour This tour will start in Porto, where you will meet your professional driver that will take you high up on the mountains in the Arouca Unesco Geopark straight to your meeting point with your Activity Guide. After a brief explanation on how the activity will proceed, you will receive every equipment that you will need and head straight to the River near Paradinha Village, a typical schist village, in a 4x4. On arriving at the river, after a brief but important safety briefing you will adventure yourself on the rapids that make the Paiva River so exciting! Along the way you will find times to relax, times to challenge yourself and times to have fun with your tour mates. At the end of your adventure, the driver will be there to pick you up and lead into Arouca Center where you will have the opportunity to try one of Arouca's best dishes, before dropping you on Porto. The Transfer from Porto You will driven by a professional driver, in a modern and comfortable van, from Porto city center to the mountain area of Arouca. This drive takes about 1 hour in total, being half of it in high ways. Typical Lunch - Arouca Great Gastronomy! After the hike, you'll delight yourself with the traditional "Arouquesa Roasted Veal", in a typical restaurant (included in the option "With Lunch"). For desert, you'll taste some of the ancient Conventual Pastry, next to it's origin, the Arouca's Santa Maria Monastery.

From Porto: Arouca Bridge Guided Day Trip with Lunch

8. From Porto: Arouca Bridge Guided Day Trip with Lunch

Experience the thrill of strolling over the 516-meter-long Arouca Bridge on this day trip that includes air-conditioned bus transportation to and from Porto. Explore a wooden footpath at the UNESCO-listed Arouca Geopark on a guided hike and stop for a delicious lunch. Meet your guide in the morning at the activity provider's shop in Porto and hop aboard a climate-controlled bus. Relax on the scenic drive to the Arouca Geopark. Take your time and soak up views of lush greenery and rocky landscapes during a hike on an 8-kilometer-long wooden footpath. Go over the Arouca Bridge at an elevation of 175 meters for breathtaking views of the Paiva Canyon and Aguieiras waterfall, both geo sites of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark territory. In this Rede Natura 2000 area, keep an eye out for the great short-toed eagle and the small strawberry butterfly. Traverse through an area that is home to roe deer, wild rabbits, red squirrels, otters, Iberian wolves, and round-winged eagles. There are hundreds of animals, some of them at risk of extinction, that find a perfect refuge here. A region where flora is also vast and rich throughout the seasons of the year. After this amazing walk, partake in a well-deserved lunch of local products in a restaurant. Return to Porto with unforgettable memories in the early evening.

From Arouca: Paiva River Rafting Discovery - Adventure Tour

9. From Arouca: Paiva River Rafting Discovery - Adventure Tour

The most exciting and unforgettable adventure on the Paiva River! Come to the Paiva River, right next to the worldwide known Paiva Walkways and 516 Arouca Bridge, to discover Rafting on this wild river. This activity will make you go through moments of pure adrenaline and fun all the while testing your teamwork with your tour mates. In this Discovery option, recommended for those who are looking for a deep contact with nature without great emotions, as well as families or groups with young children from 6 years old, you will get to experience Rafting in the "less" brave waters of the Paiva River Come and join us in one of the best experiences that Portugal as to offer! The Paiva River The Paiva River stands as one of Portugal most wild rivers. Placed on Northern of Portugal, near Porto, among mountains and deep valleys, it presents itself as a river with crystal clear waters with the right amount of adventure thanks to it's many rapids! The gorgeous landscape of this river, among native forests and high cliffs, gives way to a perfect scenario for an exhilarating adventure in pristine nature. The Adventure Tour This tour will start in Espiunca River Beach, near the entrance to the Paiva Walkways, where you will meet your Activity Guide. After a brief explanation on how the activity will proceed, you will receive every equipment that you will need and head straight to the River, in a 4x4. On arriving at the river, after a brief but important safety briefing you will adventure yourself on the rapids that make the Paiva River so exciting! Along the way you will find times to relax, times to challenge yourself and times to have fun with your tour mates.

From Arouca: Cano-Rafting - Adventure Tour

10. From Arouca: Cano-Rafting - Adventure Tour

Discover the Paiva River in a Canoe-Raft. Use this 2 or 3 seat inflatable boat to navigate through the many rapids of the Paiva River, that will bring you enough adrenaline and fun for your day. In between the rapids, you'll find time to relax in the nature around you and challenge youself in some optional jumps into water. This fun nature experiencie is perfect for some time with your family and friends! The Paiva River The Paiva River stands as one of Portugal most wild rivers. Placed on Northern of Portugal, near Porto, among mountains and deep valleys, it presents itself as a river with crystal clear waters with the right amount of adventure thanks to it's many rapids! The gorgeous landscape of this river, among native forests and high cliffs, gives way to a perfect scenario for an exhilarating adventure in pristine nature. The Adventure Tour This tour will start in Areinho River Beach, near the entrance to the Paiva Walkways, where you will meet your Activity Guide. After a brief explanation on how the activity will proceed, you will receive every equipment that you will need and head straight to the River near Paradinha, a typical riverside schist village, in a 4x4. On arriving at the river, after a brief but important safety briefing you will adventure yourself on the rapids that make the Paiva River so exciting! Along the way you will find times to relax, times to challenge yourself and times to have fun with your tour mates.

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What people are saying about Arouca

Overall rating

4.9 / 5

based on 119 reviews

An amazing day !!! Ricardo was the most kindest and professional host. He assisted so much and ran the day so smoothly so our group could see everything. Dinner was fantastic and authentic. My favorite part really was meeting 4 others from different parts of the world and together we spoke about all of our country & cultures. Felt like I was in another part of Canada, but a more spectacular view of Portugal. I would do this again in a heartbeat and so should you !!!

We loved walking across the Arouca bridge and doing the Paiva walkways! The lunch afterwards was delicious and the guide was very knowledgably and friendly. Highly recommend the trip :)

What a fantastic experience! It’s a must see. Well worth the money. Traditional Portuguese Lunch was delicious!

This is an amazing location, worth seeing! Ricardo is the best! Thank you!

I absolutely loved this tour. Beautyful from start to finish.