Nearly nine kilometres of wooden boardwalk clinging to the side of a wild river gorge, past rapids, waterfalls and river beaches, and overhead one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world, swaying 175 metres above the water.
The River Paiva is one of the cleanest and wildest rivers in Portugal, cutting a deep, rocky valley through the hills of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, about 90 minutes south-east of Porto.
The Passadiços do Paiva follow its left bank between Areinho and Espiunca on a raised wooden walkway, climbing and dropping by long staircases where the cliffs close in. Along the way are white-water rapids, quartz crags, the Aguieiras waterfall and sandy river beaches where you can swim in summer.
Halfway along, the 516 Arouca bridge, opened in 2021, crosses the gorge on a 516-metre steel deck slung from cables, high above the river. It is crossed in small guided groups with a separate ticket: thrilling, but not for anyone with a fear of heights. Tickets for both are timed and limited; book online before you go.
One way along the river. Starting at Areinho puts the longest staircase early, when your legs are fresh.
From the Areinho river beach, the walkway climbs a long flight of wooden steps up the side of the gorge, with the first big views down to the river.
The boardwalk runs above rapids and quartz cliffs. Near the middle, the 516 Arouca bridge spans the valley overhead; join your timed group at its access point.
A waterfall drops into the Paiva from the far bank, at its best in spring after rain.
The walkway levels out to finish at Espiunca, with a café and taxis back to your car at Areinho.
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Walkway and bridge tickets are sold online for timed entry, with daily limits. The bridge is crossed in guided groups. Children have minimum age limits on the bridge.
About 90 minutes by car from Porto via Arouca. There is no practical public transport; many visitors join a day tour. Taxis link Areinho and Espiunca.
The walkways can close in heavy rain, storms or fire risk. Check the official site on the morning you go.
Porto practical notes →
Granite peaks, waterfalls and stone granaries.
Train up the river, walk the terraces at Pinhão.
The Atlantic promenade to Siza's tide pools.
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Under the Arrábida bridge to a fishing village.
Wikimedia Commons photographs are used under their licences; Pexels photographs under the Pexels licence.
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