Porto: Paiva Walkways and Suspension Bridge Hike With Lunch

Nestled along the Paiva River, the Paiva Walkways and the Arouca 516 suspension bridge offer a captivating glimpse into Portugal’s natural splendor. This 8-hour adventure from Porto whisks travelers through scenic landscapes, culminating in an exhilarating 8km downhill hike and a delightful local lunch. With a 4.9/5 customer satisfaction rating, this tour promises an exceptional value for those seeking to enjoy the country’s breathtaking vistas and unique cultural experiences. But what awaits beyond the Paiva Walkways and the world’s longest suspension bridge?

Key Points

• This 8-hour tour from Porto takes visitors to the renowned Paiva Walkways and the world’s longest suspension bridge, Arouca 516.
• The tour includes roundtrip transportation, tickets, a local lunch, and a traditional convent sweets tasting.
• Participants can enjoy an 8km downhill hike along the Paiva Walkways, showcasing stunning landscapes and natural beauty.
• The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to cross the Arouca 516 Footbridge, offering breathtaking views.
• The tour has received exceptional customer satisfaction, with a 4.9/5 rating from 197 reviews, highlighting its exceptional value.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Offering a comprehensive tour experience, this activity takes visitors on an 8-hour journey from Porto to the captivating Paiva Walkways and the world’s longest suspension bridge, the Arouca 516.

Priced at $117.53 per person, the tour is limited to 8 participants and includes roundtrip transportation, all necessary tickets, a local lunch, and a traditional sweets tasting.

Guests can enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving now and paying later.

The tour’s high customer satisfaction, with a 4.9/5 rating from 197 reviews, underscores its exceptional value and quality.

Itinerary Highlights

What starts the day for this captivating tour? Participants will depart from Porto’s Calçada de Vandoma and travel to Arouca, a 50-minute van ride.

After a 15-minute break in Arouca, the main event begins – hiking the Paiva Walkways, an 8km downhill trail that takes around 2.5 hours to complete.

Those who don’t wish to hike can opt for a 25-minute van ride to Arouca.

Lunch at a local restaurant and a 30-minute dessert and local snacks tasting follow, before the group returns to Porto, another 50-minute van ride.

The tour’s highlight is crossing the Arouca 516, the world’s longest suspension bridge at 516m long and 175m high.

Key Attractions

The centerpiece of this captivating tour is the opportunity to cross the Arouca 516, the world’s longest suspension bridge. Spanning 516 meters in length and towering 175 meters above the Paiva River, this awe-inspiring structure offers unparalleled views of the surrounding natural beauty.

Along With the suspension bridge, visitors will experience one of the most breathtaking trails globally, the Paiva Walkways. This 8-kilometer downhill hike showcases the region’s stunning landscapes and hidden gems.

Complementing the outdoor adventure, the tour also includes a delightful lunch at a local restaurant and a tasting of traditional convent sweets, allowing participants to enjoy the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the area.

• Cross the Arouca 516, the world’s longest suspension bridge
• Experience one of the most beautiful trails globally
• Enjoy traditional food at a local restaurant and discover local culture through convent sweets tasting

What’s Included

This immersive tour encompasses a range of inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Roundtrip transportation from Porto is provided, ensuring seamless travel to and from the Paiva Walkways. Tickets for both the Paiva Walkways and the Arouca 516 Footbridge are included, granting access to these remarkable attractions.

Lunch at a local restaurant offers a delightful opportunity to savor traditional dishes, with options catering to veal, fish, or vegetarian preferences. The experience is further enriched by a tasting of convent sweets, allowing participants to discover local culinary delights.

With these comprehensive inclusions, this tour promises a well-rounded and unforgettable exploration of the region.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Preparation and Important Information

Comfortable shoes, a sun hat, and water are recommended items for this tour.

Biodegradable sunscreen and motion sickness prevention medication are also advised, as the road to the Paiva Walkways is winding.

Crossing the Arouca 516 Footbridge is optional for those with a fear of heights.

The tour provides:

• A challenging yet scenic 8km downhill hike along the Paiva Walkways, one of the world’s most beautiful trails
• An opportunity to experience the world’s longest suspension bridge at 516 meters long and 175 meters high
• A delightful lunch at a local restaurant and a tasting of traditional convent sweets to immerse in the local culture.

Customer Reviews

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised this Porto: Paiva Walkways and Suspension Bridge Hike tour, awarding it an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 197 reviews.

Reviewers consistently highlight the tour’s exceptional value for money, with many noting the high-quality transportation and knowledgeable, engaging guides.

Participants were particularly impressed by the stunning natural landscapes encountered along the Paiva Walkways, as well as the unique experience of crossing the world’s longest suspension bridge.

The inclusion of a delicious local lunch and traditional dessert tasting further contributed to the tour’s popularity.

Getting to the Starting Point

Although the tour originates in Porto, the hike itself takes place in Arouca, a picturesque town located about 50 minutes away by van.

After meeting at the starting point, you’ll be whisked away to this charming destination, where you’ll have a chance to stretch your legs and grab a quick break before embarking on the main event.

The journey to Arouca is part of the experience, allowing you to soak in the scenic countryside and prepare for the adventure ahead.

Once there, you’ll be well-rested and ready to tackle the renowned Paiva Walkways and the thrilling Arouca 516 Footbridge.

• Scenic 50-minute van ride from Porto to Arouca
• 15-minute break in Arouca before the hike
• Chance to preview the stunning natural landscapes

Optional Activities

The hike along the Paiva Walkways is the main highlight, but participants can also opt for an additional activity.

After completing the 8km downhill hike, adventurous travelers can choose to take a van ride back to Arouca. This 25-minute journey allows hikers to rest their legs and take in the scenic countryside views.

Another optional experience is a stop at a local restaurant for a delicious lunch featuring regional specialties like veal, fresh fish, or vegetarian dishes.

To round out the day, the tour includes a tasting of traditional convent sweets, providing an authentic taste of Portuguese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Trail Suitable for Families With Children?

The trail is generally suitable for families with children, though the suspension bridge crossing may not be suitable for very young kids. Comfortable shoes and supervision are recommended.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

No, bringing your own food and drinks is not allowed. The tour includes a traditional lunch and convent sweets tasting, providing an opportunity to experience the local cuisine. Outside food and beverages are not permitted during the hike and activities.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Hike?

There are restroom facilities available at the start and end points of the hike, as well as at the midpoint rest area. Hikers can use these facilities during the trek along the Paiva Walkways.

Is There an Option to Shorten the Hike?

Yes, there is an optional van ride that can shorten the hike. Hikers can take the van from the Paiva Walkways back to the starting point in Arouca, avoiding the full 8km downhill trek.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Activity?

The activity does not specify a minimum age requirement. However, it is recommended for participants who are physically fit and able to hike the 8km trail. Children may participate, but their safety and ability to complete the hike should be carefully considered.

Recap

This Porto adventure offers an unforgettable experience, combining a scenic drive, an exhilarating 8km hike, and a delightful local lunch. Explore the stunning Paiva Walkways, cross the world’s longest suspension bridge, and indulge in traditional convent sweets. With a high customer satisfaction rating, this tour promises exceptional value and a memorable exploration of Portugal’s natural wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: