Aguieiras Waterfalls

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 know more about this town. It is included a traditional local sweets tasting. Please note that by booking with Detours you are directly contributing to a local development association. 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 along with the famous " vinho verde" (other non-meat options available). End your day with a comfortable ride back to your hotel in Porto.

Explore the Best of Portugal with an Unforgettable Tour Combining Nature, Culture, and Traditional Gastronomy This tour takes you to iconic destinations like Aveiro, a delicious traditional lunch in Arouca, the thrilling 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge crossing, and a hike along the famous Paiva Walkways. Aveiro: The Venice of Portugal and the Moliceiro Boat Ride We head to Aveiro, affectionately known as the "Venice of Portugal." Here, you’ll have the chance to take a ride on a moliceiro, a traditional boat once used for collecting seaweed (moliço). During the ride through the city’s canals, admire the Art Nouveau architecture, the salt pans, and the unique charm of this historic city. Costa Nova: Striped Houses by the Sea (30-minute visit) Just a short drive from Aveiro, discover Costa Nova, a picturesque seaside town known for its colorful striped houses and relaxed coastal vibe. During this 30-minute stop, enjoy a pleasant walk along the beach promenade and snap photos of the iconic "palheiros" that make this destination so charming and unique. Traditional Lunch in Arouca Savor the flavors of Portuguese cuisine! In Arouca, you’ll be welcomed with regional dishes. It’s a gastronomic experience that will delight your taste buds. 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge: Thrills in the Heights Get ready to cross the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge, one of the longest pedestrian suspension bridges in the world. Spanning 516 meters and hanging 175 meters above the Paiva River, the crossing offers breathtaking panoramic views of waterfalls and the region’s wild nature. It’s an exhilarating experience for adventurers. Paiva Walkways: A Connection with Nature After the bridge crossing, embark on a hike along the Paiva Walkways, a wooden trail built along the cliffs of the Paiva River. The route offers stunning views of waterfalls, such as the Aguieiras Waterfall, and majestic rock formations, providing an intimate connection with pristine nature. This tour is perfect for those seeking a blend of adventure, spectacular landscapes, and authentic cultural experiences. Book your tour now and discover why Aveiro, Costa Nova, Arouca, and the Paiva Walkways are must-visit destinations in Portugal!

Join us for a trip to the Passadiços do Paiva from Porto in comfortable transportation. Discover one of the most stunning gorges of wild rivers in northern Portugal, located in the UNESCO Global Geopark of Arouca. Walk along the Passadiços do Paiva and the famous zigzag stairs, with panoramic viewpoints to admire the waterfalls and cliffs of the gorge, on a route between the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, where you can recharge at Praia do Vau. Enjoy this journey through biology, geology, and archaeology and fall in love with nature. Geosites: Paiva Gorge (G36); Aguieiras Waterfall (G35); Vau River Beach (G30); Salto Gola (G31); Espiunca Fault (G32). Finally, at Praia de Espiunca, have lunch and relax in an excellent leisure area, enjoying the banks of the Paiva River with its crystal-clear waters. On the way back, stop in Arouca and take the opportunity to visit the Monastery of Santa Clara de Arouca and taste the conventual sweets of the region, which have a long-standing tradition.

Pedestrian route through the 8 Km that make up the award-winning Paiva walkways, complemented by the adventurous cross of the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, 516 Arouca. The 516 Arouca bridge is the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world and is located in Arouca, in the Aveiro district, Portugal. With 516 meters in length and an elevation of 175 meters, it connects the banks of the Paiva River. While crossing the bridge, you will have a breathtaking view over Garganta do Paiva and Cascata das Aguieiras, both sites of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark territory. 516 Arouca Bridge is located in Arouca, next to the famous Passadiços do Paiva. Along the way, you will be able to interpret the main points of geological interest, such as the Paiva Gorge, the Aguieiras waterfall, the beautiful river beach of Vau, the Gola do Salto or the Espiunca fault, without forgetting the aspects of biodiversity. In the latter case, hopefully, you might even see otters.

A tour accompanied by a certified interpreter guide of the famous Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge. The latter is one of the largest suspension bridges in the world, measuring 516 meters in length and 175 meters above the river. Along the way Along the way, you'll be able to interpret the main points of geological interest, such as the Paiva Gorge, the Aguieiras Waterfall, the Vau River Beach, the Gola do Salto or the Espiunca Fault, without forgetting the biodiversity aspects. In the latter case, if you're lucky, you might even see otters. You can count on a picnic that will help keep you energized and hydrated during your walk, adapted to the physical condition of the participants. You can also choose the "lunch included" option, and enjoy an experience of true Portuguese gastronomy at the end of the walking route. Before returning to Porto, we will also treat you to a convent sweets tasting in Arouca, accompanied by a drink of your choice.