Things to do in Alvarenga

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. Your Tour starts in Porto City Center… Start your adventure from Porto with comfortable transportation to the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. Be driven by a professional, kind and knowledgeable driver for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, being half of it in high ways. On your arrival, meet your Tour Guide and prepare for the bridge crossing… After a welcome and safety briefing, get ready 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. Please note that the bridge crossing is not mandatory. If you want a more laid-back experience, be transferred to the other side of the bridge by a 4x4 to meet the rest of the group there. Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge… Attention: On the recent forest fires that have affected Portugal, a small portion of the Paiva Walkways was affected, meaning some small changes on the activity. After the bridge you will be transported to the Vau River Beach. There, you can take in the landscape while you can restore your energy with some traditional snacks, juice and fresh fruits. From here to the end of the trail, get closer to the river. Along the Paiva Walkways, stop at scenic viewpoints to snap photos. See the riparian forests, waterfalls, and cliffs of the gorge and feel the strength of the rapids through their roaring sounds. After the hike, rest and relax at a beautiful Paiva River beach… We will be finishing our hike in Espiunca, a scenic riverside village with an amazing river beach. Here you will have the chance to have a cold drink and a snack at a Panoramic Riverside Terrace Bar, take a dip in the clear waters of Paiva River or just enjoy the peace and the landscape of this place. You'll be hungry, and we have something special for you! If you book your Tour with lunch included, we’ll serve you a Board of Typical Portuguese Charcuterie and Cheese (or only Cheese, if you prefer) and a drink or your desire (wine included). Then you can choose between Arouquesa Steak Sandwish or Arouquesa Beef Hamburger, Veggie Burger or Tuna Sandwich, all accompanied by crispy french fries. For desert, you'll taste some of the ancient Conventual Pastry, next to its origin, the Arouca's Santa Maria Monastery.

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.

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. Your Tour starts in Porto City Center… Start your adventure from Porto with comfortable transportation to the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark. Be driven by a professional, kind and knowledgeable driver for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, being half of it in high ways. On your arrival, meet your Tour Guide and prepare for the bridge crossing… After a welcome and safety briefing, get ready 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. Please note that the bridge crossing is not mandatory. If you want a more laid-back experience, be transferred to the other side of the bridge by a 4x4 to meet the rest of the group there. Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge where we will show you the best sceneries for your photos, taking the opportunity to address some topics such as: Biodiversity, Geological Phenomena, Archeology and Historical-Cultural aspects of this valley. 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, the path is easier, but no less interesting. On this part, the 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. After the hike, rest and relax at a beautiful Paiva River beach… We will be finishing our hike in Espiunca, a scenic riverside village with an amazing river beach. Here you will have the chance to have a cold drink and a snack at a Panoramic Riverside Terrace Bar, take a dip in the clear waters of Paiva River or just enjoy the peace and the landscape of this place. You'll be hungry, and we have something special for you! If you book your Tour with lunch included, we’ll serve you a Board of Typical Portuguese Charcuterie and Cheese (or only Cheese, if you prefer) and a drink or your desire (wine included). Then you can choose between Arouquesa Steak Sandwish or Arouquesa Beef Hamburger, Veggie Burger or Tuna Sandwich, all accompanied by crispy french fries. For desert, you'll taste some of the ancient Conventual Pastry, next to its origin, the Arouca's Santa Maria Monastery.

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. Set off on the Paiva Walkways, an wooden walkway built along the cliffs of the Paiva River Gorge where we will show you the best sceneries for your photos, taking the opportunity to address some topics such as: Biodiversity, Geological Phenomena, Archeology and Historical-Cultural aspects of this valley. 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, the path is easier, but no less interesting. On this part, the 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. After the hike, rest and relax at a beautiful Paiva River beach… We will be finishing our hike in Espiunca, a scenic riverside village with an amazing river beach. Here you will have the chance to have a cold drink and a snack at a Panoramic Riverside Terrace Bar, take a dip in the clear waters of Paiva River or just enjoy the peace and the landscape of this place. You'll be hungry, and we have something special for you! If you book your Tour with lunch included, we’ll serve you a Board of Typical Portuguese Charcuterie and Cheese (or only Cheese, if you prefer) and a drink or your desire (wine included). Then you can choose between Arouquesa Steak Sandwish or Arouquesa Beef Hamburger, Veggie Burger or Tuna Sandwich, all accompanied by crispy french fries.

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.

Go down a section of Paiva River, between Paradinha Village and Areínho River Beach, with an estimated duration of 3 hours. It provides an introductory experience to Rafting, passing through the rapids of the Paiva River. The descent is also preceded by a Jeep Tour to the traditional village, with stops at some of the most emblematic geosites of Paiva Valley, such as Paiva Gorge.

Explore the Best of Portugal with an Unforgettable Tour Combining Nature, Culture, and Traditional Gastronomy This tour takes you to iconic destinations like Costa Nova and Aveiro, a delicious traditional lunch in Arouca, the thrilling 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge crossing, and a hike along the famous Paiva Walkways. Costa Nova: The Charm of the Striped Houses The first stop on your tour is the picturesque Costa Nova, famous for its colorful fishermen's houses with vertical stripes that captivate visitors from all over the world. Take stunning photos while enjoying the fresh coastal breeze and the unique beauty of this seaside village. Aveiro: The Venice of Portugal and the Moliceiro Boat Ride Next, 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. 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 Costa Nova, Aveiro, Arouca, and the Paiva Walkways are must-visit destinations in Portugal!

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. Please note that by booking with Detours you are directly contributing to a local development association. 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. The hike along the river will be filled with geologic, natural and archeological interest located in the most beautiful locations.  Reach Areinho and enter the Paiva Walkways and start your journey by climbing a stairway of around 300 steps and 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.