Paiva Valley

The River Paiva shows its strong character by the wild way its waters flow. Over the last two million years, the Paiva has shaped the landscape of this valley, becoming the guardian of a unique biodiversity.

Here, we find the macromia (Macromia splendens), the blonde cow (Lucanus cervus), the Lusitanian salamander (Chioglossa lusitanica), the boga-do-Douro (Pseudochondrostoma duriense) and various other species. Many legends and stories are told around the banks of this river, enriching the region’s intangible heritage.

The Aldeias de Portugal® of Paradinha and Meitriz are living testimonies to this identity, as are the 12 geosites that make up the Arouca Geopark Geosites Route, which help us to explore the history of the Earth. And, of course, the Paiva Walkways, an incomparable natural wealth and proximity to the river, where you can feel all the life that flows in it (and through it).