Passadiços do Paiva and 516 Arouca

Conheça Paiva Walkways

Since June 2015, the Paiva River has ceased to be so mysterious and distant, only available to fishermen and those who ventured into the wild waters. The Paiva Walkways have brought us closer to the shore, to the unique fauna and flora, to the geological features that its course draws. Their footsteps, their footprints and their images help us to value and preserve the natural resources that grow here. With each trip along this route, we try to educate about sustainable development, leading the eye along the landscape, the bank, every detail that, until recently, was inaccessible. There are eight kilometers along the left bank of the River Paiva, with several sections of wooden walkway, where interpretive panels support us on the journey, as well as support structures such as bars, changing rooms, cabs and parking lots. The entrances to the walkways are located next to two recreational and leisure areas: Areinho and Espiunca. This route passes through unique places, bringing to mind stories of other times, of ways of life by the river, of boatmen, millers and even a castle. But also a vast wealth of habitats, where fauna and flora show how perfect the balance of nature is. It should be noted that the route is not entirely flat. You’ll be surprised by the staircases that wind their way up the cliffs of the Garganta do Paiva, and which appear almost before you know it. There are around 1,000 steps, which, once crossed, will not leave you disappointed, with a feeling of reward for your effort, as you take a deep breath of breathtaking scenery. Be sure to check out the biospots and visit the five geosites of the Arouca Geopark, which are part of route C of the Geosites Route and which the walkways cross: Garganta do Paiva, Cascata das Aguieiras, Vau, Gola do Salto and Falha da Espiunca.