I believe it was the Paiva Walkways that started the walkways trend throughout Portugal 😉 Located in the municipality of Arouca, in the Aveiro district, the route is 8,7 km long (one way) and is, for the most part, quite pleasant. Throughout this post, you’ll find several tips to visit the Paiva Walkways!
The trail is only demanding in some parts (more details below). On these paths, you will come across beautiful landscapes framed by the course of the Paiva river. We are so surrounded by Nature that we feel like slowing down from the pace of our daily lives. The walkways also pass through incredible places like the Paiva Gorge or the Vau River Beach.
So, grab your comfortable clothes and let’s go for another adventure in Nature!
When to visit the Paiva Walkways?
The Arouca municipality recommends visiting the Paiva Walkways throughout the year. However, it is important to remember that in summer, this is a rather warm region. Thus, when going during summer, I suggest that you try going on the cooler hours since there are many parts of the route without any protection from the sun.
I visited the Walkways at the end of June, but opted to do it at the end of the day, ensuring I got to the end of the trail before the walkways’ closure time.
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Where to start the Walkways?
The route is 8,7 km (one way) so, unless you opt for a round trip, it is a little more complicated returning when we reach the end. In fact, if you only walk the walkway in one direction, you will have to find a way back to the starting point where you left the car.
There are usually taxis available at both ends to help people that don’t want to walk all the way back. On average, the taxi service costs 15€.
But, so, where should you start the trail?
There are two possibilities to start the trail, and in both there are car parks with several places available. You can start at Espiunca River Beach or at Areinho River Beach.
The direction Areinho-Espiunca is less demanding and, therefore, is preferable for those who choose to go only one way. There is only the initial staircase that usually discourages everyone, but don’t worry it only gets better from there on 😉 However, if you choose the round trip, it is better to walk the route in the opposite direction (Espiunca-Areinho) since you won’t have to climb the famous staircase when returning.
How much does it cost to visit the Paiva Walkways?
To better control the number of people on the walkway at the same time, it is necessary to book your visit in advance. You can do this easily in the Paiva Walkways official website.
Tickets have a purely symbolic price of 1€ if purchased online or 2€ if purchased on site. If you choose to buy online, you will receive an e-mail with an electronic ticket.
In case of any unforeseen event after booking the ticket, it is possible to reschedule the visit up to 2 days before the initial visit date. The rescheduling implies the payment of a small rescheduling fee.
At what times is it possible to visit the Paiva Walkways?
Visiting times vary according to the time of year:
- April and October: 9 am to 7 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
- May to September: 8 am to 8 pm (last entry at 5 pm)
- November to March: 9 am to 5 pm (last entry at 3 pm)
What not to miss in the Paiva Walkways?
Walking the walkways alone is quite exciting, but you can and should stop along the way to appreciate some of the main points of interest, which include:
- Espiunca and Areinho River Beaches at both ends
- Suspended bridge over the Paiva River (you do not have to cross it though)
- Alvarenga Bridge – a beautiful stone bridge
- Paiva Gorge – the narrowest part of the Paiva River from the Alvarenga bridge to the Vau river beach
- Vau River Beach (located halfway and perfect for a picnic) – this is also a possible point to “escape” halfway along the walkway without having to turn back if you don’t want to walk the 8,7 km
- “Gola do Salto” – a 3 to 4 metre drop in the Paiva River and one of the most suitable places for rafting or kayaking
💡 EXTRA TIP: More recently, the Arouca Bridge 516, a suspension bridge 175 metres above the Paiva River, was also inaugurated. The adult ticket costs 12€ and already includes entrance to the Paiva Walkways. You can check out all the most up-to-date information here.
Hiking Trail Details
- Distance: 8,7 km (linear)
- Average duration: 2h30
- Difficulty: depends on where you decide to begin the trail, but it is moderately easy
- Wooden platforms are present in most parts of the trail, with only a few parts on dirt tracks
- At both ends (Areinho and Espiunca) there is a bar/cafeteria and some bathroom services
What you should bring to visit the Paiva Walkways
- Water to make sure you stay hydrated
- Some snacks as you’ll walk for at least 2,5 hours
- Comfortable clothes and shoes (after all, the path is 8,7 km long)
- Sunscreen (especially during summer)
- Backpack to store all mentioned above, but also to collect any rubbish you might produce
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