Passadiços do Paiva and 516 Arouca Bridge: Essentials

Accessibility The boardwalk unfortunately is not accessible for those with disabilities; stairs and dirt trails preclude access for mobility devices.

Tickets Reservation for tickets are required online, in advance. No tickets are sold on-site at the entrance booths. See Tickets for more details.

Restaurants Two cafes, one at Areinho and the other at Espiunca, provide light refreshments. Another at Vau is open seasonally on weekends. See the Restaurants section for details.

Wifi Free wifi is available at the Espiunca trailhead. 

EV Charging Electric vehicle charging is available in Arouca. 

Supermarkets Supermarkets are available in Arouca to purchase supplies.

Restrooms Restrooms are available in Areinho, Vau, and Espiunca. Restrooms are also available at the Alverenga cemetery.

Safety The Passadiços do Paiva requires a fitness level to climb sustained staircases and walk over both dirt and wooden boardwalk trails. 

In the summer, the hike can be hot; you’ll want to bring sunscreen and sun protection. 

In the off-season, pack a jacket for cooler temperatures. 

Make sure to bring plenty of water for hiking up to 2.5-3.0 hours one way (extra in summer). 

Bring food and first aid supplies. 

Along the way, the trail has periodic SOS telephones that can be used to summon assistance if required.

If you decide to leave the Passadiços do Paiva trail midway, there is an access road at Vau at which a taxi can pick you up. 

Emergency numbers

Passadiços do Paiva Emergency Number +351 968 566 024

Arouca Police +351 256 940 150

Arouca Firefighters +351 256 944 122

Arouca Health Center +351 256 940 330

Civil Protection +351 926 691 874

SEPNA - Environmental Emergency Number +351 808 200 520

Hours of operation Passadiços do Paiva Opening / Last entry / Closing April 9:00am / 4:00pm / 7:00pm

May-Sept. 8:00am / 5:00pm / 8:00pm

October 9:00am / 4:00pm / 7:00pm

Nov.-Mar. 9:00am / 3:00pm / 5:00pm

The Passadiços do Paiva is open every day of the year, except Christmas Day, and occasional closures due to weather or safety. See posted closings at  https://reservas.Passadiçosdopaiva.pt/en/horarios

516 Arouca bridge

Opening / Closing Apr.-Oct. 9:00am / 7:00pm

May-Sept. 8:00am / 8:00pm

Nov.-Mar. 9:00am / 5:00pm

The 516 Arouca bridge is open every day of year, except Christmas Day and occasional closures due to weather or safety.