A - The Paiva Walkways have a total length of 8700 meters.
A - The route is linear. There are some steep slopes. Along the extension beyond the bridges there are also three sections of unpaved track. There are several flights of steps.
A - The route is considered to be of a high level of difficulty, though this level of difficulty depends on if you walk it in both directions or just one.
A - The linear Paiva Walkway is 8.7km (5.5 miles) in length. At a gentle pace the route takes approximately two and a half hours walking downstream. For the return route (upstream and, therefore uphill), it will take twice as long, depending on your fitness levels.
A - The route can be started from two points: Espiunca or Areinho. For those who have lower fitness levels or prefer a less challenging walk, it is advisable to start the route in Areinho walking downstream towards Espiunca. For those who wish to go through the walkways in both directions (round trip, about 17kms), it is advisable to start in Espiunca.
A - Arouca Town Council is responsible for the management and maintenance of the Paiva Walkways.
A -The Paiva Walkways are open to the public throughout the year. They are only closed in cases of force majeure and in conditions where the safety of users might be of concern.
A - Yes. There is a daily limit of entries to the walkways.
A - Yes. It is possible to visit the Walkways any day, apart from in exceptional circumstances, such as closure for safety reasons (related to adverse weather conditions or maintenance work). However, if it is necessary to close the infrastructure, a notice will be posted on the official website of the Walkways and the Arouca Town Council. Users should be aware of this and, if possible, check / confirm their reservations as close as possible to the date of their visit.
R - Please check the opening hours here!
A - No, there is no time limit to go through the Walkways, but we provide the opening and closing hours.
A - Yes. Anyone can go through the walkways, provided they comply with the rules of use and conduct which are displayed at both ends of the Walkways (Espiunca and Areinho).
A - No. We are sorry, but the Paiva Walkways are not adapted for access to people with reduced mobility.
A - - It depends on the fitness of the person. The route difficulty level is considered high.
A - Yes. You must make reservations to go through the Paiva Walkways. You should do so in the Reservation Centre available at https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt
A – Tickets must be purchased for anyone of 10 years old and above.
A – You can check the prices here
A - Yes. The entry of children is permitted, provided they are accompanied by their parents or other responsible adult, who will assume full responsibility for them.
A - No. There are no group discounts.
A -To visit the Walkways you should proceed to the relevant booking page through the platform available at https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt
A - The ticket booking process for Paiva Walkways should be made through: https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt . While making your reservation, you will be asked to provide some basic information, such as name and address, the day of your visit and the access point from which you want to start the route. After making your payment, your reservation will be confirmed and you will receive a ticket by email. You will need to show this ticket at the entrance to the Walkways. You can do this by bringing a printed copy or by displaying it on your phone or other mobile device.
A – No. To visit Paiva Walkways you always have to do a reservation. However, if you haven’t had the opportunity to book, you can try to get your ticket at the Interactive Tourism Store of Arouca (exclusive payment in cash). The entrance fee will have an added cost, there is no sale of tickets at the entrances of Paiva Walkways and it will only be possible to buy this ticket if there is daily availability of visits.
A - Reservations for group visits should be made through the Reservation Centre (= Central de Reservas) available at https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt
A - You can pay by credit card (Visa and Mastercard) and through an ATM.
A - You need to present the ticket as issued at the time that you made your reservation. You can do this by bringing a printed copy or by displaying it on your phone or other mobile device. You should keep the ticket until the end of the visit.
A – Presentation of a ticket is essential for admittance. It can be presented on paper or displayed on your phone or other mobile device.
A – No. You only need one group ticket.
A - If you make a reservation and do not appear on the day of the visit, the reservation is cancelled. There are no refunds.
A - No. After the ticket has been issued the reservation cannot be cancelled. Instead, you can rebook the reservation at https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt/en/remarcacao till 2 days prior to the initial date of the visit. For further information, please read the Rules of Use and Conduct for the Paiva Walkways.
A - Yes. You can rebook the reservation at https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt/en/remarcacao till 2 days prior to the initial date of the visit. For further information, please read the Rules of Use and Conduct for the Paiva Walkways.
A - It’s not possible to change the selected entrance gate after purchasing the ticket. So, if you buy a ticket with entry through the Areinho, you will have to enter through that entrance.
A - Yes. You can rebook the reservation at https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt/en/remarcacao till 2 days prior to the initial date of the visit. For further information, please read the Rules of Use and Conduct for the Paiva Walkways.
A - Yes. There are conditions that may force the closure of the Walkways. They may be due to natural causes (fires, adverse weather conditions, etc.) or for maintenance / repair reasons. In cases of the closure of the Walkways, visitors who have tickets will receive a message to reschedule the visit. If in doubt, it is also recommended that you consult the official website of the Walkways and the Municipality of Arouca's website, on the day you wish to visit, to confirm that the Walkways are open.
A - To get to the Paiva Walkways you should follow these directions:
Coming from the North (via A1): Exit Santa Maria da Feira > São João da Madeira > Vale de Cambra > Arouca > Areinho.
Estimated travel time: 60 minutes.
Coming from the North (via A32): Exit Carregosa/Pindelo > Vale de Cambra>Arouca > Areinho
Estimated travel time: 50 minutes
Coming from the south (via A1): Exit Estarreja>Oliveira de Azeméis>Vale de Cambra > Arouca > Areinho
Estimated travel time: 60 minutes
Coming from the interior (via A25): Exit Porto A1 > Oliveira de Azeméis > Vale de Cambra > Arouca > Areinho
Estimated travel time: 65 minutes
Coming from Cinfães/Castelo de Paiva/Castro Daire: Estrada Nacional 225 > Alvarenga > Areinho
Estimated travel time: 10 minutes
The Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) are located on the banks of the River Paiva, in the Municipality of Arouca, District of Aveiro.
Coordinates:
Espiunca: 40°59'34.67"N 8°12'41.19"W
Areinho: 40°57'9.68"N 8°10'33.05"W
A - Sim, existem zonas de estacionamento de viaturas junto às entradas de Espiunca e Areinho. A sua utilização é gratuita.
A - Yes. There are parking areas next to the entries in Espiunca and Areinho.
A - Yes. There is no charge for parking in these areas.
A - Yes.
A - Yes. There are taxis at the ends of the Walkways (Areinho and Espiunca).
A - No, the parks are not supervised and the Arouca Municipality is not responsible for any damage or theft in the vehicles. Please protect your goods.
A - Yes. There are WCs available at the ends of the Walkways - Areinho and Espiunca and at the Recreation and Leisure Area at Vau, midway through the route.
A - Yes. There are bins at the ends and midway through the route. Any waste should be deposited in these bins and not on the floor. Make sure you have a way to pack and carry your waste until you come to a bin.
A - Yes. There are picnic sites, but only for small groups at Espiunca, in the Recreation and Leisure Area at Vau, and Areinho Riverside Beach. However, please do not leave litter, make noise, erect tents or disturb other visitors.
A – Yes, at the ends and the middle of the route, however, we recommend you to bring some water as well.
A – At the entrance you must show your ticket to the assistant, complying with the entry identified on the ticket. We ask you to familiarize yourself with the rules of use and conduct.
A - Yes. There are exit points halfway through, at the Recreation and Leisure Area at Vau.
A - Yes. This is a route which demands careful attention and compliance with the safety standards and rules of use and conduct displayed on signage available at the ends of the Walkways and on the official website.
A - No.
A – No, the entry of animals is forbidden.
A - Yes. There is network coverage during the whole course of the walkways.
A - In case of emergency, and for your safety along the route, there are SOS telephones that you can use and/or find one of the assistants to ask for advice. It would be useful to bring with you the phone number of the local fire department (256 944 122). Alternatively you can call the Portuguese emergency service number, which is 112.
A - Visitors are expected to have a diligent attitude of respect for the surrounding natural landscape, and for the (often legally protected) fauna and flora whose habitat it is… And to enjoy it harmoniously alongside other visitors!
A – We recommend the use of sports clothing, comfortable shoes and a hat, especially in the hottest months.
A - If you want to walk the whole route round trip (17kms), we suggest you start and finish in Espiunca (the point of lowest altitude). If you only want to do the linear path (ie, just one direction), you have two alternatives: start in Espiunca and finish in Areinho (mainly uphill); or start in Areinho and finish in Espiunca (mainly downhill). For those who have no difficulties walking uphill and climbing stairs, it is advisable to start the route in Espiunca. For those who might have difficulties, it is advisable to start the route in Areinho, since it is easier.
A -The Paiva Walkways can be enjoyed throughout the year. Taking into account the wealth of local biodiversity, the seasonal changes, as well as changes in the river flow, any time of the year has its own distinct features and moods, allowing at least four very rich and discernibly different experiences.
A – No. Please do not run on the walkways. The infrastructure was made in order to permit the enjoyment of the surrounding landscape, in a quiet, leisurely and relaxed environment.
A - Yes. It is certainly possible to find a variety of guided tours. For this, we suggest that you contact specialized companies with a wide knowledge of different aspects and activities which can be adapted to your needs and provided at the Walkways. For more information please go to https://reservas.passadicosdopaiva.pt and click on the icon "guided tours". Alternatively visit Arouca Geopark Association (=Associação Geoparque Arouca) through their website www.aroucageopark.pt. Click on the "Explore" menu and follow the link "What to do".
A - From the Paiva Walkways you can contemplate a harmonious and unique natural landscape. From the 8km Walkways you can enjoy nature at its purest. The biodiversity of the area makes it home to several rare or endangered European species. You will take a trip into the past, with over a thousand years of recorded history and where you will find five geosites. The Paiva Walkways give access to two Recreational and Leisure zones and a bathing area, allowing you to cool off at the beginning, middle and end of the route. It allows access to a suspension bridge (the crossing of which is not obligatory! ).The 8 km walk provides a journey surrounded by landscapes of a singular beauty in the middle of an authentic natural sanctuary. A journey through the biology and geology of the region.
A -You can find more information on the official website of the Paiva Walkways or through Loja Interativa de Turismo de Arouca (Tourism Interactive Store of Arouca), (located at Abel Botelho Street, no. 4. Phone: 256 940 258 / E-mail: turismo@aroucageopark.pt). The management and maintenance of the Paiva Walkways are provided by the Municipality of Arouca.
A – No. Any projects involving the organisation of collective activities or similar kinds of events must be granted prior approval from Municipality of Arouca.