Hiking the Paiva Walkways
Distance: 8.7kms (17kms return)
Time: Roughly two and a half hours one way, but allow extra time if you want to swim or relax on the river beaches.
Difficulty: Medium
Track: The track is mostly boardwalks, but there are some challenging parts with a lot of stairs.
Highlights: The river beaches and powerful waterfalls of the Paiva River.
What are the Paiva Walkways?
Before the Ponte 516, there were the Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva). These wooden boardwalks snake along the left bank of the Paiva River for 8.7 kilometres, allowing hikers to explore previously inaccessible parts of the Arouca Geopark. The walkways definitely require more effort than the bridge. But they are a highlight of any trip to Northern Portugal and a must for any active traveller.
Made from wood with minimal interference to the natural landscapes, the boardwalks follow the Paiva River between Areinho and Espiunca. Along the way, you pass rushing rapids tumbling over rocky waterfalls, peaceful river beaches and dramatic craggy gorges. In some parts, the boardwalks are attached right to the walls of the gorge and the area wouldn’t accessible to hikers without them.
Lining the riverbanks are cork trees, oaks and the odd eucalyptus, providing much welcome shade in many parts. The area is also home to several endangered European species including the Iberian wolf and red squirrel. If you are quiet and patient, you may also be lucky enough to spot some turtles in the river
Tips for Hiking the Paiva Walkways
1. Don't forget to purchase tickets before you go
Tickets hardly break the bank (€1 online here or €2 onsite) or are included in your Ponte 516 ticket if you plan to cross the bridge too.
2. Aim to make your own way there
The starting points for the walkways are about 20 minutes drive from Arouca or a bit more than an hour from Porto. Unfortunately, public transport options are very limited in this part of Portugal. The easiest way to get there is with your own transport or a tour.
3. Or be organised if you're taking public transport
It’s not impossible to get to the Paiva Walkways with public transport, it just involves a lot more organisation. It takes about two hours and costs €5.20 for the bus from Porto to Arouca. Then it’s another 35 minutes and €2.80 for another bus journey from Arouca to Espiunca. It’s a lot of faffing around and bus times might not match up well. I recommend staying in Arouca if you’re set on taking public transport. (For full disclosure, we drove and didn’t test this public transport route ourselves.) You can view the travel options here.
4. Take advantage of taxis to come back to the start
The trail is linear and to complete a round trip, you could just turn around and come back the same way. Walking in the opposite direction does offer a fresh perspective. But if you’re not feeling that energetic or don’t have the time, there are taxis at each end to transport you back to where you started for about €15.
5. Do the bridge first
Besides keeping within the opening and closing times (check the website here), your ticket to walk the Paiva Walkways is not timed. However, entrance to cross the Ponte 516 is. As I mentioned in my post about the bridge, it’s best to book your time for Ponte 516 early and plan to do it at the start of your walk. Then you don’t have to rush to finish the trail.
6. Allow plenty of time
The total length one way is 8.7 kilometres and takes about 2.5 hours. However, I recommend allowing more time so you can amble along and appreciate the incredible surroundings, have a picnic and enjoy a swim.
7. Bring plenty of water and food
There is a small café around the Praia Fluvial do Vau and at the Espiunca trailhead, but that’s it. I recommend packing a picnic or sandwiches to enjoy in the shade by one of the river beaches. Remember to keep an eye out for those turtles!
8. Prepare for stairs
Your glutes are going to get a real workout. At the Areinho trailhead, there are several flights of stairs to climb to get to the Ponte 516. After the bridge, the descent takes you down another series of stairs with no shade. This is the most challenging part of the trail. If you are only doing the trail one way, I recommend getting this part out of the way first by starting in Areinho. Walking in this direction also means you’ll be following the river downstream, with a slight decline.
9. Be prepared for the sun and heat
It gets hot. Large parts of the walkways are unshaded, so wear sun protection and drink plenty of water. Thankfully, you can find respite from the heat by the shady river beaches.
10. Bring your swimming gear
Again, it gets hot. Unless you’re doing the hike in winter, bring your swimwear to take advantage of the refreshing tranquil waters of the Praia Fluvial do Vau to cool off.
So were the Paiva Walkways worth it?
Given their length and difficulty, the Paiva Walkways are not for everyone. But if you are up for it physically, the Paiva Walkways are definitely worth it. The ticket price is minimal, but you will need to factor in the taxi price if you plan on only going one way. The pathways take you past some incredible landscapes with the pristine waters of the Paiva River always rushing by your side. You can take in the amazing views from the Ponte 516 without as much effort. But following the walkways all the way to the end really allows you to immerse yourself in this breath-taking environment.
Is there anything else you think you need to know before hiking the Paiva Walkways? Let me know in the comments below!