The 516 Arouca is the world’s longest suspension footbridge, consisting of railings and steel cables, with a span of 516 metres, a width of 1.20 metres, and a height of 175 metres over the Paiva River, Portugal.
While crossing the 516 Arouca bridge is an amazing experience in and of itself, there is much much more to enjoy. Whether viewed from the bridge’s apex or the trails leading to its entrances, the surrounding landscape, which is primarily in its natural state, captures the eye.
In this Rede Natura 2000 area, more observant visitors can see a variety of magnificent species, from the great short-toed eagle to the small strawberry butterfly, as well as roe deer, wild rabbits, red squirrels, otters, Iberian wolves, and round-winged eagles. Hundreds of creatures, many of them endangered, find ideal habitats here. A location with a diverse and abundant flora that thrives throughout the year.
A picturesque setting that includes the well-known Paiva Walkways, the Aguieiras waterfall, and the recreational areas of Areinho and Vau, which are prime locations for whitewater sports.
A one-of-a-kind environment that adds to the charm of the 516 Arouca.
To get there, either walk the Paiva Walkways, which are more concrete at Areinho’s entrance or take a less strenuous route through the parish of Alvarenga. There, you may park your car in one of the Feira parks or at the football field and walk the remainder of the way over old paths that traverse fields and through charming towns like Vila and Chieira.
The crossing can be completed in either direction – round trip or one-way – by proceeding to the Paiva Walkways (access to this infrastructure is included in the bridge ticket) or by proceeding to the historic centre of Alvarenga, depending on the input you have selected.
Directions to the location:
You can begin the 516 Arouca bridge journey in either Canelas (Areinho) or Alvarenga.
Whichever entrance you select, you must park in the designated parking lots.
To begin the tour at Canelas through Passadiços do Paiva (Areinho), leave your vehicle adjacent to the Areinho river beach, around 1200 metres from the bridge, and go to 516 Arouca by the Passadiços do Paiva trail. This pedestrian route is quite demanding, needing 500 steps to reach the entry point and taking up to an hour to complete.
If you prefer to begin in Alvarenga, you should park your car at Albisqueiros, around 1000 metres from the bridge, and follow the signs to 516 Arouca. This path is moderately challenging and should take no more than 20 minutes.
Consider the distance you will need to cover on foot in order to be on time for your visit!
Coordinates GPS:
Parking Areinho
40°57’10.2′′N 8°10’35.1′′W 40°57’10.2′′N 8°10’35.1′′W
Areinho Assemblage Point
40°57’38.2′′N; 8°10’31.3′′W 40°57’38.2′′N; 8°10’31.3′′W
Parking Albisqueiros (Alvarenga)
40°58’11.1′′N 8°09’26.1′′W 40°58’11.1′′N 8°09’26.1′′W
Alvarenga Meeting Point
40°57’59.2′′N; 8°10’21.2′′W 40°57’59.2′′N; 8°10’21.2′′W
