Located about an hour southeast of Porto, Arouca Geopark is a popular destination for visitors who enjoy hiking, white water rafting and exploring historical sites, such as geological formations, Neolithic graves and Roman and medieval ruins. In May 2021 the park inaugurated a new attraction that will surely attract adventure lovers – the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. 516 Arouca Bridge is a metal walkway suspended from cables that spans 516 meters (hence the name) or 1,692 feet (approx. 1/3 of a mile) and hangs 574 feet above the Paiva River.
Crossing the bridge takes about 5-10 minutes from end-to-end, and thrill seekers will enjoy the striking panoramic views of the stunning canyon and lush countryside as they cross the span. The bridge crossing is not for the faint of heart, as the walkway wobbles and you can see straight through the metal grid walkway to the riverbed below. Visitors who want to extend their visit to the park can hike the five mile series of wooden walkways that run along the left bank of the Paiva River, to explore the river beaches and quartz formations.
The bridge is open daily, except for Christmas day, as follows:
- April & October: 9am – 7pm
- May to September: 8am – 8pm
- November-March: 9am – 5pm
Children under 6 years old are not permitted on the bridge. There is a limit on the number of visitors admitted per day, and tickets are sold for specific entry times. For more information on visiting hours and tickets, click here.
Photo credit: Loja Interativa de Turismo de Arouca
For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.