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Sites to See…516 Arouca Bridge – World’s Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge, Arouca (Portugal)

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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.

Next Stop…Barcelos (Portugal)

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Barcelos is a charming medieval walled town in the northern Minho region of Portugal that is located about 45 minutes north of Porto. It has long been a center for artisanal handicrafts and the figurado style of pottery that features comical figurines with accentuated features, representing traditional farmers, folk musicians and nativity scene characters.

Barcelos is best known for the ornamental rooster figure – the Galo de Barcelos – that originated here and is the unofficial national icon of the country. The rooster symbolizes faith, honesty, justice and luck, and it can be found in articles including embroidered items, wooden boxes, pottery, and jewelry. Locals will place a Barcelos rooster in their house, as it is said to attract good fortune and happiness.

The town is also well known for its weekly market that is held every Thursday in the Campo Da Republica main square in the town center. The open air market is the largest in Portugal and one of the largest in Europe.  Visitors come from all over to shop for everything from food, to crafts, to clothing, and of course the local pottery featuring the famous Barcelos rooster.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide, if you want to visit Barcelos as a day trip from Porto. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Porto Day Trip that includes Barcelos, click here, and for information on all of our Porto & Porto Day Trip tours, click here.

Photo credit: Tourist Office of Barcelos

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.

Next Stop…Ponte de Lima, Portugal

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Established in 1125, Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Portugal. Located 1 hour north of Porto, it easily visited as a day trip or visitors can spend a night in the area to explore other historic towns nearby.

Ponte de Lima is named after its most prominent landmark – the medieval bridge (“ponte”) that spans the Lima River. The current arched bridge was built in 1368 and incorporates 5 of the arches from a much older Roman bridge that dates back to the 1st century. The bridge was an important crossing point in Roman times and is part of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James).

The town has been called Portugal’s most floral towns, which can be seen in the flower-lined main road that leads into the historic city center and the International Garden Festival that takes place each year from May to October.

Ponte de Lima is picturesque and charming, and can be visited in just a few hours. Sites to see during your visit include:

  • Ponte de Lima – Roman bridge
  • Arnado Park – architectural theme park with garden styles such as Roman, Renaissance, and Baroque Gardens
  • Museu dos Terceiros (Museum of the Third Order) – 15th C. buildings housing medieval and baroque religious art and gold
  • Museu do Brinquedo – toy museum displaying items from Portuguese toy manufacturers from the 19th C. up to 1986
  • Largo de Camões – picturesque town square with a beautiful fountain dating from 1603
  • Igreja Matriz (15th C. church)
  • Capela das Pereiras (16th C. chapel)
  • Centro de Interpretação e Promoção do Vinho Verde – museum that traces the history of the Vinho Verde (Green Wine) produced in the northern area between the Douro River, Minho River, Atlantic Ocean and the eastern mountains

If you are looking for a place to stay in the area, the lovely Pousada de Viana do Castelo – Monte de Santa Luzia is located just 30 minutes to the west. The Pousada was built in 1918 and offers guests panoramic views of the Lima River and the Atlantic coastline from its privileged hilltop location. For more information and reservations, click here.

Book a private tour! You may want to consider booking a private tour with an English-speaking guide, if you want to visit Ponte de Lima as a day trip from Porto. Your personal guide can provide you with information on the city and its historic sites. For more information on our Porto Day Trip that includes Ponte de Lima, click here, and for information on all of our Porto & Porto Day Trip tours, click here.

Photo credit: NBA / Photo of Ponte de Lima

For assistance with your travel plans, including hotel and private tour reservations, click here.