Passadiços do Paiva, Hiking trail in Arouca Geopark, Portugal
Passadiços do Paiva is a hiking trail in Arouca, Portugal, that runs for eight kilometers along the riverbank. The wooden boardwalks follow the natural lines of the rock walls and pass through dense vegetation, sometimes close to the water and sometimes several meters above the river.
The wooden walkway opened in June 2015 to make the nature of the Paiva Valley accessible to visitors. Construction took several years and included the installation of more than 500 wooden supports along the steep rock faces.
The name Paiva comes from the river that has shaped farming in this area for centuries. Visitors can spot traditional stone houses and small water mills along the route, still part of daily life in the surrounding hamlets.
Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific time window, as the number of visitors per day is limited. Sturdy footwear is necessary because the wooden planks can become slippery when wet, and it is wise to bring water and snacks since there are no food facilities along the way.
Some sections of the walkway have transparent floor panels that allow you to look directly down at the river water beneath your feet. These see-through spots are often at the highest points of the route and add a thrill for many visitors.
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