Day tripsCountriesPortugalCastelo de PaivaCastelo de Paiva to Arouca and Paiva Walkways: Day trip

Castelo de Paiva to Arouca and Paiva Walkways: Day trip

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Private ride with a local driver

6h 15m
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
4.9
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice 2024
4.9
5176
Reviews

About your trip

From Castelo de Paiva, this mountain escape loops through sacred heritage in Arouca and the sky-scraping adrenaline of the Paiva Walkways. Suspended bridges, cascading waterfalls, ancient monasteries, and geological marvels create a journey of extremes—equal parts tranquil and thrilling. Finish with fresh mountain fare and unforgettable views all the way back.
Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €84
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€252

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Castelo de Paiva whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at each stop. Your driver handles the navigation and suggests attractions that match your interests to help you create a day that's uniquely yours.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Arouca and Paiva Walkways should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €84
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€252

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Castelo de Paiva
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Arouca
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 2 hours - admission not included
Arouca
Arouca
Arouca
Arouca
Arouca
Arouca
Arouca
Arouca is mountain soul and sky-high thrills, wrapped in stone cloisters and sweet, sacred bites. Cradled in Portugal’s misty mountains, Arouca blends raw nature with sacred history. Begin with the jaw-dropping 516 Arouca Bridge, a 516-meter suspension span floating high above a dramatic gorge — not for the faint-hearted, but worth every step. Back in town, explore the Arouca Monastery, with its serene Baroque cloisters and museum of religious art. If time allows, stop at the Geopark Interpretive Center for fossil wonders and ancient stones. Before leaving, treat yourself to convent pastries and local Arouquesa beef, paired with honey-drizzled cheese or a glass of crisp Vinho Verde.
2
Paiva Walkways
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 3 hours - admission not included
Paiva Walkways
Paiva Walkways
Paiva Walkways
Paiva Walkways
Paiva Walkways
Paiva Walkways
A wooden trail above rushing rivers and lush cliffs, where geology, serenity, and adrenaline converge beautifully. A trek along the Paiva Walkways feels like walking the edge of a wild, green world. This 8km trail winds along the Paiva River, tracing granite cliffs, hanging staircases, and thick forest. Hear the river roar below and spot golden eagles soaring overhead. Don’t miss the Cascata das Aguieiras, viewed from a tucked-away wooden balcony, or the chance to stand on glass above the gorge at the 516 Arouca Bridge. Whether you hike the full route or a shorter section, the cinematic beauty of this UNESCO-protected trail stays with you long after.
Back to Castelo de Paiva
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

The Paiva Walkways are wooden boardwalks stretching 8 kilometers along the Paiva River, offering spectacular views of waterfalls, rapids, and untouched natural landscapes. This award-winning trail is considered one of Portugal's most beautiful hiking experiences.
The full walkway takes 2-3 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, allowing time for photography and enjoying the natural scenery. The 3-hour duration in your itinerary provides ample time to experience this unique trail and its stunning river views.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip are essential for the wooden boardwalks. Bring water, sun protection, and a camera for the spectacular scenery. The walkways are well-maintained but require basic hiking preparation.
The walkways are generally accessible for most visitors, though the 8-kilometer length requires moderate fitness. The wooden boardwalks are well-constructed with handrails, but some sections involve stairs and slight elevation changes.
Arouca offers the famous Arouca Monastery, traditional Portuguese architecture, and local restaurants serving regional cuisine. The town serves as a gateway to the Arouca Geopark, showcasing unique geological formations and natural heritage.
Spring through fall offers ideal conditions with mild weather and lush vegetation. Summer provides longer daylight hours but can be warm, while spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds for this popular attraction.
Although your Daytrip tour is just for the town, the Arouca region offers additional outdoor activities including the Arouca 516 suspension bridge (Europe's longest pedestrian bridge), river rafting, and hiking trails through the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark's diverse landscapes.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalCastelo de PaivaCastelo de Paiva to Arouca and Paiva Walkways: Day trip