Let’s start with the data….
- The 516 Arouca Bridge in the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world:
- It is 516 meters long. (That’s 564 yards.)
- It hangs 175 meters above the Paiva River. (191 yards.)
- It is supported by two V-shaped structures on either end of the gorge.
- It takes about 10 minutes to cross while walking on 127 four meter-long “modules” of open metal mesh.
- The bridge took three years to build at a price of €1.7 million.
The Arouca region is about an hour south of Porto (roughly 3 ½ hours’ drive north of Lisbon). It is known for its beautiful landscape and adventure tourism. In fact, the stunning surroundings have been designated an UNESCO Geopark. From the bridge, visitors can enjoy views of the Cascata das Aguieiras, Garganta do Paiva and Paiva Walkways.
Adrenaline addicts will love 516 Arouca; acrophobics, not so much. Both, will be safe, however. The sides of the bridge are constructed of rigid metal netting and the floor is metal grating. This provides the thrilling sense of openness while also, hopefully, offering a feeling a security.
The 516 Arouca Bridge is an addition to the already popular Passadiços Paiva (Paiva Walkways). This is an eight kilometer wooden boardwalk erected on the side, tops and across the natural beauty of this region. It starts in Alvarengo and ends in Areinho. The bridge is near the end point of the walkways. The walkways and the bridge make for a beautiful and exhilarating experience.
For more information, visit the 516 Arouca website.
516 Arouca Bridge
516 Arouca Bridge is located in the municipality of Arouca, Aveiro district.
It is very close to the end of the Paiva Walkways end in Areinho
Park in the Areinho parking lot
It is possible to also access via the Paiva Walkways entrance in Alvarengo.
Entrance:
Adults (18 to 65 years) – €12
Youth/Student (10 to 17 years) – €10
Children (6 to 9 years) – €10
Seniors (+65 years) – €10
* Tickets for Ponte 516 Arouca also provide access to the eight kilometers of Passadiços do Paiva.
Hours:
April to October – 09:00 to 19:00
May to September – 08:00 to 20:00
November to March – 09:00 to 17:00
Contact Portugal Confidential Experiences for to book transfers to/from Porto, and arrange Jeep or water tours of the region.
Photos courtesy of 516 Arouca
