From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways, Suspension Bridge and Lunch

A day trip from Porto that combines spectacular natural scenery, adventure, and charming towns, all for $144.82 per person. This tour lasts approximately 9 hours and features a variety of highlights, from walking along the Paiva Walkways to exploring Aveiro’s canals and visiting Costa Nova’s colorful fishing village. Round-trip transfers are included, making the day both convenient and hassle-free. The tour has earned a perfect 5.0 rating from 349 reviews, with 98% recommending it to future travelers. It’s particularly well-suited for those who enjoy outdoor activities and want to discover a blend of nature, history, and local culture, although it requires a decent level of physical stamina.

A key strength of this experience is the variety of stops packed into a single day, from a suspension bridge crossing to a boat ride in Aveiro’s canals. The small group size, limited to 8 travelers, ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere. However, some parts of the itinerary involve challenging walking, which may not suit everyone, especially those with physical limitations. The tour is operated by Ennetours, known for their friendly guides and smooth organization, making it a reliable choice for a full day of exploration.

Key Points

• Includes round-trip transfers from Porto, simplifying logistics for visitors.
• Visits five distinct stops, including the Arouca suspension bridge, Paiva Walkways, traditional lunch, Aveiro boat ride, and Costa Nova.
• The Paiva Walkways feature wooden paths with spectacular views, ideal for outdoor lovers and those seeking adventure.
• Aveiro canals are explored via a scenic boat ride, often called the “Portuguese Venice”.
• The tour is suitable for most travelers, but challenging walks and heights may not be appropriate for everyone.
• The small group size ensures a personalized experience and engaging guide.

Starting from Porto: Convenient Departure and Return

This tour departs promptly at 8:00am from R. de Alexandre Herculano in Porto. The round-trip transportation is by air-conditioned minivan, making the journey comfortable and straightforward. The tour wraps up back at the original meeting point, typically around 5-6pm, allowing plenty of time to relax afterward.

The small group size of up to 8 travelers enhances the experience, enabling more personalized interaction with the guide and a flexible pace during stops. Most travelers find the timing and logistics well-organized, ensuring they get the most out of each attraction without feeling rushed.

Crossing the Arouca Suspension Bridge: A Thrilling Start

The highlight of the tour is the 516 Arouca suspension bridge, which is crossed exclusively during this trip. Spanning the Paiva River, this 170-meter-long bridge offers stunning views and an adrenaline rush for those comfortable with heights. Children aged 6 and above, accompanied by an adult, can cross the bridge, making it accessible for families with children in that age group.

Once on the bridge, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the lush landscape and river below. The admission ticket for the bridge is included, and the experience is often praised as spectacular. The short walk after the bridge allows for more pictures and appreciation of the scenery.

Note for Physical Limitations:

The bridge crossing and the walk along the Paiva Walkways involve walking on uneven, sometimes steep paths. The walkways are primarily wooden paths, with only a small section that is flat and safe for those with balance concerns. The guide helps ensure safety, but travelers with serious health problems or limited mobility should carefully consider this aspect.

Exploring the Paiva Walkways: Nature at Its Best

Following the suspension bridge, the Paiva Walkways stretch for about 1 hour, offering a wooden pathway through breathtaking landscape. This trail is popular among nature lovers for its spectacular views, sound of rushing water, and peaceful atmosphere.

The walkways are mainly wooden, with the only non-wooden section being in a flat, safe area. The scenic route features overlooks of the river, rapids, and surrounding greenery. This part of the tour is praised for being stress-free and very scenic, though it requires moderate physical activity.

Considerations:

Those who are unsteady on their feet or not in good shape might find the walk challenging, as it involves some inclines and uneven surfaces. The guide can offer alternatives or assistance, but travelers should be prepared for a vigorous hike.

Authentic Portuguese Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Midway through the tour, a 1-hour lunch provides a chance to recharge. The meal is a traditional Portuguese dish, included in the tour price, and frequently described as delicious. The local restaurant offers a warm, home-cooked atmosphere, serving vealed potatoes and cabbage among other options.

Guests consistently highlight the lunch as a tour highlight, appreciating the authentic flavors and generous portions. No additional cost is required for this meal, making it a great value for the overall experience.

Discovering Aveiro: The “Venice of Portugal”

After lunch, the tour visits Aveiro, a charming town often called the “Portuguese Venice” due to its canal network. The 45-minute boat ride along the canals is included, offering a scenic perspective of the colorful houses, quaint bridges, and laid-back atmosphere.

Visitors can enjoy free time in Aveiro to explore its shops, cafes, or simply enjoy the picturesque scenery. The salt history of the town adds an interesting layer to the visit, providing insight into its local economy and heritage.

Tips:

The boat ride is a relaxing highlight, often praised for its serenity and beautiful views. Some reviews note that the time allocated in Aveiro is limited, so exploring beyond the main sights might require a quick pace.

Visiting Costa Nova: Bright Colorful Houses

The tour concludes with a 30-minute stop in Costa Nova, a famous fishing village known for its striped, brightly colored houses. This picture-perfect village is ideal for strolling, photography, and soaking in the coastal vibe.

While some reviews mention that time in Costa Nova is brief, the visual impact of the houses makes it a worthwhile stop. Visitors can enjoy a quick walk along the waterfront and capture picturesque photos before returning to Porto.

Practical Details and Recommendations

The tour starts at 8:00am and includes all transportation via air-conditioned minivan. The driver and local guide lead the group through each stop, providing insights and assistance along the way. Tickets for the suspension bridge and Paiva Walkways are included, along with the boat ride, lunch, and visit to Costa Nova.

Participants should be prepared for winding roads over the Paiva mountain, which may cause motion sickness. The small group size guarantees more personalized attention, and most travelers find the pacing comfortable, although the activities can be physically demanding for some.

Final Thoughts on the Arouca and Aveiro Adventure

This comprehensive day trip from Porto offers a balanced mix of adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration. The spectacular suspension bridge, wooden walkways, and scenic boat ride in Aveiro stand out as main highlights. The traditional lunch adds an authentic touch, making the experience feel both relaxed and immersive.

While the tour is well-organized and praised for guides like Dani and Mauro, it requires physical stamina, particularly for the walkways and hiking sections. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and flexibility.

This trip is best suited for active travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and want to see Portugal beyond the cities. Those with mobility issues should consider the challenging walks and heightened activity level before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, round-trip transportation by air-conditioned minivan from Porto is included, making the day seamless and comfortable.

What is the physical difficulty of the walkways?
The Paiva Walkways are mostly wooden paths with some inclines and uneven surfaces. The suspension bridge involves steep inclines and steps, so travelers should have good physical stamina.

Can children participate in the suspension bridge crossing?
Yes, children aged 6 and above, when accompanied by an adult, can cross the suspension bridge.

How long is the boat ride in Aveiro?
The boat ride along the canals lasts approximately 45 minutes.

Is lunch included in the tour price?
Yes, a traditional Portuguese lunch at a local restaurant is included, described as delicious and generous.

What is the guide’s role during the tour?
The driver and local guide lead the group through each stop, providing insights, safety assistance, and ensuring the schedule runs smoothly.