Paiva Walkways reopen after wildfires
This marks the third time the Paiva Walkways have been rebuilt due to fire damage.
The Paiva Walkways in Arouca, Portugal, have fully reopened after three months of reconstruction following the devastating wildfires in September.
Just in time for Easter, one of the region’s busiest tourist seasons, the popular eight-kilometer trail along the left bank of the Paiva River is once again accessible in its entirety.
The restoration work, costing around €211,700, included repairs to 860 meters of wooden walkways and staircases, as well as the replacement of handrails and signage damaged by the flames.
While minor finishing touches will continue through the end of April, local officials prioritized reopening the entire route for visitors during the holiday period.
"The Paiva Walkways are one of our most important tourist attractions, and we’re pleased to have both entrances open for Easter," said the Arouca municipality.
The September wildfire, which originated in the neighboring municipality of Castro Daire, scorched nearly 20% of Arouca’s territory and caused an estimated €5.3 million in damages, €350,000 of which was related to the walkways.
Over 230 firefighters battled the blaze over three days.
Troubled history
This marks the third time the Paiva Walkways have been rebuilt due to fire damage.
Originally opened in June 2015, the trail quickly became a hit, offering hikers stunning views of wild river rapids, quartz crystal formations, and rare wildlife.
The first major fire in September 2015 destroyed the structure, but it was rebuilt and reopened in February 2016, drawing 145,000 visitors within five months.
The second major fire took place in August 2016.
With the latest reopening, Arouca hopes to once again welcome thousands of nature lovers to one of Portugal’s most scenic hiking experiences.
The Walkways
The Paiva Walkways are located on the left bank of the Paiva River, in Arouca municipality, Aveiro, Portugal.
They are 8 km that provide a walk “untouched”, surrounded by unique beauty of landscapes, in an authentic natural sanctuary along the brave waters downhills, quartz crystals and endangered species in Europe.
The route extends from the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, lying between them, the Vau beach.
They have already won several tourism awards, most notably the World Travel Awards, known as the Oscars of tourism, winning in the categories of “Europe’s Leading Tourism Development Project,” “Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction,” and “World’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction.”
One of the highlights of the trail is the 516 Arouca bridge, the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world.
With 516 meters in length, and an elevation of 175 meters, it connects the banks of the Paiva River.
While crossing the bridge, you will have a breathtaking view over Garganta do Paiva and Cascata das Aguieiras, both geosites of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark territory.
