
516 Arouca Bridge
Walk the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, suspended 175m above the Paiva River for breathtaking views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

516 Arouca Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, suspended 175m above the Paiva River for breathtaking views.
"The views are insane - mountains, cliffs, a wild river below. You’re surrounded by silence, wind, and nature."

🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets are often online-only. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Confirm opening times and potential lunch breaks before you go to avoid a wasted trip.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The 516-Meter Span
Across the Paiva River
Walk the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge, suspended 175 meters above the river. Feel the thrill as it sways gently.

Breathtaking Valley Views
From the bridge
Marvel at the stunning panoramic views of the Arouca Geopark, cliffs, and the wild Paiva River below.

Paiva River Trail Access
Near the bridge entrance
Explore the scenic trails leading to and from the bridge, offering a chance to connect with nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Check Opening Hours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets are often online-only. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Confirm opening times and potential lunch breaks before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking to the bridge and potentially on trails. Good footwear is essential.
😨 Conquer Your Fear
If you have a fear of heights, this bridge might be challenging but rewarding!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets are often online-only. Book in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
⏰ Check Operating Hours
Confirm opening times and potential lunch breaks before you go to avoid a wasted trip.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking to the bridge and potentially on trails. Good footwear is essential.
😨 Conquer Your Fear
If you have a fear of heights, this bridge might be challenging but rewarding!
🚶♀️ Allow Time for Walk
Factor in a 15-minute walk from the parking area to reach the bridge.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the 516 Arouca Bridge for its breathtaking views and the exhilarating experience of walking across the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. The engineering marvel and the surrounding natural beauty are major highlights. However, some find the ticket booking process a bit confusing, and the cost of taxis can be a drawback for those relying on them.
"Before visiting the bridge, make sure that the bridge is open. How? You may call the contact center. Since we came from Porto, we did not want to get disappointed by the closure bridge once we arrived in Arouca. It was not a short journey, and yes it was worth it.
Pros
1. You need to pay the admission fee entrance to cross the bridge.
2. Stunning view from the middle of the bridge. If you have a phobia of height, it is better to skip.
3. They have a lunch time operation during our visit, and we can cross back after they finish.
4. You must walk a few kms to reach the bridge. You just need to follow the sign. You will pass local housing. We parked our car close to the main street.
There is also a taxi service if you are too lazy to walk.
5. You have an option to take the wood stairs down until the river. I skipped it since I already did that 6 years ago before the bridge opened."
Rita
"Good experience. Only walked over and back. A lot of people went off and walked the trail, but it's not a circular route so have to either get a taxi (in the middle of nowhere) or walk back up the very steep steps, to the go back over the bridge only at set times.
It's definitely worth doing."
Jon Young
"Walking the 516 Arouca bridge feels like stepping into another world.
The views are insane - mountains, cliffs, a wild river below. You’re surrounded by silence, wind, and nature.
The trail is super clean and well-marked. Everything feels organized and safe.
Please note:
Tickets are only sold online (as guide told)
Come at your scheduled time (groups start at time on ticket)
Know your entrance before booking (there’s two different)
A taxi from halfway back to bus station Arouca cost us 30 euros
One of the most beautiful hikes I’ve done — and totally worth it."
Illia Kraß
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The 516 Arouca Bridge is located in Arouca, Portugal. From Porto, it's a drive of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. You can drive and park near the main street in Arouca, or consider a taxi service if you prefer not to walk the entire distance.
Yes, parking is available. Visitors often park their cars close to the main street in Arouca and then follow the signs to the bridge. Some reviews mention a taxi service as an alternative for reaching the bridge.
While direct public transport to the bridge itself might be limited, you can take a bus from Porto to Arouca. From Arouca town, you may need to arrange local transport or be prepared for a walk to the bridge entrance.
The walk to the bridge from the parking area is about 15 minutes and is well-marked. You'll pass through local housing and natural landscapes.
Yes, taxi services are available, though they can be a bit pricey. One reviewer mentioned a taxi from halfway back to the Arouca bus station cost 30 euros.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets for the 516 Arouca Bridge are primarily sold online through their official website. It's highly recommended to purchase them in advance, as on-site sales might be limited or unavailable.
There is an admission fee to cross the bridge. The exact price can vary, so it's best to check the official 516 Arouca Bridge website for the most current pricing information.
Yes, tickets are often sold for specific time slots. Groups start at the time indicated on your ticket, so arriving on time is important for your entry.
While some visitors have reported being let through even if they missed their slot, it's not guaranteed. It's best to arrive at your scheduled time to ensure smooth entry.
Yes, there are two different entrances. Make sure you know which entrance your ticket is for when booking to avoid confusion.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The bridge is an impressive feat of engineering and is designed to be safe for pedestrians. It is well-maintained and feels organized.
Yes, the bridge does sway slightly as you walk across it, which adds to the thrilling experience.
The views are described as stunning and insane, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, cliffs, and the Paiva River below.
The bridge itself is not a circular route. If you walk across and back, you'll return to your starting point. To explore the Paiva Walkways, you'd need to plan a separate route or arrange transportation back.
The bridge is suspended 175 meters above the river, so it may be challenging for those with a phobia of heights. However, many find the experience exhilarating and worth overcoming their fear.
📸 📸 Photography
The middle of the bridge offers incredible panoramic shots. Approaching the bridge also provides great perspectives with the structure against the natural landscape.
Yes, you can take photos while crossing. Just be mindful of other visitors and hold on securely, especially if it's windy.
Landscape photography is ideal, capturing the vastness of the valley and the impressive engineering of the bridge. Wide-angle lenses are great for encompassing the scale.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, it's always good practice to check for any specific rules regarding professional equipment or commercial use.
Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful warm light that enhances the scenery. Early mornings can also offer soft light and fewer crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking tickets for earlier in the day to avoid the largest crowds and potentially a more relaxed experience. While the bridge itself is the main attraction, the surrounding natural beauty of the Arouca Geopark offers opportunities for gentle exploration. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly on the bridge are limited.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To save on transportation, driving your own vehicle and parking near the town of Arouca is often the most cost-effective option. While taxi services are available, they can add significantly to your expenses. If you're up for it, the walk to the bridge from the parking area is free and offers a chance to see the local surroundings.
💑 Couples
Consider visiting during the late afternoon to enjoy the golden hour light, which can add a magical touch to your experience and photos. After crossing the bridge, you can explore the surrounding natural beauty or enjoy a meal in one of the local villages. Booking tickets in advance is essential to ensure a seamless visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Engineering Marvel: The 516 Arouca Bridge
The construction of such a bridge presented significant challenges, requiring careful planning and execution to ensure stability and safety while minimizing environmental impact. The design allows for a gentle sway, which some visitors find thrilling, while others might find it unnerving. The bridge's presence has significantly boosted tourism in the region, drawing visitors eager to experience its unique scale and the breathtaking vistas it offers.
Beyond its impressive statistics, the 516 Arouca Bridge is integrated into a broader network of attractions within the Arouca Geopark. Visitors often combine their bridge experience with exploring the nearby Paiva Walkways, a network of wooden boardwalks that wind along the Paiva River, showcasing the area's geological and natural heritage.
Experiencing the Thrill: What to Expect on the Bridge
Many visitors report a slight swaying motion as they walk, a natural characteristic of suspension bridges of this length. While this can be exhilarating for some, it's important to be aware of it, especially if you have a fear of heights. The bridge is designed with safety in mind, featuring sturdy railings and a well-maintained surface. The journey across typically takes about 10-15 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the scenery or take photos.
Before your visit, it's crucial to book your 516 Arouca Bridge tickets online in advance, as they are often sold out. Be sure to check the operating hours, as there might be a lunch break. The experience is often enhanced by the walk to the bridge, which allows you to soak in the local atmosphere and natural surroundings.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit