What to do and see in Arouca, Northern Portugal: The Best Sightseeing Tours

The 8 km route of the Paiva Walkways crosses what has always been one the most remote and inhospitable areas of the valley, the Paiva´s Gorge. Guardian of a singular Biodiversity, this enchanted valley still hides many stories related to its geological formation and the geographical importance that it had in the human occupation of this territory throughout the times. In this tour, we propose a true "journey" in time and in the surrounding landscape. Our local guides, with adequate training, will make you understand the landscape that surrounds you in terms of Biodiversity, Geodiversity, Archeology, Historical-Cultural Aspects and White Water Sports. Since your comfort is important to us, our Walking Tour on the Paiva Walkways includes a picnic with local products, water, juices and a hot drink on cooler days.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide along the walk., Photo Report , Personal Accident Insurance, Ticket to the Paiva Walkways , Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request., Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request.

A jeep tour through the Plateau of Freita Mountain, by road and with some off-road experiences in a route that links some of the main places of interest of the Arouca Geopark. In this tour you will have the opportunity to visit some archaeological sites such as "Portela da Anta" and "Calçada Romana", to visit and understand some geological phenomenons such as "Birth giving Stones", "Giant Potholes", "Bread Rocks" and "Frecha da Mizarela "(The highest waterfall in mainland Portugal!) and to enjoy unique panoramas from the view point of "Detrelo da Malhada" or the tower of the Serra da Freita Weather Radar, from where you can observe the most important mountains of the center and north of Portugal and even see the ocean!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Snacks, Coffee and/or Tea, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide , Photo Report , Personal Accident Insurance, Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

A Jeep scenic drive alongside mountain roads and the steep slopes of the Arada Mountain Range, including the once-feared "Portal do Inferno" (Hell's Gate) road. On a visit to the village of Refoufe (and Rio de Frades on the Day Tour) we will travel back in time, to a period when these mountains witnessed unpredictable moments of human auspices, due to the mining exploitation of both "German" and "Allied" Forces during the last century two World Wars. An incursion into the magical village of Drave. Deserted, uninhabited and isolated in a deep and almost inaccessible valley (can only be accessed by Jeep or foot), this schist village owns an inspiring beauty that will make you reflect on the simplicity and difficulties of rural Man's life in times past.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Snacks, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide, Photo Report, Personal Accident Insurance, Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request., Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request.

OUTCROP invites you to discover the beauty of the natural heritage of Serra da Freita through the watchful eye of a Geologist. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, we decided to adopt the recommendations of the Clean & Safe certification, which aim to minimize the risk to all participants. Being a personalized experience and carried out outdoors, it has, by itself, a lower associated risk. Between car and hiking routes, we will go through the granites and shales of Serra da Freita, between the villages of Albergaria da Serra, Merujal and Castanheira, and the springs of the Caima river. We will see breathtaking panoramic views of the central and northern regions of Portugal, which will allow us to know the geomorphology of this vast region. We will observe imposing waterfalls, rare nodules, "redoubled" folds, typical villages, ancestral practices and vestiges of ancient peoples, where geology is the vehicle to understand the whole landscape, or if we were not in the Arouca Geopark.

Inclusions: Private transportation, Air-conditioned vehicle, Geologist Guide, Sending photos, Differentiation of prices with the number of travelers

Exclusions: I recommend that each participant bring something to have a picnic in the middle of the experience., Other points of departure and transfers upon prior consultation., Mask (OUTCROP can also supply - plus 1 euro / unit)

Walking at more than 1000 meters of altitude by ancestral paths, on this tour you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the main geological phenomenons of the Arouca Geopark. Here, you will be amazed by the beauty of Frecha da Mizarela - the highest waterfall in mainland Portugal, you will understand the phenomenon of Pedras Parideiras (rocks that give birth) which is unique in the World, you will be amazed by the Biodiversity that the rugged relief of the mountain preserved until nowadays, and realize the historical importance of this place through the marks of the ancient human presence in this plateau. A truly mountainous walk, full of historical and landscaping experiences and nature.

Inclusions: Snacks, Bottled water, All Fees and Taxes, Interpretative Guide, Photo Report, Personal Accident Insurance, Private transportation

Exclusions: Typical meal can be reserved under request, Pick-up and drop-off outside Arouca. We can provide it under request

An adventure in nature, with breathtaking landscapes, natural, biological, geological, archaeological and historical wealth ... all in one script. Where also includes the gastronomy, namely the conventual sweets.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Bottled water

Exclusions: Not included - Meals, entrance costs at the places to visit.

A Full Day or 2 Day Private Tour through the amazing landscapes of the Paiva river, on a 9km walk through the banks of the river and it's wooden walkways built within the natural landscape. The main attraction of this tour is a High Difficulty walk, not suitable for children and people with mobility restrictions. To accomplish the full 8.7km walk you will need good fitness levels and climb or descend several flights of stairs. There is an option to do the half walk through the easier end, and returning to the starting point. This option is easier, and can be discussed with your guide on the day of the tour. As this attraction is far from Lisbon, you may consider making a Night Stop in one nearby city, and touring the nearby region on the second day: Arouca/Aveiro - Visit Arouca and the Aveiro canals. Possibility of visiting Coimbra. Porto - City tour of Porto. Possibility of visiting Guimarães or Braga Viseu - City tour of Viseu, or visit the Douro Valley and Wine region.

Inclusions: Private minivan or sedan according to your choice, Arouca Geopark fees, WiFi, Bottled water, Parkings and tolls, Insurance as required by law

Exclusions: Personal expenses (souvenirs, etc), Meals, Hotel nights if multi day options are selected

4x4 private tour through Serra de S. Macário. The route to S. Macário is through roads that seem to be endless and lost on the horizon.  Curve after curve, the landscape reveals little secrets that hide behind each mountain.  Do you accept our invitation to discover the lost villages?

Inclusions: All activities, Driver/guide, Lunch, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Insurance, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities

The river beach of Espiunca it's located in one of the shores of the Paiva River. This is the starting point for a unique and unforgettable trip.  One of the main points of passage of this watercourse is the municipality of Arouca, where the Passadiços do Paiva were built. This journey of 8 km through nature will certainly please you . The Passadiços do Paiva are located on the left bank of the Paiva River, in Arouca. It is 8 km that provide an "untouched" walk, surrounded by landscapes of unparalleled beauty, in an authentic natural sanctuary, next to descents of wild waters. The route extends between the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, between the two, the Vau beach. A journey through biology, geology and archeology that will surely be in the heart, soul and mind of any nature lover. The famous arouquesa steak is served at  Areinho beach, at the end of the walkways. Meat and green wine are the delicious menu.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Lunch, Local guide, Hotel pickup (selected hotels only), Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks, unless specified, Gratuities

THE WALKWAYS Passadiços do Paiva won the Best Adventure Attraction Award. It is the first worldwide recognition of this tourist attraction in Arouca that has already received almost one million visitors. The Project has almost nine kilometers of paths of dirt and wooden staircases

Inclusions: National Park fees, Bottled water, Driver/escort, Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected), Private tour

Exclusions: Drinks, Food and drinks, Lunch, Gratuities