The wonders of Arouca, Portugal that you need to know

Arouca offers a variety of tourist attractions, from ancient monasteries to stunning hiking trails and even the famous Paiva walkways.

Arouca may be best known for its walkways along the Paiva River and the largest pedestrian bridge in Portugal, Ponte 516, but it is still a picturesque city that receives a lot of tourists with the aim of discovering the natural beauties where it is located.

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This post is a two-day itinerary, to the most interesting points near Arouca and even in Arouca. On one of the days we visited the Serra de Freita and on the other we walked along the Paiva walkway. In the remaining time, we walk through the city of Arouca.

Arouca is located in the north of the country, close to the city of Porto. On the following map locate Arouca on the map of Portugal. The walkways and bridge 516 are located between Arouca and Alvarenga.

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The Monastery of Arouca is one of the main highlights of the village. This monastery was founded in 996 and is an impressive example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Its interior is adorned with several altars and some frescoes, which make this monastery an unmissable visit.

In the future, an unused part of the Monastery will be converted into a hotel.

Next to the Monastery, there is a very pleasant small garden and also some street shops where handicrafts and traditional sweets cakes. Arouca is famous for its pão-de-ló.

In the village of Arouca, it is also possible to enjoy two more green spaces and an Ecovia of several km that follows a small stream and connects Arouca to other nearby locations. For lovers of nature, hiking, and outdoor sports, there is always plenty to do.

Around of Arouca

For nature lovers, the Passadiços do Paiva are an unmissable attraction. This 8 km pedestrian path follows the Paiva River and offers spectacular views of the mountains and the river rapids. Visitors can also enjoy other pedestrian routes, cycling, and other outdoor activities that can be carried out in the surroundings of Arouca.

Another natural attraction in Arouca is Serra da Freita. This impressive mountain offers panoramic and breathtaking views. Along the mountain, we find several pedestrian trails, specific areas for climbing, and other outdoor activities, such as the enjoyment of waterfalls and river beaches. It is, without a doubt, a point in favor of Serra de Freita, on the outskirts of Arouca.

Suggestions of activities in Arouca and surroundings

Serra da Freita is part of the Arouca Geopark. For lovers of Geology, the GeoPark takes us to discover unique rock formations in the country, such as the Parideiras stones. In the center of the city, you will find the tourist agency and a lot of information about the GeoPark and if you go through the Serra da Freita you will come across many of the points identified on the existing maps.

See in our other articles what there is still to discover in the region of Arouca

One of the aspects that never disappoints us is Portuguese cuisine when we find ourselves in the interior regions of the country. Arouca was no exception and when we were greeted at the door of the apartment, we soon learned that we would have to try the “Bife de Alvarenga” because it is a traditional dish that does not disappoint visitors. And we soon got to know two restaurants that we couldn’t help but try. The Restaurante República and the Restaurante, which curiously are opposite each other. Give it a try, you won’t regret it, and make a reservation as they are usually full.

In addition to the good food, there are also the sweets that jump out at you as soon as you enter the city. Here, Paõ-de-ló from Arouca is king. It is found in all pastry shops and is a beautiful delicacy. We bought two and we didn’t regret it!

Arouca is located in the north of the country, close to Porto, between the A1 and A24 motorways. Leaving any of these motorways, you will have to take the rest of the route via national road 224 (coming from the A1) or through national road 225 (coming from the A24). The surface is in good condition but the curves are constant for several kilometers.

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Arouca has become well known for its investment in nature tourism in recent years and currently, there are not many hotels in Arouca and its surroundings, but the local accommodation in the city and in the villages already allows an easy choice in order to meet your ideal. We chose to stay in Arouca and we didn’t regret it. This way it was easy to eat out and the destinations were always very close. See all our suggestions.

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With its natural beauty, rich history, and culture, Arouca is a tourist destination that is sure to please all visitors. With its strategic location in the north of Portugal, Arouca is easy to reach from other parts of the country. If you are looking for an enchanting getaway in Portugal, Arouca is the perfect choice.