The Paiva Walkways

In the Arouca town in the Northern area of Portugal, enjoying a walk in nature has become a truly unique experience thanks to an innovative project completed by the Trimétrica engineering firm. Commissioned by the municipality, these walkways aim to take visitors through a special journey in a natural landscape, entering areas that were previously hard to reach or even inaccessible on foot. The Paiva walkways are made of solid wood and preserve the integrity of the area, while minimizing their impact on the natural landscape.

Winding steps twist and turn through sheer rock formations and cliffs, some take visitors to lush green vegetation, while other walkways provide breathtaking views across the valley. Here, you can admire the rushing Paiva river as well as clam, crystal blue waters or striking waterfalls. Strategic view points were added along the route to provide stunning panoramas and welcome resting spaces, while narrow wooden bridges guide the visitors across the restless river. Spanning 8 kilometers, these beautiful walkways help urban dwellers reconnect to nature and walk through a pristine natural area in a peaceful pilgrimage that ultimately pays homage to nature. Photography by Nelson Garrido.