So Saturday took us on a new and exciting adventure and boy what an adventure it was. Don't let anybody tell you it's easy peasy because they'd be fibbing, I only managed the millions of steps due to the encouragement of my friend Carla and the kids aha😎
We started at Areinho which I'd read is the easiest because you get the climbing right at the beginning and then it's much easier but still it's very tough BUT don't give up because in the end you'll be so pleased you did and the scenery along the way is breath-taking!
So a bit about the Passadiços de Paiva. Like mentioned before the easiest is to start at Areinho but you can also start at Espiunça but be warned the climbing will then be near the end when you're already very tired from the 8,700 meters walking 💪
Once you get to Areinho there are 2 car parks one nearer to the Cafe/bar (you need to get there early because it fills up quicker) and another further up. There are also toilets and here you'll find a little "beach" where you can relax and take pics. Then you start your walk and not long after you come to hell's gate the mighty stairway and it's not to heaven aha Take a deep breath and make various stops (I know I did) and with courage and the help and motivation from your group you'll eventually make it to the top! From here you'll be happy to know it's mostly down hill and less tiring😉😜It is after this long decent that you'll see the River Paiva in all it's glory 🌊 We had lunch at a lovely spot in the shade but if you go early wait till you get to the praia fluvial de Vau which is a perfect place to have lunch.
The walk along the course of the river is truely gorgeous and at one point I asked Carla how far Spain was from us because just about everyone that we crossed was Spanish, oh and we found a few Brazilian as well. On second thoughts it's not unusual because I think the Passadiços have become a worldwide talked about subject due especially to the suspended bridge which from what I hear is the longest in the world, go Portugal!! Unfortunately it hadn't been inaugurated so it was still closed to tourists.
Well along the way there are a few bars and toilets so go easy aha After the last few 4kms to Espiunça where you'll also find some bars and a nice "beach" with lovely shade where you can go take a dip to cool off.
Note that whether you start off at Areinho or Espiunça there will be taxi's to take you back to your car. We took a Jeep for us 5 and it cost us 18€. It's said if you're good at negociating you can bring the price down somewhat 😉
You'll have an incredible day for the price of 2€, do take water although along the way at the bars you will be able to buy some and other goodies.
NOTE:
Reopening of Paiva Walkways - Rules to be noted by visitors
- Temperature measure at the entrance. In case of fever, you should call the Portuguese Health Line 808 24 24 24 and follow the instructions;
- Visitors must, frequently, wash their hands with an alcohol solution and, mandatorily, at the Paiva Walkways’s entrance. Visitors must have an individual alcohol gel dispenser for hand hygiene along the route;
- Respiratory etiquete rulles must be followed;
- Touching surfaces must be avoided (eg: handrails);
- Use a face mask in the following situations:
- At ticket validation (Paiva Walkways entrance and exit);
- Wc’s access;
- Eventual interaction with others;
- We acclaim not to go to Paiva Walkways if you are sick, if you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 or if you have been in an area with active community transmission in the last 14 days;
Note: Tickets sales on the entrances are not available. Tickets are available online or at Interactive Tourism Store (only for cash payments) - Only applicable on available days.
We appreciate the collaboration of all in following this rules, as well the recommendations of the health authorities for a safe and successful recovery.
http://www.passadicosdopaiva.pt/en
Areinho, where we started our adventure
