Beautiful walkways of central Portugal

In the recent years, several wooden walkways have been built in Portugal, offering a completely new opportunities of having closer contact with nature. In Portuguese, they are called "Passadiços", and definitely the most famous one are the Paiva Walkways ("Passadiços do Paiva") in the middle of the River Paiva gorge. These paths are usually easily walkable so families and even elderly people can use it, and still they pass through the areas otherwise impossible to access. Not so adventurous, but definitely a great way to spend a calm day outdoors. Here I will share with you some of my favourite ones. 

Esmoriz Walkways

This circular route is eight kilometres long, situated between Ovar and Espinho and it reveals the beauty of Lagoa de Paramos, the biggest lagoon of this part of Portugal. Above the pond you will find a long wooden bridge, a great viewpoint and the best place to take photos of the surroundings. Here, you will find yourself surrounded by many shades of green and listening to birds' singing. The place is very peaceful, perfect for an afternoon visit that can be done on foot or by bicycle.

Lagoa de Paramos / Barrinha de Esmoriz

Barrinha de Esmoriz, Tv. da Barrinha, 4500 Esmoriz, Portugal

Ovar

Largo Serpa Pinto 10, 3880-137 Ovar, Portugal

Aveiro Walkways

Aveiro is famous for its breathtaking lagoon, Ria de Aveiro, which is classified as a Special Protected Zone. The lagoon in fact is not very accessible, and only some parts of it can be visited walking. A few years ago, a walkway was constructed, passing through the areas of the lagoon that were otherwise difficult to reach. Aveiro Walkways ("Passadiços") can be done starting from the very city center (Canal de São Roque). At the moment, the path is about 8 kilometres long, but there's a plan to construct more. In total, 23 kilometres will be done, going all the way to Estarreja, glorifying this truly unique landscape.  The highlight of the walk is different waterbird and wetland bird species. The best is to visit at sunset, walking, jogging, or by bicycle.

Aveiro

Aveiro, Portugal

Canal de S. Roque

Antigo Cais de S. Roque, 3800 Aveiro, Portugal

Cais de Esgueira

R. de Santa Luzia 55, 3800-306, Portugal

Paiva Walkways

Paiva Walkways ("Passadiços do Paiva") were the first widely famous "passadiços" in Portugal. This brilliant project that celebrates contact with nature has been awarded several times, and is competing this year once again for the "Best Adventure Tourism Attraction of the World 2018". Passadiços do Paiva walk is moderately challenging (much more than the Aveiro Walkways!) but it's packed with points of interest when it comes to biology, geology and archeology. The path is linear (connecting Areinho and Espiunca villages), 8.7 kilometres long, and usually takes 2h30min to be completed. 

Arouca geopark

Rua Alfredo Vaz Pinto, 4540-118 Arouca, Portugal

Passadiços do Paiva

XQRP+X9 Espiunca, Portugal