The Best Hiking Trails in Portugal: Arouca and Castelo de Paiva
- on Region
last update: 10/05/2025
The Best Hiking/Trekking/Walking Trails to Adventure in Nature in 2025: Arouca and Castelo de Paiva
Arouca and Castelo de Paiva are two of the most incredible hiking destinations in Portugal, offering walking routes which vary in difficulty, suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers. With stunning mountain landscapes and the fresh breeze of the rivers that wind through the hills, these locations are an invitation for an immersive outdoor walk, where nature reveals itself in all its fullness. The trails in Arouca and Castelo de Paiva are perfect for those seeking adventure and at the same time want to enjoy the tranquility of the countryside. Furthermore, hiking can, and should, be a sustainable experience, where you can enjoy direct contact with nature based on the offerings of local entities, which are part of the critical mass responsible for monitoring and preserving these ecosystems.
Where to stay during your hike?
This hike can be a unique opportunity to spend the night with us, at Cimo da Vinha – Nature Spot, in one of our Suites, Canastro or Glamping Tents. Cimo da Vinha is located in Castelo de Paiva (bordering Arouca and the Paiva Walkways).
The prestigious German nature tourism portal Camperguru chose the Cimo da Vinha ecotourism as one of the Top European Glampings to visit in 2025.
Contact us and we will be happy to help you plan your Walk and Stay with us!
Hiking is an unmissable activity all year round, offering unique experiences in every season, not just during spring and summer. In autumn, the landscapes of this region transform into a vibrant palette of colours, with the leaves of the trees turning golden, red and orange, creating stunning scenery. In winter, the climate is cooler and the trails are less crowded, providing a unique sense of tranquillity.
⛰️ Hiking/ Trekking/ Walking Routes in Arouca
PR Walking Trails in Arouca
🥾 14 trails 📈 from very easy to difficult 🕒 from 1,5 to 19 km
There is no better way to discover the most beautiful corners of the Arouca Geopark than on foot. The Arouca Geopark comprises a network of 14 short-distance walking trails (PR) that have played an important role in promoting the natural and cultural wealth of this UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001. During the 11 of the 14 walking trails, you can easily access 18 of the geosites in this territory, which are considered geotourism walking trails. The 14 PRs cross the entire Mining Region, the Freita Hill and the valleys of the Paiva and Arda rivers.
» To find out everything about Arouca Geopark and its Geosites, check out our article.
GR60 Walking Trail in Arouca
🥾 14 stages 📈 from easy to very difficult 🕒 from 9 to 30 km
The GR60 – Grand Route of the Magic Mountains is a 275km circular hiking trail, divided into 14 stages, which crosses several municipalities in the central/northern region of Portugal. The GR60 – Grand Route of the Magic Mountains is fully signposted in accordance with the regulations of the Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation. Crossing an area that includes 4 Special Conservation Areas of the Natura 2000 Network and a UNESCO Global Geopark, the GR60’s main attractions are nature, landscapes, biodiversity, geodiversity, valleys, rivers and mountains.
Grand Route hikers can document their adventure in a passport, one of the stamps of which is placed here, at Cimo da Vinha – nature Spot.
» To find out everything about what to see and do in Arouca, check out our artcile.
Paiva Walkways
🥾 1 trail 📈 medium 🕒 8 km
The Paiva Walkways are one of Portugal’s most iconic trails, offering a unique experience as you walk along the banks and steep ravines of the Paiva River. This walking trail is approximately 8 km long and runs through a stunning area of wilderness, with panoramic views of the river and the surrounding mountains. The trail follows the course of the Paiva River, crossing areas of rich vegetation, with an abundance of native flora and wildlife. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the river’s crystal-clear rapids and pools, as well as some waterfalls and stunning views over the valley.
» To find out everything about the Paiva Walkways and the 516 Arouca Bridge, check our artcile.
Arda River Ecoway (Pedestrian) in Arouca
🥾 1 trail 📈 medium 🕒 11 km
Located in the heart of the Arouca valley, the Arda Ecoway runs through six parishes – Arouca and Burgo, Rossas, Santa Eulália, Urrô, Várzea and Tropeço – following the course of the Arda River. Along its almost 11 kilometres, you will discover life in the valley and its rich natural and cultural heritage, the latter indelibly marked by the cultivation of the land. Learn more about this valley by consulting the panels along the route, which provide information on the geology, biodiversity and history of this part of the Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark.
⛰️ Hiking/ Trekking/ Walking Routes in Castelo de Paiva
PayvaPé
🥾 10 trails 📈 de easy a difficult 🕒 from 9 to 17 km
PayvaPé is a network of walking trails that was designed by the Centro Sol Nascente Youth Association, following on from other work related to trails, sports and the promotion of local heritage. There are 10 trails that go through all the parishes of the municipality of Castelo de Paiva, totaling 120 km, where you can discover several natural and historical points of interest. Volunteers from all over the municipality, with extensive knowledge of the area, are part of this project. Find out more and download the maps here.
» To find out everything about what to see and do in Castelo de Paiva, check out our artcile.
PR Walking Trails in Castelo de Paiva
🥾 2 trails 📈 medium 🕒 from 7 to 9 km
There are two short walking trails (PR) in Castelo de Paiva. PR1 – Island of Loves is a circular circuit of just 7 km that crosses the Fornos area, with its main points of interest being the Island of Loves and Castelo beach, on the Douro River, at the mouth of the Paiva River. PR2 – Old Mining Trails crosses the old mining area of the lower municipality of Castelo de Paiva and its abandoned buildings, from the old coal extraction. This trail is also circular and is 9 km long.
Living the Douro Route
🥾 1 trail 📈 medium 🕒 11 km
This linear walking trail (10.7 km) connects Choupal das Concas beach (Pedorido) and the centre of Santa Maria de Sardoura, along the south bank of the Douro River, on a route that includes wooden walkways, dirt tracks and bridges. Old mills, the schist villages of Gondarém and Midões, and viewpoints shaped like rabelo boats are just some of the attractions on this trail that starts on the legendary National Road 222.
» To know everything abou the National Road 222, check out our artcile.
GR60 Walking Trail in Castelo de Paiva
🥾 14 stages 📈 from easy to very difficult 🕒 from 9 to 30 km
The GR60 – Grand Route of the Magic Mountains is a 275km circular hiking trail, divided into 14 stages, which crosses several municipalities in the central/northern region of Portugal. The GR60 – Grand Route of the Magic Mountains is fully signposted in accordance with the regulations of the Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation. Crossing an area that includes 4 Special Conservation Areas of the Natura 2000 Network and a UNESCO Global Geopark, the GR60’s main attractions are nature, landscapes, biodiversity, geodiversity, valleys, rivers and mountains.
Grand Route hikers can document their adventure in a passport, one of the stamps of which is placed here, at Cimo da Vinha – nature Spot.
📋 What to Pack for a Hike: Essential Hiking/Trekking Gear List
A hiker in nature should always carry and have with him, to ensure his safety and comfort, the following list of materials:
Comfortable backpack – To carry all your items in an organized and effortless way;
Suitable clothing – Layers of clothing (technical, breathable and waterproof fabric) that allow adaptation to weather conditions;
Trekking boots – With good grip and support for the feet and ankles;
Water and reusable bottle – Staying hydrated is essential, especially on longer trails;
Energy snacks – Cereal bars, dried fruit or chocolate, to replenish energy during the walk;
Map or GPS – To ensure you are on the right path, especially on unfamiliar trails;
Sunscreen and sunglasses – To protect your skin and eyes from UV rays, even on cloudy days;
Waterproof backpack or rain cover – To protect equipment in case of bad weather;
First aid – A basic kit with dressings, compresses, disinfectant, personal medications and painkillers;
Pocket knife or multi-purpose knife – For emergencies or small adjustments while hiking;
Flashlight or headlight – If the walk extends until dusk or for emergency situations;
Trekking poles (optional) – To provide more stability on uneven or slippery terrain;
Foot protection – Such as talcum powder or tape to prevent blisters;
Power bank – If you need to charge your cell phone or electronic devices;
Camera or mobile phone – To capture beautiful landscapes and special moments.
🚴 Cycling/Mountain Biking Routes and Trails in Arouca and Castelo de Paiva
As a bonus, we will also list the adventure bike trails that are close to Cimo da Vinha – Nature Spot.
Green Trails MTB in Castelo de Paiva
🚴 2 trails 📈 from easy to medium 🕒 from 12 to 31 km
Trilhos Verdes is a project that allows you to explore the interior of Castelo de Paiva and its natural beauty by bike, following unusual trails that lead to villages and authentic places. “Trilhos Verdes BTT allows you to discover this region in a different way: strolling through villages with narrow streets, where beautiful, ornate churches, houses with elaborate coats of arms and pretty balconies, almost always covered in flowers, stand out”. There are two trails: Vineyard Trail: 12 km long, it focuses on vineyards and forest areas, overlooking the Sardoura River valley, in an intoxicating contact with nature, enhancing proximity to the rural world. Mining Trail: 31 km long, this route cuts through the entire Pejão’s Mining Territory along the old paths that miners used to walk to work, also passing through some of the routes of the old railway locomotives that brought coal from the mines to the Douro River.
Arda River Ecoway (Cycling) in Arouca
🚴 1 trail 📈 difficult🕒 50 km
Circular cycling route with a level of difficulty that requires some preparation. It is suitable for cyclists of all levels and runs along sections in good condition, mostly paved. The route is approximately 50 km long, with over 1000 metres of accumulated climbing and an intermediate participant should be able to complete it in around 3 and a half hours.
Arouca Mountain Bike Routes and Trails
🚴 3 trails 📈 medium 🕒 from 13 to 25 km
Rotas e Trilhos is the name of a program to promote physical activity that Arouca City Council is developing in partnership with BTT Arouca. The program consists of launching mountain bike challenges through the corners of the Arouca Geopark territory. The aim is to promote physical exercise in nature and a healthy lifestyle. The challenges take place in complete autonomy of the participant using GPS and registration on the Strava platform.
GR60 – Grand Route of the Magical Mountains | Mountain Bike Route
🚴 8 stages 📈 from medium to difficult 🕒 from 26 to 50 km
The GR60 – Great Route of the Magic Mountains is a circular route that is divided into 8 mountain bike stages, all of which are duly signposted in accordance with the regulations of the FCMP – Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation and the FPC – Portuguese Cycling Federation. It is a circular route that runs along the Gralheira massifs (Freita, Arada and Arestal mountains) and Montemuro, between the Douro and Vouga rivers. It crosses the geographical area of 7 municipalities in the center/north of Portugal – Arouca, Castelo de Paiva, Castro Daire, Cinfães, São Pedro do Sul, Sever do Vouga and Vale de Cambra – as well as 4 sites of the Natura 2000 Network – Freita and Arada mountains, Montemuro mountains, Paiva river and Vouga river, and 1 UNESCO Global Geopark – the Arouca Geopark. The Grand Route of the Magic Mountains, on the mountain bike route, has a total length of 280 km. Find out everything and plan it here.
cover photo by © GR60 – Grande Rota das Montanhas Mágicas
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Cimo da Vinha is a Nature Tourism development in Castelo de Paiva, on the border with Arouca, between the Paiva and Douro rivers. Its team is made up entirely of local workers with a deep knowledge of the regional geography and its traditions. This knowledge of the territory is one of our biggest differentiators. This understanding of the territory is at the service not only of our guests but also of this Blog.



