516 Arouca: Portugal’s Record-Setting Suspension Bridge
If you feel the urge to get in touch with your inner Indiana Jones, Portugal‘s newest suspension bridge will make you feel like you’re on a dangerous, epic adventure. The steel 516 Arouca bridge is the lengthiest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world. The builders of the bridge estimate that if you’re walking at a steady pace, the bridge takes a little over 10 minutes to cross.
516 Arouca offers a sweeping view of the Paiva River. Mountains, forests and even a few waterfalls are visible on all sides. 516 Arouca’s light steel construction allows pedestrians who look towards their feet as they are walking a clear view of the river below. If you are deathly afraid of heights, you should probably think twice before attempting the 10 minute trek across 516 Arouca. Unless you want to channel Indiana Jones and pretend you’re on a death-defying hunt for ancient artifacts.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- 516 Arouca pedestrian suspension bridge, Arouca Geopark, Portugal
- Coordinates
- 40.9641694, -8.1748694
- Access
- Access is by timed guided tour only; buy a ticket online and reach the assigned meeting point 15 minutes early. Cars cannot drive to the bridge. From Albisqueiros parking the walk is about 20 minutes (easier); from Areinho it can take up to 60 minutes and includes about 500 steps. Wear secure non-slip shoes; slippers and high heels are not allowed. Children under 6 are excluded; ages 6–17 need an accompanying adult. Animals are not admitted except guide dogs. Wind, storms or other unsafe conditions can close the bridge.
- Admission
- Official FAQ prices: €12 adult (18–65); €10 for ages 6–17, students with proof, and visitors over 65. Ages 0–5 cannot enter. Advance online booking for a timed visit is required; tickets are not sold at the entrances. The bridge ticket includes the Paiva Walkways on the same day. Check the ticket calendar for current availability and any date-specific price.
- Time needed
- The operator’s official FAQ says the guided visit takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, while the Arouca Geopark educational listing gives an average of 1 hour. For the public ticketed tour, allow about 90 minutes, plus a separate 20–60 minute walk from the parking/meeting point depending on the route.
- Best season
- The operator does not name a preferred season and schedules visits year-round except Christmas Day. Check the same-day operator notice and forecast: thunderstorms or strong winds can close the bridge.
- Opening hours
- For October, official guided departure times are 09:30, 11:00, 13:00, 14:30, 16:00 and 17:30. November–March: 09:30, 11:00, 14:00 and 15:30. May–September: 08:30, 10:00, 11:30, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00 and 18:30. Open year-round except Christmas Day, but weather can cause closures. Book a dated slot and check same-day notices.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-26
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-26
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