Arouca Geopark

Arouca Geopark, in the municipality of Arouca, is 328 km2 large and comprises 41 geological sites (or geosites) recognised internationally for their value and uniqueness. Some of the most notable ones are the birthing stones of Castanheira, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the world; the giant trilobites of Canelas; and the trace fossils of Vale do Paiva.

You can explore the geopark through sport and adventure, as there are several hiking and mountain bike trails. And if you really want to get your adrenalin pumping, we recommend the kayaking and rafting activities on the Paiva River.

We also highly recommend the Paiva Walkways, which now include access to the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world, Arouca’s 516 Bridge.

Lastly, we’d like to recommend visiting the municipality’s many traditional towns or exploring the cultural heritage of Arouca, especially the Arouca Monastery, an impressive granite building that is more than 800 years old and home to the unique Museum of Holy Art.