Sarah Riches | 11 May 2021
Portugal reveals the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge
Known as Arouca 516, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge has opened near the city of Porto
Known as Arouca 516, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge has opened near the city of Porto
Two years in the making, the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge has opened in Arouca Geopark, an hour’s drive south east of the city of Porto. Its name, Arouca 516, comes from its location and length, as it’s 516m long.
The bridge is made from steel cables which hang between concrete pillars, 175m above the River Paiva. Gaps in the floor mean visitors can see the river raging beneath their feet.
The footbridge overlooks the gorge and Aguieiras waterfall, which are both geosites in the UNESCO Arouca Geopark. A Geopark is an area of special geological heritage; Arouca Geopark is treasured for its fossils.
It takes 10 minutes to walk across the bridge. Visitors can also traverse the gorge on boardwalks stretching 8km or explore the park by canoe, kayak or on foot – as well as the waterfall, the area is home to Neolithic graves, Roman ruins, abandoned mines and an old monastery.
For more information visit: aroucageopark.pt
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.