PORTUGAL Portuguese Sites to See- Wood Walkway- Passadiços do Cerro da Candosa - Central/ Northern
- mcoelho813
- Oct 12, 2025
- 5 min read
Best Sites to Visit in CENTRAL Portugal
Have you visited the walkways at Cerro da Candosa yet? These amazing walkways were completed in February 2022. They offer spectacular views across the valley of the River Ceira, in the municipality of Góis. There are many local legends associated with this viewpoint, where the Chapel of Senhora da Candosa also stands. The walkways stretch 600 meters long and comprise 450 steps. This is a small price to pay for those breathtaking views.
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Daredevil Activities in Portugal
Wooden Walkways Over the Canyon and Around the Mountain
The walkways cross a rocky gorge, which ends in a river canyon known as Cabril or Portas do Ceira. Here, the Ceira River, a tributary of the Mondego, has cut across a rocky ridge. According to Alberto Machado, this area has great potential for extreme sports, such as abseiling or climbing. From June 6th to 12th, the walkways will host the 1st International Festival of Slacklines. This event will feature around 200 participants, with 90% being foreigners. The mayor has announced that 15 ropes of different sizes will be mounted, some as narrow as 2.5 centimeters, allowing visitors to watch along the entire course of the walkways.
Portuguese sites to see
Extreme Sports in Portugal
The walkways offer thrilling experiences for adventure seekers. The rocky gorge and the river canyon create an ideal setting for various extreme sports. Whether you are interested in climbing or trying your hand at slacklining, the opportunities are abundant. The festival will showcase the best of these activities, drawing enthusiasts from around the world.
The Entrance to the Wooden Walkways
As mentioned, the Cerro da Candosa Walkways are located near Vila Nova do Ceira in the municipality of Góis. The entrance is next to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Candosa, just over 3 km from the center of Vila Nova do Ceira and 8 km from Góis.
What is the Cost to Walk the Wooden Walkway?
Fee: There is no fee to walk the wooden walkways.
Wheelchair Friendly: Unfortunately, this area is not handicap-friendly.
When to Visit the Wooden Walkways
Avoid rainy days, as the stairs can be slippery.
Avoid hot summer afternoons due to limited shade.
In summer, you can enjoy refreshing dips in the wild river beach of Cabril do Ceira or in the fantastic river beaches of Góis, such as Peneda Fluvial Beach and Pego Escuro Fluvial Beach. These are among the best river beaches in Central Portugal (Penacova is my favorite).
What to Bring for a Successful Trip
Comfortable footwear suitable for walking.
Food and drink for a picnic after the hike, as restaurants are scarce in this area.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
A smartphone to capture the best moments of your walk.
A bag to carry your garbage.
A backpack to carry everything.
Binoculars for distant views.
DAY TRIP ITINERARY for Nature Lovers
The spectacular Paiva Walkways are perfect for nature lovers who want to see idyllic landscapes. You’ll have a carefree day from the onset with round-trip transfers provided. Avoid long visitor lines by having an entrance ticket to Paiva Walkways included. After exploring the walkways, you’ll visit Aveiro on foot, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the canals, and also visit the Costa Nova fishing village. This romantic area is known as the Portuguese Venice—Aveiro. Experience incredible scenery by walking along the Paiva Walkways. No need to book transport—hotel pickup and drop-off are provided. An enchanting boat ride along the Aveiro river canals is included. Portuguese sites to see.
Read more about From Porto: Aveiro, Paiva Walkways + Arouca 516 Footbridge.
The 516 Bridge in Portugal
The 516 Arouca Bridge is the largest pedestrian suspension bridge in Europe. It is located in Arouca, in the Aveiro district, Portugal, next to the famous Passadiços do Paiva. The bridge is approximately 1 hour south of Porto. Getting there can be a challenge since there are no direct roads or highways. We traveled along small local roads with many bends and turns. Be patient; the climb and challenge to get there are well worth the trip. We parked at the top of a hill and walked down a steep cobblestone path, winding around a small town, until we arrived at the bridge. There are no stores or shops nearby.
The Name
With a length of 516 meters and an elevation of 175 meters, it connects the banks of the Paiva River. Crossing the bridge offers breathtaking views over Garganta do Paiva and Cascata das Aguieiras, both geosites of the UNESCO Arouca Geopark. The name "516 Bridge" comes from the length of the bridge itself.
The Experience
Waiting to enter the bridge made me feel nervous and a bit anxious. I wondered if I should change my mind. The guide opened the gated door, and we entered as a group. The bridge was longer and narrower than I imagined. The bottom had small openings that allowed me to see through. I walked across the bridge slowly, my legs shaking, taking deep breaths. My husband walked across with ease. Hearing the river flowing beneath us was thrilling. I told myself not to look down, but I did anyway. We were high above the noisy river, and I could see rocks, boulders, and bubbles below. I stopped a few times to gather my balance.
VERY IMPORTANT
You must purchase tickets online and reserve a time to cross the bridge. Guided trips in English and Portuguese are available every hour and last 40 minutes. Tours can start on either side of the bridge. You cannot wear heels. Bring a sweater; it gets windy. Bring water, as there are no places to buy anything, and there are no bathrooms. The bridge is extremely remote.
Mondego Walkways
The Mondego Walkways are located in the heart of Serra da Estrela Natural Park and the UNESCO Estrela Geopark. This brand-new natural attraction runs along the River Mondego and two tributaries, Ribeiro do Barrocal and Rio Caldeirão, covering about 11.5 km. Of this, 6.7 km are over wooden walkways, some flat and others on stairs. The rest of the route is made along existing tracks and paths. Three suspension bridges were built, and the Ribas bridge was renovated. These walkways start in the Mountain Village of Videmonte and continue to the Caldeirão Dam, crossing several charming villages along the way.
Paths of Faith in Central Portugal
The Paths of Santiago and Fatima allow you to see small villages, walk old roads, eat local delicacies, and embrace nature. You can feel the pride of Portugal as you witness its mountainous landscapes and enjoy the religious freedom cherished by many.
The Portuguese Way of Santiago de Compostela extends from south to north, traveling through welcoming towns that offer local wine, honey, bread, and treats. Each stage of the path is unique and should be traveled at your own pace. The journey ends at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built at the burial site of the Apostle Santiago.
The Paths of Fatima allow walkers to travel through rural towns, embracing the scenery and tranquility of the area. As you approach the Basilica, a sense of calm envelops you. Your body relaxes, your breathing slows, and you sense the spiritual atmosphere of the open area. You see people praying, crawling around the Chapel, holding rosaries, kneeling in the Church, and walking toward the candle area. In this moment, you feel part of the universe, embraced by a sense of peace.
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