Arouca: Complete Travel Guide

Arouca is a small and charming town in northern Portugal. Known for its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and welcoming atmosphere, Arouca is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those looking to explore Portugal's rich cultural heritage. From the thrill of crossing the famous 516 Arouca Bridge to discovering the historic center and tasting traditional convent sweets, Arouca has something for everyone.

Essential information about Arouca

• Country: Portugal
• Language: Portuguese
• Currency: Euro (EUR)
• Time zone: GMT+0 (WET) / GMT+1 in summer
• Location: 75 km from Porto (1h by car), 280 km from Lisbon (3h by car)
• Visa: Brazilians do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days in the Schengen area
• Travel insurance: Mandatory for entering the Schengen area, with minimum coverage of 30,000 euros. Find your travel insurance here!

Required documents

• Passport: Valid with at least 3 months beyond your return date
• Return ticket: Proof of departure from the Schengen area
• Financial proof: Bank statements or proof of income
• Accommodation proof: Hotel reservation or invitation letter
• Travel insurance: With minimum coverage of 30,000 euros in medical expenses

Tickets: 516 Bridge and Passadiços do Paiva

Book in advance. Both the 516 Bridge and the Passadiços do Paiva have limited capacity and tickets sell out quickly, especially on spring and summer weekends. Book on the official website passadicosdopaiva.pt.

• 516 Arouca Bridge: ~€12 per person
• Passadiços do Paiva: ~€9 per person
• Combined package: available at a discount

Internet and SIM card in Arouca

• Local SIM card: Buy in Porto or Lisbon before arriving. NOS, MEO and Vodafone offer prepaid plans from €10–15.
• International eSIM: A practical option to activate before boarding, without swapping your physical SIM card. Check out Airalo, our eSIM partner.
• Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels and restaurants in the town.