Passadiços do Paiva, a popular tourist destination within Portugal’s Arouca UNESCO Global Geopark, won the title of “Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2023” at the World Travel Awards after competing against four other well-known destinations.
The awards ceremony took place on the evening of Friday, September 29, 2023, in the culturally rich city of Batumi, located in the heart of Georgia, as informed by a news report in Schengen Visa.
For the past six years, Passadiços do Paiva has retained the title, and this year, it faced competition from popular attractions such as Chamonix-Mont-Blanc in France, Kalevala in Poland, The Fragas de São Simão Walkways in Portugal, and The Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland.
Along with this award, Portugal won 17 other European awards in different categories.
It is a distinction that praises the excellence of our tourism and its unique recovery after the pandemic. Portugal, throughout its territory, is the best European destination. I would also like to congratulate all the companies and territories that have also won awards in different categories. Said Nuno Fazenda, Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services.
Known as “The Paiva Walkways,” the captivating destination in Arouca, Portugal, offers an eight-kilometre wooden walkway that winds its way alongside the Pavia River. The pathway’s twists and turns make it an appealing spot for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of the area.
The influx of tourists to Passadiços do Paiva has steadily increased in recent years. In 2015, it welcomed approximately 300,000 visitors, but by 2021, this number had surged to 1.2 million, clearly reflecting the upward trend in tourism in the area.
When visiting Passadiços do Paiva, one can explore a history spanning over a thousand years and uncover captivating geosites. The Paiva Walkways grant access to two recreational areas and a spot for a refreshing dip, ensuring travellers can cool off at the beginning, middle, and end of their trip.
Beginning the adventure from Areinho proves to be a strategic decision as it enables one to tackle the most demanding part of the hike right from the start, preventing exhaustion later on.
The entire trail extends over a distance of 8.7 kilometres in one direction, and it doubles for visitors deciding to go back and forth. For a peaceful hiking experience, setting out in the early morning proves to be one of the most peaceful times to explore its beauty and avoid the crowds.
Visitors have the option to secure their tickets at the town centre, referred to as Loja Interativa de Turismo de Arouca. Alternatively, they may choose to purchase their tickets before entering. The daily visitor limit is, however, restricted to 2500 individuals.
“Europe’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction” welcomes visitors year-round, yet it truly shines in the warmer seasons, particularly during the splendid days of spring and the serene days of autumn. Given that there are limited shaded areas along the trail, opting for an excursion during these seasons is a wiser choice.
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