Explore nearby attractions

Quinta do Pomarinho offers not only moments of relaxation but also a variety of activities that you won't want to miss. Breathe in the fresh air of the Serra da Freita while you walk along a hiking trail, or challenge your limits on a mountain bike ride, among other activities. But if you prefer a quieter and more cultural program, get to know the Monastery or the Geological Interpretation Centre of Canelas in detail, discovering a rich heritage that will surely make you return to our company.

The Arouca Geopark, corresponding to the administrative area of the Municipality of Arouca, is recognized for its exceptional Geological Heritage of international relevance, with particular emphasis on the giant Trilobites of Canelas, the Parideiras Stones of Castanheira and the Ichnofossils of the Paiva Valley.

The valuable and unique Geological Heritage inventoried, covering a total of 41 geosites, forms the basis of the Arouca Geopark project, combined with a territorial development strategy that will ensure its protection, promotion and use. At the same time and in a complementary way, other important values are associated, such as archaeological, ecological, historical, sporting and/or cultural values, as well as the promotion of the region's ethnography, handicrafts and gastronomy, with a view to attracting high quality tourism based on the values of Nature and Culture. Many of these sites of interest are integrated into the intense Network of Walking Trails, a total of 13, with a view to enhancing and publicizing and promoting this invaluable heritage.

The entity responsible for managing the Arouca Geopark is AGA - Arouca Geopark Association.

Text and images taken from www.aroucageopark.pt

The Geosites

In the Arouca Geopark there are 41 geosites (sites of geological interest) that stand out for their uniqueness and remarkable value from a scientific, educational and/or tourist point of view. They are highly relevant, with emphasis on four geosites of international importance.

You can find out more about the Arouca Geopark at www.aroucageopark.pt

Interpretation Center

Saint Anthony Street
Castanheira - Albergaria da Serra
4540-012 - Arouca

Phones: 256 484 093 | 256 940 254

Visits for groups by appointment

Price List Individual Visits:
Normal ticket - 2,5€
Student and Senior (>65) - 2€
Visits for Groups (+ 8 people) - 2€/person

Find out more at www.aroucageopark.pt

The Canelas Geological Interpretation Center is now a unique example of cooperation between the mining industry and science. This work is the realization of a dream of the managing partner of the company Ardósias Valério & Figueiredo, Lda., who, after showing an unusual sensitivity to the protection of the extraordinary fossils collected in the quarry, decided to go ahead with the construction of this important and beautiful infrastructure, for which he had the support of the company itself and the Integrated Rural Development Association of the Montemuro, Arada and Gralheira Mountains (ADRIMAG).

This building is currently the headquarters of an ambitious project for the future, which aims to create the Arouca Geopark and have it recognized by the European Geoparks Network, a subsidiary of UNESCO, as of 2008, allowing for the sustained development of this wonderful region, based on high-quality scientific tourism.

Opening hours:
2.tuesdays to Fridays: from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m
saturdays and Sundays: 3pm to 5pm

Prices
guided tours of the CIGC: €2 (€1 for students)
guided tours of the CIGC + processing plant + quarry: €4 (€1.5 students)
guided tours of the CIGC + "Paleozoic route" walking trail: €6 (€2.5 students)

It was in its shadow that Arouca was born and grew. Considered the largest granite monument in Portugal, the Monastery of Arouca was a refuge for the daughters of kings and nobles. Built in the 10th century, it was bequeathed to D. Mafalda in 1200 by D. Sancho I, her father and King of Portugal. It was during her patronage that the monastery left the Order of St. Benedict and became one of the most important convents in the Iberian Peninsula. D. Mafalda died in 1256 and was buried here. Her urn, made of ebony and silver and richly adorned with precious stones, can be seen in the monastery church.

In the 18th century, the first fire destroyed the monastery, except for the church and some dormitories. Due to the damage caused by the violence of the flames, it underwent major renovations. The current building dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries. Highlights include the church, nuns' chancel, refectory and kitchen. Mention should also be made of the Museum of Sacred Art, which is considered to be one of the best of its kind on the Iberian Peninsula and belongs to the Royal Brotherhood of Queen Santa Mafalda.

The Museum of Sacred Art occupies part of the former monastic buildings.

Its contents are extraordinarily varied and consist of the works of art that belonged to the monastery's Cistercian community, as well as a few others from different sources. The main collections are sculpture, painting, goldsmithery and furniture. The specimens are grouped in numerous rooms, magnificently arranged and duly labeled.

Opening hours
Open to the public
Morning 09:30 - 12:00
Afternoon 14:00 - 17:00
Closed on Mondays

Prices
Adults - 2,50€
Senior citizens - 1,25€
Students (up to 24 years old) - 1,25€

If you're one of those who prefer walking, and even if you're not very fit or adventurous, we have some excellent routes for you. This is an excellent opportunity to relax. Bring a group of friends and enjoy our natural wealth.

They are the ideal way to bring man and nature together.

The Paiva Walkways are located on the left bank of the River Paiva, in the municipality of Arouca, in the district of Aveiro. It is 8 km long and offers an "untouched" walk, surrounded by landscapes of unparalleled beauty, in an authentic natural sanctuary, next to whitewater descents, quartz crystals and endangered species in Europe. The route stretches between the river beaches of Areinho and Espiunca, with Vau beach in between. A journey through biology, geology and archaeology that is sure to stay in the heart, soul and mind of any nature lover.

Come and visit us and get to know the rest of the Arouca Geopark, recognized by UNESCO as a World Geological Heritage Site.

Departure and arrival: Espiunca / Areínho
Scope: Cultural, Environmental, Landscape and Sports
Type of route: Short route
Distance to cover: 8000m (linear)
Duration: Around 2h30m
Level of difficulty: High
Slopes: Very steep

Recommended time of year: All year round
Geosite: Garganta do Paiva (G36); Aguieiras Waterfall (G35); Vau Recreation and Leisure Area (G30); Gola do Salto (G31); Espiunca Fault (G32)

GPS coordinates of the ends of the walkway:
Espiunca: 40°59 ' 34.67"N 8°12 ' 41.19"W
Areinho: 40°57 ' 9.68"N 8°10' 33.05"W

Contact
Arouca Interactive Tourism Shop
Rua Abel Botelho, n.º 4
4540-114 Arouca
Tel: 256 940 258

(in passadicosdopaiva.pt)

The 516 Arouca is the most iconic work in the Municipality of Arouca, made up of steel railings and cables, with a span of 516 meters, a width of 1.20 meters and a height of 175 meters above the Paiva River.

To understand the origin of the 516 Arouca, we have to go back to 2005, when the Municipality of Arouca had the vision of creating a Geopark. In this territory, the existence of a valuable geological heritage was recognized, with four geosites of international importance, such as the mysterious boulders or the fossils of the largest trilobites in the world, which, together with the rest of the territory's natural and cultural heritage, justified the creation of the UNESCO World Geopark of Arouca.

UNESCO's recognition aroused even more interest and attracted visitors from new and different countries. With tourism becoming a strategic axis for local and national economic development and growing competitiveness, Arouca Geopark continued to create new tourist attractions. This is how, on June 20, 2015, the Municipality of Arouca inaugurated the now internationally renowned Paiva Walkways.

It was in the surroundings of the Paiva Walkways, next to the Aguieiras waterfall, that the 516 Arouca was born, another unique project that makes the region a global reference. The longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world connects the two banks, 175 meters above the Paiva River.

A project carried out under the chairmanship of the first woman to head the City Council, Margarida Belém, with monitoring and supervision carried out by the Planning and Works Division of the Arouca municipality and co-financed by the PROVERE program - Program for the Economic Enhancement of Endogenous Resources of the ERDF - European Regional Development Fund - North 2020.

For the Municipality of Arouca, the construction of 516 Arouca was a unique and enriching opportunity. After all, giving shape to an ambitious project brings great responsibility, but also a significant privilege to have such an emblematic infrastructure in the municipality.

Tickets at https://bookings.cm-arouca.pt/

Contact

Arouca Interactive Tourism Shop
Rua Abel Botelho, n.º 4
4540-114 Arouca
Tel: 256 940 258

(in 516arouca.pt )