Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Travel
Julie Delahaye

Brave hikers take on new bridge 574ft above a gorge with a see-through grid floor

The world's longest suspension bridge for pedestrians has opened to visitors, and at 516m (approx 574ft) above the ground below, it's not one for the faint-hearted.

Even those who are brave enough will get the extra adrenaline-inducing views down to the void below their feet, thanks to the metal grid base.

Still, there are some pretty beautiful views that await tourists who head to the Ponte 516 Arouca near the town of Arouca in Portugal, just south of Porto.

The Tibetan-style hanging bridge has been designed so you don't miss out on any of the views of the surrounding Paiva gorge and river.

The new attraction connects the escarpment of the Aguieiras Waterfall as well as the Paiva Gorge, both within the Arouca Geopark.

People walk on the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge '516 Arouca' (REUTERS)

Visitors will need to book a specific start time, and there will also be ample opportunity to walk around the surrounding scenery too including the Paiva Walkways, a series of boardwalks right by the river. It's estimated that a visit will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Adult tickets will be €12, child tickets €10. Children under the age of six are not allowed on the bridge, while those aged 6-17 will need to be accompanied by an adult. You can find out more on 516arouca.pt.

Two people look out at the bridge (ESTELA SILVA/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

Oh, and make sure to wear comfortable trainers - because of the metal grid floor, visitors wearing shoes such as slip-ons and heels won't be allowed to cross the bridge.

Portugal holidays are back on the cards for Brits this summer as the country is one of the first 12 destinations on England's green list, meaning you won't need to quarantine when you come back to the UK. (You will still need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on day two of your return).

You can see through the grid floor to the views below (REUTERS)

Currently it remains illegal to go abroad for a holiday until May 17, at which point non-essential travel abroad will be allowed to resume.

Brits will be able to visit Portugal when the UK's restrictions lift on May 17, and will need to either show proof of Covid vaccination, or a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of travel.

Of course if you're not quite ready to commit to a holiday abroad, there are plenty of brilliant bridges in Britain worth having on the radar too!

Do you think you'd be brave enough to cross the new bridge? Let us know in the comments below.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.