The Arouca Council is set to explore innovative solutions to protect the Paiva Walkways from future fires, after the popular tourist attraction suffered damage for the fourth time due to wildfires. The latest incident, part of a larger fire that has been active since Monday in Arouca, destroyed hundreds of meters of the wooden walkway in Espiunca, one of the entry points to the 8.7-kilometer-long structure along the Paiva River.
Margarida Belém, the mayor of Arouca, emphasized the need for reconstruction and protective measures to safeguard the walkways, which are a significant revenue source for the local economy. The walkways had only fully reopened in April after a previous fire in September 2024 caused extensive damage, requiring over €200,000 in repairs.
Since their inauguration in June 2015, the Paiva Walkways have attracted nearly 1.8 million visitors from around the world, generating approximately €1.9 million in ticket sales. The economic impact on the region is even greater when considering local accommodations, restaurants, and tourist activities.
This marks the fourth fire incident affecting the walkways, with previous damages occurring in September 2015 and August 2016, each necessitating months of repair work and partial closures.
Comments
Join Our Community
Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!