World's longest pedestrian suspension bridge opens in Portugal
If you're an adrenaline seeker and plan to visit Portugal at some point, there's a new bridge with your name on it. But fair warning -- you might not want to look down.
The 516 Arouca, which opens on Monday, is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world at nearly 1,700 feet. It's located in Aveiro, Portugal (roughly an hour from Porto) and is 575 feet from the ground.
A website for the bridge says visitors will have a view of the Paiva Canyon and Aguieiras Waterfalls, which are part of UNESCO's Arouca World Geopark.
Portugal is trying to rebuild its tourism sector and wants visitors to be able to avoid having to quarantine this summer.
The country's secretary of state for tourism said last month that Portugal would try "at all costs to avoid quarantines and additional COVID-19 tests" for international arrivals if the European Union's Digital Green Certificate proposal moves forward.
People who reside in the European Union, including U.S. citizens who are lawful residents of EU member states, can visit Portugal for essential travel. But Portugal is still not open to most Americans, according to the U.S. Embassy in Portugal.
Most of the EU is still closed to Americans but is reportedly planning to reopen to fully vaccinated American tourists this summer.
At this time, travelers going to Portugal for essential reasons must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test conducted within the last 72 hours and at the airport. Travelers also face a health screening and must self-quarantine for 14 days. Masks are mandatory in indoor public spaces and outside when social distancing isn't possible.
Starting May 3, Portugal will open restaurants, cafés, and pastry shops with no time limit. Groups of six people are allowed inside or 10 people on terraces, and large outdoor and indoor events allowed with reduced occupancy.
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