Deep in the hills of central Portugal, the Mata Nacional do Buçaco, or Bussaco National Forest, is one of the most remarkable and romanticised forests in Europe. Enclosed within a 105-hectare wall, this ancient woodland has been carefully managed by monastic orders for over 400 years, preserving a unique collection of native and exotic trees that create a landscape of extraordinary botanical diversity. The forest was originally established by the Discalced Carmelite monks in the 17th century, who built a convent within its walls and planted trees brought back from Portuguese colonies around the world.
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The Botanical Treasures of the Forest
The forest contains over 400 species of trees and shrubs, including giant redwoods, cedars from the Himalayas, cypresses from Mexico, and eucalypts from Australia, all growing alongside native Portuguese oaks, cork oaks, and chestnuts. The monks planted the forest as a representation of the Garden of Eden, with pathways lined with Stations of the Cross and chapels hidden among the trees. The sheer variety of species creates a landscape that changes dramatically from one path to another, with dappled light filtering through the canopy and the air filled with the scent of eucalyptus and pine. The forest is also home to a rich variety of birdlife, including the European goldfinch, the great spotted woodpecker, and the Eurasian jay.
The Palace Hotel and the Convent
At the heart of the forest stands the Palace Hotel do Buçaco, a magnificent Neo-Manueline building that was originally built as a royal hunting lodge in the late 19th century. The building was converted into a hotel in the 20th century and retains its original ornate decoration, with Moorish-inspired arches, Gothic tracery, and azulejo tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history and the Portuguese discoveries. The hotel is one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Portugal, with its grand dining room, wood-panelled library, and terraced gardens offering views over the forest canopy. The adjacent convent, now a museum, provides insight into the monastic life that shaped the forest. The tiny chapel, with its simple Baroque altar, is a place of quiet contemplation away from the grandiosity of the palace.
Walking Trails and Practical Information
The forest is crisscrossed with walking trails that range from gentle 30-minute strolls to longer hikes of several hours. The main circuit, the Via Sacra, follows the original monks’ path around the forest, passing 20 chapels that depict scenes from the Passion of Christ. The Fonte Fria trail leads to a monumental 19th-century staircase and fountain, where water cascades down over 100 metres through a series of pools and waterfalls. The forest is located in the municipality of Mealhada, approximately 30 kilometres from Coimbra and 20 kilometres from the university city of Aveiro. Admission to the forest costs a few euros for cars and pedestrians. The best time to visit is spring, when the forest is at its greenest and the azaleas and camellias are in full bloom. Autumn is also beautiful as the exotic trees take on their seasonal colours.
Have you wandered through the hidden paths of Bussaco Forest and felt the centuries of history among its trees? Which part of this magical woodland moved you most?
Mata Nacional do Buçaco (National forest Buçaco) is a protected area in the central part of Portugal. It lies on the slopes of the Buçaco mountains close to the well-known spa Luso. It is located approx. 25 km from historic city of Coimbra and about 40 km from the Atlantic coast. It has a maximum length of 950 meters between the Port of Sula and Port of Coimbra.
Photo published with a kind permission of its author Paulo Heitlinger
On the area of 105 hectares you can find incredible 700 kinds of trees, including giant Mexican cedar, giant ferns, cypress, plane, evergreen oak, cork, etc. Forest Buçaco is surrounded by a wall which is 5750 meters long and 3 meters high.
The climate is mild with few frosts and exceptionally snow. The annual rainfall is about 1500 mm, with 130 days of rain annually. The temperature ranges between 39-40 ºC in summer and 1 °C in winter. The fogs are very frequent and dense here, and less frequently in spring and winter than in summer and autumn.
Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a popular tourist destination – here you can walk through the forest paths, lakes, fountains and chapels. Beautiful is the local hotel Palácio Hotel do Buçaco, which was originally built in 1907 in an exuberant Neo-Manueline style by the royal family as their residence. Next to it lies the cork church.
View Mata Nacional do Buçaco – protected area in Portugal in a larger map
Have you explored the natural wonders and historic treasures described here? Share your favourite European travel memory in the comments below!
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