Mata Nacional do Bucaco
Mata Nacional do Bucaco
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural BuildingsScenic Walking Areas
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.5
981 reviews
Excellent
627
Very good
284
Average
52
Poor
10
Terrible
8
lisbon79
Lisbon, Portugal188 contributions
Aug 2013 • Family
Buçaco national park, is really beautiful, but for those who really want to explore, they have to bring comfortable shoes and bring with food and water.
The objective of this visit was to hike through the park, making a little bit of the water, religious and nature trails.
Tips: bring water and food, because there is only food in a restaurant near Buçaco Palace. Bring comfortable shoes. And most important get the map on the web, because you will need it to plan the hike (because you won’t be able to all the trails in one day) and because there isn’t almost any signalization of the trails so, the map is really necessary!
As we arrived to Luso by train, we choose to stay in Hotel Central, because it’s very near of a point of entry into the park. But if you don’t want to hike this path (see the stairs in picture), you can always do by taxi or car ( if you go by car, you have to pay 5€ to enter the park, those who are going on foot, don´t pay anything).
This is a beautiful park, but it needs some improvement, because there isn’t any signalization of the trails, and some trails like the water trail has been much damaged in a storm that happened a few years ago, and that made some serious damages all through the park and until now they weren’t capable of restoring things as they were.
So in our visit we did part of the nature trail, and then made a huge part of the religious trail that took us to Cruz Alta, the highest point in the park, that has a great view of the mountains.
Notice, that the religious trail is a trail made in stone, so be prepared to some effort on doing this trail, but the end point is worth it!
After Alta Cruz, we went down the religious trail, and them did some part of the water trail, which is a trail of fountains, but the fountains are in need to be recovered, and they didn´t have water running. And then we did part of the nature trail, which is really beautiful, and them we’ve exited the park trough the same point of entry.
We did this in 6 hours of hiking. Notice that, the park closes at 8 pm, but you have to take in account the sunset, and the lack of natural light, so we've exited the park around 7 pm.
We really recommend a visit to the park, but prepare the visit before, so that you can make the most of it!!
The objective of this visit was to hike through the park, making a little bit of the water, religious and nature trails.
Tips: bring water and food, because there is only food in a restaurant near Buçaco Palace. Bring comfortable shoes. And most important get the map on the web, because you will need it to plan the hike (because you won’t be able to all the trails in one day) and because there isn’t almost any signalization of the trails so, the map is really necessary!
As we arrived to Luso by train, we choose to stay in Hotel Central, because it’s very near of a point of entry into the park. But if you don’t want to hike this path (see the stairs in picture), you can always do by taxi or car ( if you go by car, you have to pay 5€ to enter the park, those who are going on foot, don´t pay anything).
This is a beautiful park, but it needs some improvement, because there isn’t any signalization of the trails, and some trails like the water trail has been much damaged in a storm that happened a few years ago, and that made some serious damages all through the park and until now they weren’t capable of restoring things as they were.
So in our visit we did part of the nature trail, and then made a huge part of the religious trail that took us to Cruz Alta, the highest point in the park, that has a great view of the mountains.
Notice, that the religious trail is a trail made in stone, so be prepared to some effort on doing this trail, but the end point is worth it!
After Alta Cruz, we went down the religious trail, and them did some part of the water trail, which is a trail of fountains, but the fountains are in need to be recovered, and they didn´t have water running. And then we did part of the nature trail, which is really beautiful, and them we’ve exited the park trough the same point of entry.
We did this in 6 hours of hiking. Notice that, the park closes at 8 pm, but you have to take in account the sunset, and the lack of natural light, so we've exited the park around 7 pm.
We really recommend a visit to the park, but prepare the visit before, so that you can make the most of it!!
Written October 8, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atlbeachbum81
Atlanta, GA84 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
This was another stop on our drive from Porto towards Lisbon. I found it through a picture I saw on Pinterest of the Fonte Fria, and I decided at that moment I had to see the fountain in real life. If we would have had more time in Portugal, we would have definitely added a night to stay at the Palace Hotel located here. It was so picturesque and tranquil. We then spent some time walking a couple of trails. Definitely worth a stop here if you enjoy nature or even just a romantic stroll.
Written February 21, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael F
Tel Aviv, Israel597 contributions
Sep 2016 • Friends
This unique complex includes a gorgeous dense forest and a former palace, now converted to a hotel,
The forest is very old and home to more than 250 tree and shrub species, including trees of a gigantic stature and exotics plants.
It reminds me of the Pena park in Sintra.
The romantic palace was designed in an extravagant Neo-Manueline style. The detail work is gorgeous and magical on the exterior & interior.. the lobby, the restaurant, the sitting rooms and the staircase are gorgeous and look like a fairy tale palace.
Highly recommended for those you are in the area and like to explore :)
The forest is very old and home to more than 250 tree and shrub species, including trees of a gigantic stature and exotics plants.
It reminds me of the Pena park in Sintra.
The romantic palace was designed in an extravagant Neo-Manueline style. The detail work is gorgeous and magical on the exterior & interior.. the lobby, the restaurant, the sitting rooms and the staircase are gorgeous and look like a fairy tale palace.
Highly recommended for those you are in the area and like to explore :)
Written October 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BelaN74
Mississauga, Canada5,584 contributions
Jul 2019
I use to come here as a kid so I was so excited for this trip and visit. Firstly we did stay at the hotel so on our drive up the place was crowded with people and cars. Apparently there was a Children Festival the day we came up. BUT this was not noted anywhere on their website. We booked this hotel to come for a hike and have peace and calm and there were kids running around everywhere and I am not a fan of kids; especially ones running around screaming. They also placed a big stage in front of this beautiful building; so much for taking a nice photo. Then we went for a hike; followed the signs but next found our destination; annoying. So not what I expected.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheila L
1 contribution
May 2021
Went today as a treat on our Wedding Anniversary as we love walking, in our 60 and 70 but fit. However cannot recommend this walk for our age. the Palace outside is stunning and garden around . We then followed the signs into the woods via blue arrows. The ground is very uneven, badly signposted and following the arrows we encountered fallen trees on the paths (which we had to climb over) slippery muddy paths which then it lead to an area that we had to fight through to get to the end. We have been on much better walks that we did not have to pay 5 euros to park. Could not wait to get away.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellingbird888
Toronto, Canada145 contributions
Jul 2019 • Family
In it's glory days it must have been so splendid. Alas, it is a forgotten place. Trails in disrepair, loads of weeds in the gardens. Buildings in disrepair.
It was such a let down as we had heard great things, but it needs a lot of work and maintenance to be worthy of a visit.
It was such a let down as we had heard great things, but it needs a lot of work and maintenance to be worthy of a visit.
Written August 2, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fremy V
Mafra, Portugal122 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
This green hill is a historic place where the napolean army was defeated by the english troops, commanded by Wellington. There is monument wherethe battle occurred, worth a visit, and it has a nice view, but the mata has other places worthy a visit, the cruz alta, a gorgeous view, the porta de coimbra, porta das ameias, one of the entrance, The entrance is not free, 5 euros per car. There are many very old and special trees, for those who like biology.
Written March 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fremioth d
Mafra, Portugal291 contributions
Feb 2015 • Friends
The Mata has lots to see. The entrance by Porta Ameias, costs 5 euros per car. There are 2 3 parking places, firsts next to vale dos fetos, you have to walk a bit, very green,Font Fria, worth seeing, 15 min is enough, then the next stop would be near the Convento and palace which is now a hotel, worth seeing from outside from every angle and take pictures, the convent is small only for those wishing to learm more about history. Adviceable reading about Buçaco before going there so you can recall all what happened in the past. The map you should get from the tourism post is important as it shows you the itinery inside. You will find many ermidas, practicale nothing worth seeing, Porta de Coimbra is worth seeing has a nice belvedere and a monument 2 poes, then cruz alta, we went by car, its difficult to climb for old people! we got out at porta Rainha next to the Museu Militar, and about 6 km is Cruz alta, a very bad road, The view is fabulous worth the trip, good for pictures from the cross! Lunch would be better in Luso or even further better Mealhada where there are lots of choices|
Written February 22, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jacobus2
California21 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
Overlook the recent storm damage and explore this wonderful mystery forest. Don't bother trying to follow a particular path on the map. Just wander. The damaged forest itself is still awe inspiring, but it the ghosts of the barefoot friars who lived here for centuries that most captivated me. Here you find a crumbling stone house, or just a simple cave, all but taken over now by the lush greenery - remains of the hermitages inhabited by the silent friars. Here you find a little stone chapel with a spectacular view over the forest and the palace. Here you find a simple stone building with an iron door, and inside an amazing tableau in life-size terra cotta, of Christ on his final journey. If you drive up to look at the view from the Cruz Alta, don't forget to walk down the ancient stone pathway until you come upon the cluster of chapels with the spectacular view over the palace and the ancient forest (I think many visitors miss this). If you become as enthralled as I did, go into the Palace Hotel and buy the little paperback book about Bussaco that is gathering dust near the reception office. It is beautifully written, poetic really, and will continue to enhance your experience of the wonderful, beautiful mystery that I found this place to be.
Written October 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michele P
Porto, Portugal119 contributions
Aug 2019
If you're looking for a diverse walk through the beauty of nature, then this is for you. From the stunning palace ( which you can only see inside, if you're staying there) , to the many walking trails, you certainly will find something o love in this forest area. The stations of the cross have being preserved to a certain degree, but many are in ruins. you do get a good idea of the craftsmanship involved, though. The walk to the lakes took us about an hour, and really, there are so many trails, one could quite easily spend the whole day there. Their coffee shop is nice, but you will need patience, as they are extremely busy. overall, one of my most enjoyable days.
Written August 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gostaria de saber se é possível levar o carro até próximo da entrada da mata. Tenciono fazer uma visita em família. Casal e uma criança de 2 anos e meio. Tendo uma criança desta idade os trilhos/acessos são bons para se andar com um carrinho de passeio para crianças? Ou é recomendável uma mochila de caminhada?
Obrigada pelas respostas dadas.
Written September 13, 2019
Existem poucos lugares de estacionamento antes das portas de entrada da Mata e o estacionamento é difícil . Para se entrar com o carro creio que são 2euros e lá dentro perto do palácio há mais escolha de estacionamento. Se apenas quiser passear nos trilhos principais é possível levar um carrinho de bebé mas para os trilhos mais profundos na mata têm um terreno muito irregular que não suporta este tipo de acessório de bebe.
Written September 14, 2019
Olá boa tarde, gostaria de saber se se pode levar cães para passear na Mata. Tenho dois cães, vou passar o fim de semana pela zona e tenho muito interesse em ir visitar a mata do Buçaco, mas com os meus animais.
Obrigada pela atenção.
Written February 15, 2019
Sim! Pode levar cães, não tem qualquer problema. Levo os meus e apenas tenho o cuidado de limpar as fezes. Eles vão adorar podem correr há vontade! Muito bom.
Written February 23, 2019
Boa noite pagase para todos entrar na mata? Ha estacionamento?
Written July 13, 2018
Boa noite, a entrada é gratuita se entrar a pé, existem algum estacionamento nas entradas se assim desejar.
Written November 6, 2018
Boa tarde,
Gostaria de saber se é fácil fazer um piquenique com 30 pessoas (das quais 15 crianças) dentro da mata?
Os trilhos têm de ser pagos, ou se forem feitos sem guia sao grátis?
Obrigada
Written May 21, 2018
Boa noite,
Infelizmente a Mata Nacional do Bussaco encontra-se encerrada para limpezas devido à tempestade Leslie, até ao final do mês de novembro se não houver alteração da informação.
Em relação ao piquenique poderão fazer na zona da Fonte Fria para a quantidade de pessoas que tem ou nas Portas de Coimbra (não existem é cadeiras, mas é um espaço agradável para levar uma manta). Os trilhos se não forem feitos com guias são gratuitos, mas devido à tempestade existem ainda locais cortados.
Written November 6, 2018
Boa tarde e as minhas humildes desculpas de só hoje responder pois não tenho vindo a esta página. Não é muito aconselhável, por causa da inclinação do terreno e os caminhos, só de automóvel e em cadeira junto ao Palácio. Uma boa estadia e muita Saúde, Carinhoso Beijinho
Written April 6, 2018
Hello everyone! I would like to know how to reach this place at a reasonable timetable with public transportation from Coimbra. From what I gathered from the forest's website, these are the only hours Coimbra – Buçaco (7h25 | 12h30 | 15h30 | 17h30 | 19h30) (sábado: 9h00|12h30) + Bussaco – Coimbra (7h25 | 8h55 | 14h25 | 18h30) (sábado: 10h30 | 18h30) but they seem uncomfortable for one-day trip from Coimbra. Thank you to all those who will answer!
Written February 22, 2018
Mairasm
Recife, PE
Para quem está sem carro, qual a melhor forma de chegar a partir de Coimbra? Dá pra ir e voltar no mesmo dia?
Written December 1, 2017
Boa tarde, Sim poderá visitar no mesmo dia. Existem comboios a sair de Coimbra que passam na estação do Luso/Bussaco, depois é só fazer uma caminhada de cerca de 1,5KM ou apanhar um táxi.
Written December 1, 2017
É possivel passear pelas trilhas sozinha? Li que é bem sinalizada.
Written November 19, 2017
Perfeitamente. Está tudo bem sinalizado.
Written November 20, 2017
la Mata de Buçaco, son couvent, .. sont-ils accessibles en Camping car ? y a-t-il unaire pour les CC ou un parking ?
Written October 11, 2017
Il est accesible en Camping Car, et il y a un parking. Mais il est interdit dormir dedans la Mata..
Written October 12, 2017
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