Forest Walks And Fruity Wines

Bussaco National Forest (also spelt Buçaco) is a 17th Century arboretum, containing one of the finest collections of indigenous and imported trees and shrubs in Portugal – more than 700 species of plants in total. The forest spans 250 acres and is enclosed by a 5km wall.
It was established by Carmelite monks in 1624 who constructed the perimeter wall and entrance gates, as well as the monastery and small chapels, and planted and tended the trees until it was taken over by the government in 1834. The forest is now a National Monument.
If you look at one of the gates, it still bears the text of the 17th Century papal bulls which forbade women to enter the forest (to avoid distracting the monks) and threatened to excommunicate anyone caught damaging the trees – neither of which is currently legally binding under Portuguese law.
In the centre of the forest is the Palace Hotel, built as a private residence for the royal family in 1907 but was used only briefly before the dissolution of the monarchy in 1910.
There is a choice of two, two-hour walks from the Interpretation Centre: the Water Trail or the Relic Forest Trail. Both are beautiful walks that take in some of the best scenery in the forest. A map of the forest and its trails and facilities is available online. The forest has a very high level of biodiversity and is home to around 80 bird species. Look out for woodpeckers, finches, birds of prey such as the booted eagle or the goshawk (both endangered species), and water birds including herons and kingfishers. Reptiles and amphibians also abound and endemic species to spot include the Lusitanian salamander, the orange-bellied newt, the Iberian frog, the pointed-nosed frog, and the water lizard. And, as for mammals, there are numerous foxes, weasels, mongoose, badgers, and wild boar.
You can park near the Palace Hotel and Interpretation Centre from where today’s walk will begin. Note there is a small entry fee for vehicles. See prices here.

For a light lunch inside the forest, this café is the perfect spot, serving a range of soups, sandwiches, toasties, and salads on a shady outside terrace.

Tour of vineyards and wine and olive oil tasting
Established by the current owner’s grandfather in 1918, the original vines are still used in the production of some of the vineyard’s range of wines, including red, white and also sparkling.
During your visit here, you will have a one-hour tour of the centenary vineyard to learn about the grapes and production process, followed by a one hour tasting of three of their wines, and also their own olive oil, accompanied by a small snack. Both the wines and olive oil are also available to purchase.
Advance reservations are essential. For the vineyard tour and wine tasting book here

Stop here for a wonderful vista of the small town of the Penacova and the Mondego River.

Reconquinho is a beautiful sandy beach on the banks of the Mondego River and is a very popular swim spot. There’s also a café if you fancy a drink or snack.

This is a popular local restaurant with riverside views, serving hearty Portuguese dishes.
Note it is closed on Mondays.

Have some well deserved rest and get ready for another day of adventures.