Bussaco National Forest
Luso, Portugal
A walled forest planted by monks, with exotic trees, chapels, a fern valley and a neo-Manueline palace at its heart. Cars and motorhomes pay an entry fee; trails are short and shaded.
The Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a walled forest of about 105 hectares at the north-western end of the Serra do Buçaco, near Luso. The wall is just over 5 km long and has ten gates. In 1628 the Bishops of Coimbra gave the forest to the Discalced Carmelites, who built a convent and the wall and tended an arboretum until the religious orders were dissolved in 1834. Today more than 250 species of trees and shrubs grow here, including 86 listed as remarkable trees. In 1888 most of the convent was demolished to make way for a neo-Manueline palace, now a hotel. In September 1810 Wellington's army halted Masséna's advance here.
Sights include the stone staircase cascade of Fonte Fria, the Via Sacra, a path of chapels leading up to the Cruz Alta, and the viewpoint there. A network of signposted trails runs through the forest. Allow two to four hours; mornings are often foggy, and rainfall is almost double the regional average.
- Nearest town
- Luso, Portugal
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.3770, -8.3660
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Parque de Campismo de LusoCampsite2 km from Bussaco National Forest
- PenacovaMotorhome stopover14 km from Bussaco National Forest · 33 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo de PenacovaCampsite14 km from Bussaco National ForestCaravans
- Parque de Campismo de Aguada de BaixoCampsite16 km from Bussaco National Forest
- Parque de Campismo de CoimbraCampsite21 km from Bussaco National Forest
- Terra de IguanasMotorhome stopover24 km from Bussaco National ForestMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bussaco National Forest?
Bussaco National Forest is in Luso, Portugal, at GPS 40.3770, -8.3660. It is about 7 km from Mealhada.
Can you camp near Bussaco National Forest?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque de Campismo de Luso, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 14 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Bussaco National Forest?
Bussaco National Forest is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Aveiro, Bussaco and Coimbra.
What is there to see near Bussaco National Forest?
Places worth a stop nearby: University of Coimbra (20 km), Conímbriga Roman ruins (33 km), Aveiro Canals and Old Centre (38 km) and Costa Nova (42 km).
When is the best time to visit Bussaco National Forest?
The most pleasant months are usually April–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March and November–December. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)