On the northern slopes of the Serra do Buçaco mountain 25km (15.5 miles) north of Coimbra, lies the Parque Nacional do Buçaco (formally "Bussaco") famed for its scenic beauty and richness of vegetation. Within the three miles long perimeter, a network of footpaths takes you through 105ha/260 acres of the semi-cultivated park leading you past picturesque fountains, ponds, chapels, follies, and amazing vistas. Cars are allowed through the three entrances of Porta das Ameias, Porta da Serra or Porta da Rainha and all roads lead to the magnificent Palace Hotel do Buçaco.
| Buçaco Forest
| Buçaco Forest – Fonte Fria
The park is a genuine botanical marvel boasting 400 native and 300 exotic species of trees, including tall cedars of Lebanon, Mexico, India and Africa; along with impressive cypresses, ancient ginkgo trees, sequoias, araucarias and palms, brought by Portuguese explorers from the New World and Asia. The trees are protected by a Papal Bull issued in the seventeenth century threatening anyone damaging the trees with ex-communication. Within this landscape the visitor wanders the footpaths and left to explore, encountering hidden grottoes, ponds, fountainheads, chapels, hermitages and oratories along the way. The Fonte Fria on the northern slope is a cascade of 144 steps, water descends to a basin surrounded by shrubs and conifers. The Fonte do Carregal flows out of a grotto on the south side. Buçaco forest was first settled in the sixth century AD by the Benedictine monks of Lorvão. They established a hermitage on the eastern slopes of the mountain.
High Season: 08h00 – 20h00, Low Season: 08h00 – 18h00
Pedestrian, Bicyle: FREE, Motorbike: €2.00, Small Car: €5.00, Large Car: €7.00
Mata Nacional do Buçaco, 3050-261 Luso, Portugal.
40º 21" 00' N | 08º 20" 60' W
+351 231 937 000 | turismo@fmb.pt
From the Buçaco Palace Hotel, follow the stations of the cross up the hillside, you will pass a series of large shrines containing life-size terracotta figures of Christ, his disciples, and other characters in the Crucifixion story. At the end of the path at an altitude of 541 metres (1,775ft) stands the Cruz Alta which commands excellent panoramic views extending as far as the Serra da Estrela and the Atlantic Ocean.
Found on the northern side of the park is the Fonte Fria. Mountain springs water cascade downhill over 144 steps within the cool shaded forest. At the foot of the Fonte Fria is a pond home to waterfowl surrounded by beautiful flowering shrubs and several thuja trees.
Buçaco Palace Hotel is a breathtaking blend of neo‑Manueline grandeur and serene forest setting in the heart of Buçaco Woods (Mata Nacional do Buçaco) surrounded by flowerbeds, complete with a garden maze and originally built between 1888 and 1907 as the summer residence and hunting lodge of Dom Carlos I. The design is the brainchild of eminent Italian architect Luigi Manini, creator of the Quinta da Regaleira in Sintra.
This Neo-Manueline masterpiece draws influence from Lisbon's Jeronimos Monastery, Venice's Doge's Palace, and Bavaria's Graustark Palaces, consisting of galleries with flamboyant arches, armillary spheres, turrets, and spires. The interior houses a grand marble staircase and wall tiles by acclaimed artists depicting scenes from Portuguese history, including the Battle of Buçaco designed by orge Colaço.
Since 1909 it has been one of the most luxurious hotels in Portugal. Open to non-guests, the restaurant sports a carved Gothic ceiling and a famous Manueline terrace, under which one can enjoy fine cuisine and Buçaco's own wine.
8.4/10 Very Good (946 verified customer reviews)
Guests at the Buçaco Palace Hotel marvel at the opulent royal dining hall, refined Portuguese‑French cuisine, and sweeping views over manicured gardens and ancient forests. Rooms vary in style but retain authentic period charm.
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| Buçaco Palace Hotel
| Buçaco Palace - Dinning Room
| Santa Cruz do Buçaco Monastery
The Palace Hotel stands over the grounds of a small monastery, one of many religious retreats found scattered around the area. During the sixteenth century the Vicar General of the Barefoot Carmelites considered this to be the ideal spot for building a retreat. A place where the friars could devote themselves to a life of contemplation in contact with nature. Today, the only parts of the original monastery that can be visited are the cloisters, the small church containing sculptures and paintings illustrating the history of the monastery, and some of the monks' cork-lined cells.
Summer: 08h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 18h00, Weekends: 08h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 18h00, Winter: 08h00 - 17h00
Adult: €2.00, Child 7-12 years: €1.00, Child <7 years: FREE
Mata Nacional do Buçaco, 3050-261 Luso, Portugal.
40º 21" 00' N | 08º 20" 60' W
+351 231 937 000 | turismo@fmb.pt
Buçaco is a forest where every nook and cranny has a story to tell. Venture out from Coimbra or Mealhada and discover the magical nature of this forest. Get to know the area through an interpretive visit, all its history, discover the biodiversity and importance that Buçaco National Forest has. An adventure where you will have the opportunity to visit a dense and unique forest with autochthonous species, presenting characteristics typical of a primitive landscape. Lowest Price Guarantee. Transport with collection in the area of Coimbra or Mealhada for an additional €5. Photos of the tour are included.
(34) | 4 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Bairrada is one of Portugal’s most prestigious wine regions and lies just north of Coimbra. On this tour, learn more about Portuguese wine and Bairrada’s wine-making heritage as you visit one of two wine cellars and sample the region’s famous sparkling wine. Afterwards, explore the natural landscapes of the Buçaco Forest and perhaps stop at a local restaurant to sample the local delicacy, Roasted Piglet - Leitão (own expense). Private tour: customise your itinerary and make extra stops. Guided wine tasting, including sparkling wine. Choice of morning or afternoon tour departure from your Coimbra hotel.
(10) | 4 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Delve into Portugal’s natural and architectural beauty with a private half-day tour of the stunning Buçaco Palace and Forest. This exclusive experience begins with a visit to the picturesque spa village of Luso, where you can sample its famous spring water—don't forget to bring an empty bottle! Then, journey into the Buçaco Forest to explore its lush vegetation, ancient trees, and historic paths once walked by barefoot Carmelite monks.
The highlight of the tour is the 19th-century Buçaco Palace, a neo-Manueline masterpiece surrounded by manicured gardens and rich in royal and military history. With hotel pickup and drop-off from Coimbra, plus the choice of morning or afternoon departures, this private tour offers a relaxed, personalised way to explore one of Central Portugal’s most magical destinations.
(5) | 4 Hr | ✔ Free Cancellation
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Alegre - Bussaco Boutique Hotel ★ ★ ★8.8/10 Excellent (147 verified customer reviews) The Alegre Hotel is a delightful, intimate boutique hotel nested in the exquisite woodlands of the Bussaco national forest, just 150 meters from the main entrance to the woods. Located in Luso, just 200 meters from the SPA, in the Historical Palace of the Count of Graciosa. The hotel is equipped with Swimming Pool, Private car parking and all the rooms are decorated in a 19th Century style with modern facilities and comfort. ![]() |
Grande Hotel de Luso ★ ★ ★ ★8.8/10 Exellent (83 verified customer reviews) Located on the hillside of the famous Serra do Bussaco, the Grande Hotel de Luso is a symbolic hotel that for almost 70 years is a meeting point of choice for any occasion. The building is a project of the Portuguese architect Cassiano Branco and dominates the landscape of the village of Luso, it is also rightly famous for the excellent quality of ultra-pure water that is born here. ![]() |
Luna Hotel de Tábua ★ ★ ★ ★9.0/10 Wonderful (31 verified customer reviews) Luna Hotel de Tábua is a standout 4-star spa hotel located between Buçaco, Serra da Estrela, and Coimbra — ideal for exploring central Portugal. Featuring 74 modern, air-conditioned rooms, it delivers exceptional comfort and spotless cleanliness. The on-site Oliva Restaurant offers fantastic regional cuisine, a well-equipped bar, and a buffet breakfast with fresh local produce. Wellness amenities include a heated indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, and gym, perfect for relaxing after hiking or sightseeing. The calm setting and friendly, attentive staff make this hotel a top choice for a wellness escape in central Portugal. Great value, excellent service—ideal for couples and active travellers. ![]() |
![]() Pedra de SalThis small and romantic restaurant is welcoming and friendly. The food is traditionally hearty, typical of the Beiras region and good value for money. The roasted black pig is worth a special mention. A good choice of local wines is also available. |
![]() Restaurante João VazAn opportunity to dine in style within a former royal banquet hall. With chandeliers, intricately carved ceiling, ornate Neo-Manueline design, impressive paintings and beautiful doors opening onto the terrace, housed inside the Palace Bussaco hotel. |
![]() Rosa BiscoitoFound within the centre of Luso, close to the town spa fountain is this charming friendly tapas restaurant. Eating here is a dining experience to be savoured and not rushed. A good selection of tasty delights on the menu including a selection of vegetarian options, salads and light meals. Also a great place to enjoy a coffee and something sweet. If possible take advantage of the outdoor seating and watch the world go by.
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Sitting 380 metres above sea level in the little spa town of Luso, huddled in a picturesque setting in the northwestern foothills of the Buçaco National Park. Famed for its chalybeate and radioactive mineral springs. Their healing powers are used to treat rheumatic and bronchial disorders. The water supply the many spa hotels in the area. The water is also bottled and is highly regarded within Portugal. Indeed, the spa waters transformed the fortunes of the 11th-century town after its discovery in the 1800s. Rainwater is filtered through the quartz bedrock of the Serra do Buçaco mountain before emerging through a spring in the centre of the town. The main drinking fountain is popular with those who treasure the waters of Luso, and it's not uncommon to find people filling bottles. The town is characterised by the Art Nouveau houses and mansions, which date back to the town's heyday.
| Luso Thermal Baths
| Museu Militar do Buçaco
Close to the Porta da Rainha entrance to the Buçaco forest park, stands an obelisk that commemorates the battle of Buçaco. Napoleon's third attempt to take Portugal was thwarted by Wellington and his Anglo-Portuguese allied troops on the 27th of September 1810.
Here too is a military museum (Museu Militar do Buçaco). Inside there is a valuable collection of weapons, uniforms and equipment used in the battle, as well as paintings depicting this decisive battle of the Peninsular War. The museum was officially opened in 1910 on the centenary anniversary of the battle. It was later enlarged in 1962. On the 27th of September each year, during the Festa da Senhora da Vitrem festival, the battle is commemorated with a lively reenactment.
Tuesday - Sunday: 10h00 - 12h30/14h00 - 17h00, Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €2.00, OAP: €1.00, 7-17 years €1.00, Child under 7: FREE
Museu Militar do Bucaco, Almas do Encarnadouro, Buçaco, Luso, Portugal. | 40º 22' 38" N | 08º 21' 45.2" W
+351 231 939 310 | museumilitar@portugalmail.pt
Since its inception in 1917, Buçaco wine was designed to be a blend of two designated wine regions, Dão and Bairrada. From Dão come the Touriga Nacional grape and from the Bairrada region, Baga. White wines are made from Encruzado, Bical and Maria Gomes but the reds are the most special. The grapes are fermented separately. The ageing takes up to 12 months in 50% new 300L French barrels and 50% used barrels (2nd year). The wine is usually released 4 years after bottling. In 2010, the decision was made to start bottling this wine from Vinha da Mata, a unique Bairrada vineyard in the heart of the Bussaco forest. It is bottled only in exceptional years. The wine is available to try and buy from the Palace hotel. Their current vintage list in the palace's dining room goes as far back as 1944..
Luso is 74 miles (120km) from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. ![]() |
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From the North take A1 South. ![]() |
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Regional train services (comboios regionais) to Luso/Buçaco from Coimbra |
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• The Coimbra - Viseu bus opperated by Transdev run a handful of services to Buçaco: • Transdev: Website |