North Portugal Tourism Guide - Luso & Forest of Bucaco

National Forest of Bucaco

Mata Nacional do Bucaco is 24 kilometres northeast of Coimbra and is a huge attraction in the central Portugal area. The forest covers 105 hectares on the slopes of the Serra do Bucaco. It was traditionally a religious haven hidden away by its three mile long wall. It is first noted as a hermitage founded in the 6th century by Benedictine monks. In 1628 Carmelite monks embarked on a programme of forestation and path laying as well as enclosing the forest within walls. It was so famous that in 1643 Pope Urban VIII decreed that anyone damaging the trees would be excommunicated. The peace was interrupted in 1810 when Napoleonic forces were beaten by the English and Portuguese army during the Peninsular War commanded by the Duke of Wellington. A re-enactment takes place here every 27 September. The forest became state property in 1834 when religious orders were abolished.

Today it is another of Portugal's UNESCO World Heritage site - Forest Park of the Discalced Carmelites, Bucaco - and a popular place for picnickers and walkers and those who might want to have a go at identifying the 700 species of tree! Four hundred of which are reputed to be native species. The forest has a series of trails running through it interspersed with chapels, ponds and fountains. Popular trails include the beautiful Vale dos Fetos, the Valley of Ferns and the Via Sacra path that takes you up to the Cruz Alta viewpoint at 545 metres.

The forest is easily accessible from Coimbra, Luso, Curia or Cantanhede. Trains run infrequently from Coimbra into the Luso-Bucaco station. Buses also run from Coimbra and are more regular. For total freedom to explore it's easily accessible by car from the main A1 road. Check the weblink right for cheap car hire quotes.

Nearby is Serra do Bucaco, a wooded ridge about 15 km long running northwards from Penacova on the River Mondego.

Palace Hotel do Bucaco, Forest of Bucaco, Luso

The Palace Hotel Bussaco located in the midst of the forest is an exquisite, fairytale palace originally called the Palace of Bussaco and it's this that draws a lot of visitors.

It was built in 1907 as a royal summer residence on the site of a 17th century Carmelite monastery. Its architecture emulates Manueline and Renaissance styles with turrets and spires, carvings and azulejos with scenes from the poem Os Lusiados. It was only in use for three years before the monarchy was abolished!

It is now a plush five star hotel, Palace Hotel Bussaco, with 58 rooms and 4 suites. What more elegant way to spend your holiday.

Go on spoil yourself, you can book a stay by clicking on the weblink right.

Luso

Luso is three kilometres downhill from the Bucaco Forest and only an hour's walk away. It has been a known as a spa town for over a hundred years. It is still popular with the Portuguese who take the water to alleviate rheumatism and liver disorders. The spa specialises in treating arterial disease in the elderly.

You can take the thermal waters at the spa on the town's main road Rua Emidio Navarro open to drop in visitors May-Oct Tel: 351 231 937 910. Email: termas@aqualuso.pt. Massage and hydrotherapy are also on offer. All services incur a charge particularly for a consultation with a specialist. There is free spa water available from the outdoor Fonte de Sao Joao, not far from the Tourist Information Office.

Check the Luso-Bucaco Tourist Information website for details of the trails through the woodland and the sights you can see there. Link right.

The Tourist Information Office is in a lovely 1920s building on Rua Emidio Navarro, 136, Apartado 2, Luso 3050-902 Luso. Tel: 351 231 939 133. Fax: 351 231 939 007. Email: jtluso-bussaco@mail.telepac.pt and geral@jtluso-bussaco.pt. You can get leaflets and maps in English with details on the flora and fauna of the woodland and points of interest.