Bussaco National Forest
A walled forest planted by Carmelite monks, with giant cedars, chapels, fountains and the Fonte Fria stairway.
Verified: 2026-04-06
Historic Landmarks in Mealhada
The Bussaco National Forest, the Bussaco Palace, the Carmelite convent, the Cruz Alta viewpoint and the Luso spa.
Bussaco Palace
A neo-Manueline royal hunting lodge in the middle of the forest, richly decorated with tiles and carvings, now a hotel.
Verified: 2026-04-06
Carmelite convent
The small, austere 17th-century convent of the Carmelite monks, lined with cork, beside the palace.
Cruz Alta viewpoint
The highest point of the Bussaco hills, with a stone cross and a view to the coast on clear days.
Luso spa
A spa town at the foot of the forest, with thermal baths and the São João fountain of Luso mineral water.
Verified: 2026-04-06