What to see and do in Mealhada

Mealhada is a municipality in the Aveiron district, in the heart of Portugal and a stop on the Portuguese Way, known for its wide vineyards in the Vinho da Bairrada wine region. It preserves notable natural heritage: the Bosque de Bussaco, a walled garden-arboretum with nearly 700 species and a 350-year-old cedar, the Palácio de Bussaco, now a luxury hotel, and the Alta Cruz viewpoint.

Mealhada, like many other territories in this part of Portugal, experienced its heyday during the Middle Ages. This enclave is home to numerous natural resources from the hand of extensive fertile areas for the cultivation of the vine and the Sierra do Buçaco. It also stands out for its gastronomy, which has gained an important place in the country for its project "4 Maravilhas da mesa de Mealhada" (4 Wonders of Mealhada's table).

Bussaco Forest

Declared a National Monument in 2017, it is an old walled garden-arboretum within the palace complex. It is considered one of the best dendrological collections in Europe. Although its extension is far below that of the great European forests, the great variety of its species surpasses it to a great extent. Within its walls coexist about 400 species of plants native to the Portuguese part of the Atlantic Arc and approximately 300 from other climates. Its most representative element is the Bussaco cedar, planted 350 years ago.

Bussaco Palace

It is a construction that has been declared a National Monument in Mealhada. It is located in the mountain range of the same name. It is a romantic palace of neo-Manueline style that today functions as a luxury hotel.

Alta Cruz

It is the highest point of the Bussaco mountain range, so it offers its visitors one of the best panoramic views of the surroundings. www.cm-mealhada.pt/