Parque Florestal de Monsanto

Rising behind the western side of Lisbon, the Parque Florestal de Monsanto is the city’s largest green space: a forest of pine, cork oak and eucalyptus, crossed by trails and roads, with viewpoints over the city, the river and the sea.

A forest above the city

The forest was planted from the 1930s onwards, on the hills that had been left bare by centuries of farming and grazing. Today it covers several square kilometres and shelters a surprising amount of wildlife, from birds of prey to foxes, within the city itself.

What to see and do

• Walking and cycling trails through the forest.
• Viewpoints over Lisbon, the Tagus and the 25 de Abril bridge.
• Picnic areas and the park’s interpretation centre.
• The Águas Livres aqueduct, which crosses the park’s edge.

Visiting the park

The park lies to the west of central Lisbon, easily reached by bus or car. Access is free; for trails and opening times of the interpretation centre, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-lisboa.pt.

Image credit: Parque Florestal de Monsanto, Lisboa, by Jrpinho, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.