Parque dos Dinossauros da Lourinhã

Parque dos Dinossauros da Lourinhã, known as Dino Parque, is Portugal's largest open-air museum and one of the biggest dinosaur-themed parks in Europe. It opened in February 2018 in Abelheira, about five minutes by car from the centre of Lourinhã.

Why dinosaurs in Lourinhã?

The area around Lourinhã is among Europe's most important sites for Jurassic fossils. The region is well known for dinosaur discoveries, and one of its emblems is Lourinhanosaurus antunesi, a carnivorous Jurassic dinosaur that grew up to eight metres long. The park builds on this heritage and presents it in a form that appeals to children and adults alike.

What can you see?

The exhibition consists of 203 life-size models of dinosaurs and other animals. The visit follows five themed trails through successive eras:

• Paleozoic and Triassic,
• Jurassic,
• Cretaceous,
• Sea Monsters,
• Cenozoic and the Ice Age.

More recently, two new life-size arrivals joined the Cretaceous trail: Giganotosaurus and Gigantoraptor.

The observation tower

One stop worth planning is the Jurassic observation tower, about six metres high. From the top you get a 360-degree view of the main dinosaur models and the layout of the Jurassic section, which shows the scale of these animals well.

Practical information

The park opens daily at 10:00. Closing time depends on the season: 17:00 in winter, 18:00 in spring and 19:00 in summer. Tickets cost 15 euros for adults and 11 euros for children. Check dinoparque.pt for current prices and hours before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dino Parque a good choice for families with children? Yes. Life-size models, themed trails and the viewing tower make it family-friendly, and the layout lets you explore at your own pace.

How much time should I plan? Five outdoor trails call for several hours of relaxed walking, so half a day is a sensible allowance.

How do I get there? The park is in Abelheira, a few minutes from central Lourinhã. Driving from Lourinhã or nearby towns on the Silver Coast is the most convenient option.

When is the best time to visit? Because the visit is outdoors, spring or early summer works best, when days are long and opening hours are longest. On warm days bring a hat and water.

Is it only about dinosaurs? No. Besides dinosaurs it covers earlier and later chapters of life on Earth, from the Triassic to the Ice Age, including marine reptiles and Pleistocene mammals.

Dino Parque fits well into a trip along Portugal's west coast, combining entertainment with an accessible introduction to the prehistory of a region where fossils have actually been found.