Parque Florestal de Amarante

Parque Florestal de Amarante is a hillside forest park in Amarante, overlooking the Tâmega river near the parish of Cepelos. Spread across more than five hectares, it has become one of the town's most recognizable green landmarks.

Where did this park come from?

The park was first planted in 1916 at the initiative of António do Lago Cerqueira, then mayor of Amarante. Its original purpose had nothing to do with leisure: the plantings were meant to reforest the nearby mountain ranges of Serra do Marão and Serra da Meia Via. Through the 1920s, the park's own nurseries supplied thousands of saplings for that effort. History repeated itself in 1985, when a major wildfire tore through much of Serra do Marão — once again, young trees raised in the park's nurseries were sent out to help restore the burned slopes.

What is there to see?

The park's main draw is the sheer variety of its plant life. A standout is the ginkgo tree, alongside redwoods, linden trees, plane trees and maples — an unusually rich collection for a municipal park of this size. The mix of woodland and open clearings also supports birdlife typical of the region, including partridges and jackdaws, which can often be heard or spotted among the trees.

Today the park functions primarily as a recreation space. In summer, when temperatures climb in the Tâmega valley, locals head here for shade and cooler air. Facilities include picnic areas, sanitary facilities and a swimming pool, which together make the park feel like a day-trip escape rather than just a patch of green.

How to get there and when to visit?

The park sits a short distance from Amarante's historic centre, so it's easily reached on foot or by a brief drive, with parking available nearby. Late spring and summer are the best times to visit, when the pool is open and the shaded walking paths offer welcome relief from the heat. Autumn and winter bring quieter crowds, but the changing colours — especially on the ginkgo trees — are worth seeing in their own right.

It's also worth knowing that Amarante's municipal government is currently working with Portugal's Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests (ICNF) to requalify the park. Plans call for turning the site into a multifunctional forest park with a children's playground, a picnic zone, and parking for cars and buses, with ICNF contributing funding toward the works. Visitors in the coming years can expect the park's infrastructure to keep expanding.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? The park functions as an open public green space, in line with how forest parks of this kind operate across Portugal — a place for walks and outdoor time, open to residents and visitors alike.

Can you swim in the park? Yes, there is a swimming pool on site, which sees the most use during the hot summer months in the Tâmega valley.

What is the park's biggest natural highlight? The diversity of trees, especially the striking ginkgo specimens alongside redwoods, lindens, plane trees and maples — a collection that's uncommon in a single municipal park.

Is the park suitable for a family picnic? Yes, it has designated picnic areas and sanitary facilities, and the planned upgrades are set to add a children's playground as well.