Discover Mealhada: Vineyards, Bussaco and culture

Vast vineyards shape the landscape of Mealhada; it is also home to the arboretum of Serra do Bussaco. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can tailor your trip to your interests: nature, historic sites, architecture and regional specialities offer different points of interest.

Scenery, views and trails

The Mata Nacional do Bussaco provides food, shelter and refuge for more than 150 vertebrate species. The Grande Rota do Bussaco (GR 49.1) links two named points: it runs from the Mata Nacional do Bussaco, near the car park at the Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Expectação, to the Centro de Interpretação Ambiental da Mealhada. The Cruz Alta viewpoint is the highest point in the Serra do Bussaco and offers panoramic views. This gives it a different focus from the route, whose endpoints are the Mata and the environmental interpretation centre.

At Parque dos Moinhos de Lograssol, a recreation area complements the restored mills. Several walking trails and a picnic area by a stream provide additional points of interest in the park. Parque Verde da Pampilhosa offers a different kind of recreation: it has a sports field and a children's playground. So among the green spaces mentioned, you will find both trails and a picnic area, as well as designated play areas.

Culture and history

The Palace Hotel do Buçaco is part of the ensemble in Buçaco designated a National Monument. Buçaco is located in the parish of Luso, in the municipality of Mealhada and the district of Aveiro. The Museu Militar do Bussaco opened in 1910 as part of the celebrations marking the centenary of the Battle of Bussaco. Its origins are therefore directly linked to commemorating the battle.

The Marco Milenário da Mealhada, a milestone from the Roman period, offers another link to the past. The Edifício Arte Nova Farmácia Brandão, meanwhile, is a noteworthy example of Art Nouveau. Together, these places offer different ways to explore history: a Roman milestone, a military museum opened to mark a historic occasion, and a building notable for its architecture.

The Casa Rural Quinhentista houses museum collections covering rural life, the ceramics industry, railways, clothing and handicrafts, as well as everyday objects, sacred art, archaeology and the theme of pigs. Visits are by prior booking. The collection thus brings together themes from everyday life and the world of work, alongside art and archaeological holdings.

Wine and regional specialities

Caves Messias has a specific history in winemaking: the company was founded by Messias Baptista in Mealhada in 1926. In the Bairrada area, visitors can tour the Caves Messias headquarters and Quinta do Valdoeiro. Conditions apply to visits; take them into account when planning.

The “4 Maravilhas da Mesa da Mealhada” brings together four offerings the municipality aims to showcase: Luso water, bread baked in a wood-fired oven, wine from producers in the municipality, and traditional roast suckling pig. The selection ranges from water and bread to wine and a traditional dish, offering a practical guide for anyone who wants to discover Mealhada through its regional specialities.

Discover more destinations: Antes, Vacariça, Grada, Pampilhosa do Botão, Mealhada, Luso, Pico, São João Da Madeira.

See the main travel overview: Aveiro.