Therapeutic forest opens in Portugal. It is one of only four in the world

More than 250 tree species, kilometers of peaceful trails, and a prestigious certificate confirming therapeutic properties. Portugal’s Buçaco National Forest has joined the elite group of only four forest complexes in the world to receive the Healing Forest Certificate. What makes this place so exceptional?

What is a therapeutic forest?

It has long been known that contact with nature has a positive effect on people. A study published in 2024 shows that simply focusing your gaze on greenery while walking through a city can significantly reduce anxiety and promote psychological recovery. In Japan, shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, has been practiced for decades to help alleviate depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Building on these positive examples, the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern developed a certification program for therapeutic forests. An international office established for this purpose evaluates the suitability of individual forest complexes for various forms of therapy while also supporting the development of health tourism.

So far, the Healing Forest Certificate has been awarded to four forest complexes: Benediktinerstift Göttweig in Austria, Lahnstein and Bad Nauheim in Germany, and most recently Mata Nacional do Buçaco, also known as Buçaco National Forest.

Buçaco, a forest sanctuary with more than a thousand years of history

Mata Nacional do Buçaco is a 105-hectare forest complex located on a hill in central Portugal, about 110 km south of Porto. Within the area enclosed by a 5-kilometer wall, there are more than 250 species of trees and shrubs, including both native species and those brought by Portuguese sailors during the Age of Discovery.

The forest on Buçaco Hill has been shaped by human activity since the 6th century, when it was first managed by monks from the nearby Monastery of Vacariça. In 1628, the forest came under the care of the Discalced Carmelites, who established a place of retreat and prayer there called the Desert. The monks built the surrounding wall and obtained two papal bulls: one prohibiting women from entering the forest, and another threatening excommunication for anyone who harmed the trees.

After the dissolution of the Carmelite order in Portugal, Buçaco came under the administration of the General Forest Administration of the Kingdom. Its area was expanded, additional exotic species were introduced, some of the historic buildings were restored, and features such as ponds and the Fonte Fria cascade, one of the forest’s most iconic landmarks, were created.

Therapy among cypresses and camellias

The Healing Forest Certificate confirms that a forest complex contains natural structures that reduce noise and protect against wind, as well as designated areas for therapeutic activities and relaxation exercises. Good air quality and low noise levels are also essential requirements.

In Buçaco, atmospheric forest trails wind among Mexican cypresses (Hesperocyparis lusitanica, syn. Cupressus lusitanica) introduced in the 17th century and historically known as the cedars of Goa. One of the most famous specimens is the Cedar of Saint Joseph, dated to around 1644.

Visitors can also admire Japanese camellias (Camellia japonica), which bloom from February to May, broad-crowned ginkgo trees (Ginkgo biloba), majestic coast redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens), and an impressive mountain ash eucalyptus (Eucalyptus regnans), regarded as one of the finest trees in Europe. In the highest rocky part of the forest, the Relict Forest has been preserved, where native species that grew in the region before the arrival of the monks still dominate.

Anyone planning a trip to Portugal in the near future should experience the therapeutic potential of Mata Nacional do Buçaco. Those staying closer to home can seek sensory calm and mental relaxation in Polish forests by contemplating the shades of green and listening to the soothing rustle of leaves.