Category: Nature > Woodland
District: Leiria > Marinha Grande > Pedra de Cima > Guarda da Guarda Nova
Situated in the Centro region of Portugal, this vast forest expanse stretches close to the Atlantic coastline, defining the landscape of the coast. The Pinhal de Leiria, as it is popularly known, embraces a large area that plays a crucial role in dune stabilization and the protection of inland lands, presenting a natural environment of great scale and serenity. Its presence is a defining element of the landscape in this coastal zone.
The history of the Mata Nacional de Leiria dates back centuries, with its origins often associated with the reigns of D. Afonso III and, more solidly, with D. Dinis in the 13th century. Its planting had a fundamental strategic purpose: to combat the advance of coastal sands, stabilizing the dunes and protecting the fertile soils of the interior. However, it was its vocation for timber supply that made it truly iconic. This pine forest provided the essential raw material for Portuguese shipbuilding, fueling the fleet that pioneered the seas during the Age of Discoveries and contributing decisively to Portugal's maritime expansion.
Over the centuries, the forest was managed and expanded, becoming a forest heritage of inestimable economic, environmental, and symbolic value for the country. It represents the long-term vision of its founders and the strategic importance that the forest had in the nation's development.
The Mata Nacional de Leiria is characterized by the predominance of the Maritime Pine (Pinus pinaster), which has always been the queen species of this ecosystem. Its immensity gives it a unique atmosphere, where the scent of pine and the sound of the breeze through the canopies create an inviting environment for contemplation. However, the current landscape reflects nature's resilience in the face of significant challenges. After the fires of 2017, which devastated a large part of its area, the forest is undergoing a remarkable process of regeneration.
Visitors will observe areas of young pine emerging from the ground, alongside remnants of the previous forest, a living testament to the recovery capacity of ecosystems. The presence of the forest is vital for local biodiversity and for maintaining ecological balance in this stretch of coastline. The experience of walking its paths is that of observing a vast natural laboratory in full reconstruction, where life flourishes again.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinhal_de_Leiria
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.747439983067096,-8.949033806612896
Coordinates DMS: 39°44'50.8"N 08°56'56.5"W
Weather Pedra de Cima
On-duty Pharmacy Pedra de Cima
