Category: Nature > Woodland
District: Setúbal > Barreiro > Palhais
The Machada National Forest is located in the municipality of Barreiro, on the Setúbal Peninsula, near the village of Palhais. This is a vast green space that stands out in the surrounding landscape, serving as an area of great ecological and leisure value for the entire region, offering direct contact with nature in a predominantly forest environment.
This natural space results from the union of two distinct areas: the old Vale de Zebro Pine Forest and the historic Quinta da Machada. Quinta da Machada has a past linked to the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Luz of the Order of Christ. After the extinction of religious orders in 1834, the property passed through different hands until it was integrated into the State's forest regime and annexed to the Vale de Zebro Pine Forest, giving rise to the current forest. With an approximate area of 385.7 hectares, the Machada National Forest is today recognized as the municipality's "green lung", vital for the area's environmental quality.
The Machada National Forest is a rich and diverse ecosystem, with flora dominated by maritime pines, stone pines, eucalyptus, and cork oaks, which give the place a serene and inviting atmosphere. This environment serves as a habitat for a variety of fauna species, including birds, mammals, and insects, which find refuge here. The forest plays a crucial role in maintaining air quality and regulating the local microclimate, contributing significantly to the region's natural balance and the well-being of its visitors.
The Machada National Forest offers multiple opportunities for physical activities and simply enjoying nature. It has areas for picnics and snacks, equipped with fountains, ideal for moments of relaxation with family or friends. For those seeking activity, there are three walking trails designed for different difficulty levels, inviting exploration of the local flora and fauna. Two-wheel enthusiasts will find two mountain biking circuits here, and there is also an outdoor fitness trail with seventeen stations, allowing for physical exercise in a natural setting.
Inside the forest, there is an Interpretive Center of the Machada Forest Archaeological Site (CICAMM), a space dedicated to local history and knowledge. This center was created following the discovery of a vast collection of ceramics dating from the 15th and 16th centuries. Through an exhibition, visitors can understand the functioning of this pottery complex, contextualizing its economic and social importance during the Age of Discoveries. The forest also includes an Environmental Education Center, a place for learning and raising awareness about nature-related issues and its conservation.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 38.61396985045936, -9.045951194167731
Coordinates DMS: 38°36'50.3"N 09°02'45.4"W
On-duty Pharmacy Palhais
