Bucaco Forest:

A major tourist attraction in Northern Portugal; Bucaco is a 250 acre forest with more than 700 different tree species brought here by Portuguese explorers from as far as Africa and the Americas.

The forest was used by Benedictine Monks during the 6th Century and there are still remnants of small shrines and caverns. It is here in 1810 that Napoleon and his army suffered defeat in the hands of the Duke of Wellington. The forest has walkways, fountains, gardens and small lakes, and is best toured on foot.

The Bucaco Palace:

Situated at the center of the forest, this grand palace was converted into one of Europe’s first landmark hotels in 1888; quickly becoming a retreat for upper class European citizens. The hotel’s 60 rooms have satellite television and are exquisitely furnished. The hotel also has an elegant restaurant, bar and beautiful terrace gardens.