Monsanto Park in Lisbon

Discovering Monsanto Park

Monsanto, quite simply. It's the name that the people of Lisbon give to their largest park forest with a tree-covered area of 1,000 ha, representing 10% of Lisbon's territory.

Created in 1934 by Duarte Pacheco (Minister of Public Works and responsible for major renovations under the old regime), the park is located on a hill and reforestation began in 1938. The access roads and first facilities were planned by the architect Keil do Amaral in 1946. Considered the lungs of the city, it was nevertheless neglected for many years, and it was not until the beginning of this century that it underwent major improvements.

Walking routes

In the easiest category (short and medium distances, between 3 and 8 km), six of the walking routes proposed by Lisbon City Council's Environmental Education and Awareness Division are located around the plateau ("planalto"): Rota da água 1 and 2, Seis pedreiras, Montado de Monsanto, Moinhos do mocho and Alameda Keil do Amaral.

Picnic areas with tables and a number of viewpoints facing the Tagus offer those who appreciate beautiful landscapes a pleasant moment of relaxation.

Viewpoints : Alto da Serafina, Restaurante panorâmico, Panorâmico de Monsanto, Keil do Amaral, Moinho do penedo, Montes claros, Moinhos do mocho, Luneta dos quartéis.

For several years now, the Panorâmico de Monsanto has been one of the city's must-see sites. This former luxury restaurant, abandoned since 2001, has become a haunt for street-art fans. The panoramic view from the top of this building is breathtaking.

Timetable From 21/03 to 20/09 from 09:00 to 20:00 and from 21/09 to 20/03 from 09:00 to 18:00

Sport at Monsanto

Mountain biking, jogging, rollerblading, skateboarding, orienteering, climbing, horse riding, tennis, basketball... Monsanto is a very versatile park, where almost any outdoor activity can be enjoyed.

There are numerous paths throughout the park. Leave your car at the car park (Espaço Monsanto do Alvito or Parque Infantil de Serafina) and venture out... If you don't like the unexpected, follow the signposted paths. There are 300 km of walking and cycling routes!

If you prefer a game of basketball, there are open-access courts near the Keil do Amaral amphitheatre. There's also a skate park and a flat field in this area. This area is one of the best for jogging.

In the area surrounding the park, you will also find tennis clubs such as the Lisboa ténis clube and the Clube de ténis do Alto do Duque for example, football clubs whose UrbanSoccer and the Clube Internacional de Futebol. The park also has a large campsite with a swimming pool and a paintball club.

If you like extreme sports, the Parque da Pedra has a 12-metre climbing wall and a suspended track with 16 obstacles.

For children

For children, Alameda Keil do Amaral is a great place to ride a bike, skate or rollerblade, or go for a walk where you might spot a few rabbits or squirrels. Monsanto also has three extensive and very pleasant parks/playgrounds, which are a delight for our little ones. The Alvito Park and the Parc de Serafina inside the forest park and the Parc dos Moinhos de Santana, further on towards Restelo.

As their equipment is approved, they are all recommended for children of all ages. What's more, Espace Monsanto offers a range of activities for all the family.

Timetable for Parque Recreativo do Alto da Serafina and Parque Recreativo do Alvito : From 01/10 to 31/03 from 09:00 to 18:00 and from 01/04 to 30/09 from 09:00 to 20:00.

Access and transport

Bike By Corredor Verde

Car Access via the A5, the Eixo Norte Sul (Serafina) or via Pina Manique, among others...

Bus (Carris) : 724, 729, 760, 770, 711, 728

Map of the park : Monsanto Park