€12m adventure park planned for Castanheira de Pera, Central Portugal

Castanheira de Pera (Leiria district) has unveiled plans for a €12 million nature and adventure theme park designed to transform the municipality into a leading destination for outdoor tourism in central Portugal.

The São João da Mata Theme Park was presented on June 30 in the presence of the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, alongside representatives from Turismo Centro de Portugal and the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region.

The project will be developed over 45 hectares in three phases and aims to combine adventure sports, leisure activities and environmental conservation.

Its centrepiece will be a one-kilometre cable car linking the town directly to the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while providing easy access to the site.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a wide range of attractions, including a zipline, downhill mountain bike trail, treetop adventure course, alpine coaster, climbing walls, free-fall and reverse-jump experiences, as well as a Crazy Cart circuit for younger visitors.

The development will build on the popularity of the nearby Praia das Rocas, with additional activities such as canoeing, paddleboarding and cable wakeboarding planned.

Mayor António Henriques said the project is based on principles of environmental, economic and social sustainability and is expected to create direct and indirect employment while supporting local accommodation, restaurants and businesses.

Pedro Machado praised the municipality’s long-term strategic vision, saying the development has the potential to strengthen Castanheira de Pera’s competitiveness as a tourism destination while helping reduce seasonality.

Turismo Centro president Rui Ventura described it as the first tourism project presented to him with a vision extending beyond the local level to regional, national and international markets.

The municipality hopes the investment will establish Castanheira de Pera as a year-round destination for nature, adventure and active tourism.

Inês Lopes

Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident