Audio Guide of Mafra National Park

Tapada Nacional de Mafra is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM in winter (October-March) and until 6:00 PM in summer (April-September), closed on Mondays and public holidays. You can get there by car via the A21 from Lisbon (about 40 km away) or by train to Mafra, then take a taxi or local bus; for guided visits, book in advance on the official website or call +351 261 817 400.

General admission costs €6 for adults, €3 for young people and seniors over 65, and is free for children under 12 and local residents with ID. It includes access to trails and exhibitions; there are discounts for families or groups if you book online on the official website, making advance purchase easier.

It is recommended to allow at least 2 to 3 hours for a walking visit along the main trails and to see the wildlife, but if you choose a full bike route or a guided tour, it can extend to a full day. Plan according to your pace so you can enjoy the nature and historic ruins without rushing.

Created in 1768 by King Joseph I as a royal hunting reserve, Tapada Nacional de Mafra is a unique example of an 18th-century Portuguese cultural landscape, protecting rich biodiversity including deer, wild boar, and birds. Its importance lies in the conservation of nature and heritage; it was declared a Natural Reserve in 1997 and forms part of Mafra’s Baroque legacy.

Spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) are ideal thanks to the mild weather and vibrant vegetation, avoiding the summer heat or winter cold. Visit early in the morning to see more active animals and enjoy fewer crowds, finishing before sunset for a calmer experience.

Several main trails are paved and wheelchair accessible, with ramps in the entrance and exhibition areas, but some wooded sections are uneven. We recommend contacting the visitor center (+351 261 817 400) for adapted guides or wheelchair loans; the official website provides more details about accessibility.

Nearby, just 5 km away, is the impressive Mafra National Palace, a vast Baroque complex with a library and basilica, ideal for combining visits. You can also explore Mafra’s historic center with its convents or head to Ericeira (15 km) for beaches and surfing; more information is available on the Palace website.

Bring comfortable shoes, insect repellent, and water, as there are trails up to 10 km long; download the map from the official website here to help you navigate. Join a guided tour to learn about the wildlife (book at +351 261 817 400) and go early to avoid groups; if you are traveling with family, look for the designated picnic areas.