Central Portugal might soon be getting a new outdoor adventure park, including ziplines and treetop trails. If the project goes through, the €12 million park would be located next to Portugal’s largest wave pool.
On 30 June 2026, António Henriques, the mayor of Castanheira de Pêra in Central-Portugal’s Leiria district presented the plans for the new São João da Mata Theme Park. The presentation was attended by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, as well as representatives from Turismo Centro de Portugal and the Intermunicipal Community of the Leiria Region.
In order to make Castanheira de Pêra more attractive to tourists, the municipality is planning on adding a new outdoor adventure park next to the already-existing wave pool Praia das Rocas and the region’s many mountainous walking trails.
The project would span over a surface of 45 hectares and amount to €12 million. Instead of a regular attraction park, the São João da Mata Theme Park would be a place specifically designed for outdoor enthusiasts. In order to do so, it would include a wide range of attractions, such as a zipline, an alpine coaster, a downhill mountain bike trail, a treetop adventure course, climbing walls, free-fall and reverse-jump experiences, and a go-kart circuit.
One of the project’s largest undertakings, however, would be the creation of a 1,000-metre-long cable car. The circuit would take visitors directly from the town centre to the adventure park and the adjoining Praia das Rocas, which boasts a wave pool as well as canoeing, paddleboarding, paddle surfing, and cable wakeboarding options. Moreover, it would give curious tourists and locals a chance to get a panoramic overview of the surroundings.
“More than just a means of access, this facility will provide a unique experience of the area, offering a privileged view of the landscape and establishing itself as the hallmark of the entire development,” a press release explains.
During the presentation of the new adventure park, Mayor António Henriques explained how the project would be developed around environmental, economic, and social values. The park is expected to create direct and indirect employment, while supporting local accommodation, restaurants, and businesses.
The Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services, Pedro Machado, was full of praise for Castanheira de Pêra’s long-term strategic vision. According to him, the project could make the region more attractive among tourists, while making the town and its surroundings attractive year-round. Meanwhile, Turismo Centro president Rui Ventura applauded the regional, national, and even international market potential of the São João da Mata Theme Park. He even stated that it was the first tourism project ever presented to him whose vision extended beyond the local level.
At the time of writing, the construction timeline, opening date, and ticket prices have not yet been officially announced. According to the Portuguese news outlet Ekonomista, the project should consist of three phases, and more details are expected over the coming months.
