We picked Boticas parque quite by accident. While we were booking our summer vacation, we kept an eye out for nice cheap accommodation that was pretty off the beaten path that tourists usually head on. Boticas fell on that route and we found a nice quiet cabin in the park. It was a win-win in our minds but we did not know what a jackpot we had hit till we actually arrived on site.
Now I need you to understand that the small town of Boticas is located in the Villa Real region of Portugal. You’ll probably have heard of the town Villa Real because that’s a tourist hub. Boticas is located a short drive away and is a quieter spot. The Boticas Parque is located outside the city and not within it. You need some mode of transport to get to and fro.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. Read my disclaimer for further information.
Table of Contents
Where To Stay In Boticas Parque?
Many people choose to stay in Boticas and then head to the Boticas Parque. There are a number of cool accommodations that span different price ranges. These are generally close to restaurants and grocery stores. They also allow you to participate in the nightlife in the region. I’ll give you a couple of examples.
Boticas Hotel Art & SPA
I’m not going to go into all the design and structure of each but the pros and cons. The Boticas Hotel Art & Spa is central and pretty awesome when it comes to value for money. It has its own outdoor swimming pool which is pretty handy during the hotter months. It has its own sauna, Turkish baths and wellness center. Plus all rooms are airconditioned and spacious.
“We stayed at the hotel for one night in 2024 and loved it so much we returned for two nights this year. A fabulous hotel in a beautiful village. The staff are also super friendly and helpful. We ate in the restaurant on both evenings and our meals were delicious. Breakfast is also great with a wide variety to choose from. We used the spa facilities and I had a back massage. Absolutely amazing and would definitely recommend.”
Michelle (read more reviews!)
It is definitely one of my favorite properties in the area. Since Boticas is off the beaten path you will find that even though it does cost more than the other hotels it is not something that will break the bank.
We chose to stay in the actual park. The Boticas Parque Natur Houses are perfect. They are simple, have their own little kitchenette and bathroom.
It’s quite like glamping because you are right in the forest. There’s only one other cabin next door.
Each cabin has two rooms so for us that worked great. The rooms have a window that spans the expanse of one wall so if you want, you can fall asleep while watching the forest at night.
“The apartments are clean and cozy with all general purpose things you could need for your stay. The surroundings are amazing, forests with mushrooms and trees. Also great for kids to be able to learn about farm animals and rural environments.”
Migsar (read more reviews…)
There’s even a picnic table outside which you can use and a parking spot for your car. But that’s not all. It gives you access to the whole park right at your doorstep. I’ll talk about the park in a bit and you’ll see why this is awesome for people with kids and in general for people who prefer to be in a quieter spot and not rough it.
Things To Do In Boticas Parque
There are plenty of things to do in Boticas Parque and I was rather surprised. Mind you, these activities work for both kids and adults which is what makes them so great. We didn’t cover all of them even though we stayed there for three days and that was because there were so many things to do and we wanted to chill.
1. Take A Walk Or Hike
You can take a leisurely walk through the Boticas park. The Boticas parque sprawls through many acres. There are certain marked routes if you want a longer hike but if you don’t you can also wander aimlessly. There are even groups that set out. If you want to join in, your best bet is to head to the information center.
2. Shop For The Local Produce
At the main information center you can also do a bit of shopping. They have some great honey that is farmed from the reserve and some different variants of tea.
We had some different varieties in our accommodation on site and loved them so we chose to take some home.
There are also some local handicrafts and artwork that you peruse through. It is a very chill place with extremely helpful staff.
3. Learn About The Biodiversity Of The Forest
The whole park is geared so that adults and children can learn about the nature that surrounds them. Numerous boards that enumerate about the different species of birds, reptiles and animals are placed strategically. They are pretty to look at and instantly draw your attention. We spent a lot of time reading them and trying to spot the birds while identifying them.
4. Take The Kids To The Playground
There are two different playgrounds in the area. One is in a shaded spot which is perfect for midday shenanigans while the other is bigger and great for either early morning or later in the day.
There are lots of spots to sit and relax at while the kids play. The playgrounds are huge and there is so much variety that the kids never really get bored. Trying to get them home is another challenge though. We spent hours here with a couple of breaks to rest because of the heat.
5. Have A Beer Or Get An Ice-cream
There’s a small snack stall right next to the kid’s play area which is perfect. They don’t have a lot of stuff but there is a full list of ice creams to pick from. They also serve beer on tap, coffee and tea. It’s perfect because you can take a book and read while the kids play. When its hot, you can cool down with an ice-cream.
6. Pack A Picnic Lunch
Pretty close to the kids play area is a picnic area. The best part is that it is close enough that you don’t have to trek to it but far enough that you aren’t bothered by the kids playing on the playground. My suggestion is to pack a picnic lunch if you want to spend the day in Boticas parque. It’s a great way to relax. Plus there are restrooms that are free and accessible close by. Big bonus points because they are always clean.
7. Rent A Kayak
One of the top activities in Boticas Parque that visitors love is renting a kayak. They have both two and three seater kayaks which can be rented for whatever duration you want. It is just important to note that they take a break between 12pm and 2pm. We tried this and had a blast with our girls.
If you want to try this make sure to get your swimwear or a set of dry clothes because you can get wet.
Shawn did but I was relatively dry at the end. So it depends.
8. Head Out On The Elevated Rope Courses
One of the interesting things to do in Boticas Parque was the rope courses. The ropes are tied across the trees in a form of a labyrinth. Each part of the course has a challenge you have to complete. You first strap on a harness so its completely safe and then make your way across.
The children’s course wasn’t working when we reached but the one for older kids and adults was. There were both adults and kids inline for it and everyone had fun.
9. Trout Fishing
Although not really my cup of tea, I thought that I would mention that people also head here to fish trout. There are huge fish tanks in which the trout are kept. We saw them while we were walking around the area.
Boticas parque is one of the most underrated places that I have been to in Portugal. It is quiet and peaceful. Far from the tourists that head to the country to visit its iconic cities. It still has all the charm that Portugal has to offer. Despite the more rural setup, you will find that there are loads of things to do in Boticas Parque. It also has a lot of places you can head to for day trips.
Other Posts That You Will Find Interesting
- Cool things to do in Braganca
- Is Braga worth visiting?
- Where should you book your accommodation in Lisbon
- Should Obidos be on your itinerary?
- What should you pack for summer in Portugal?
Don’t Forget To Pin This Post
