Castanheira de Pêra in Central Portugal is advancing plans for a €12m outdoor adventure park designed to strengthen the municipality’s year-round tourism offer.
The proposed São João da Mata Theme Park would cover 45 hectares in the Leiria district and sit alongside Praia das Rocas, an established leisure site known for its large wave pool and water-based activities. The project was presented on 30 June 2026 by Mayor António Henriques, with representatives from national, regional and intermunicipal tourism bodies in attendance.
Unlike a conventional theme park, the scheme is being positioned around outdoor activity, landscape access and active leisure. Planned features include a zipline, alpine coaster, downhill mountain bike trail, treetop adventure course, climbing walls, free-fall and reverse-jump experiences, plus a go-kart circuit.
For destination developers, adventure operators and local authorities, the proposal is notable because it combines high-energy attractions with existing natural assets and a nearby water-based leisure offer. This creates the potential for a broader destination cluster rather than a single isolated attraction.
Cable Car Access As A Destination Anchor
One of the most significant elements of the proposal is a planned 1,000-metre cable car linking the town centre with the adventure park and Praia das Rocas. The system is intended to improve access while also functioning as a visitor experience in its own right.
From a placemaking perspective, this is an important design move. A cable car can connect dispersed assets, reduce reliance on car movement between locations and create a memorable arrival sequence. It also gives the town centre a stronger physical and visual link to the wider tourism development.
The route would provide elevated views across the mountainous landscape, supporting the destination’s identity as an outdoor leisure location. For operators and public authorities, such infrastructure can help make natural scenery part of the core visitor proposition, rather than simply a backdrop to activities.
Praia das Rocas already offers water-based attractions including canoeing, paddleboarding, paddle surfing and cable wakeboarding. By connecting the wave pool, town centre and new adventure park, Castanheira de Pêra could create a more integrated destination with multiple activity types across a single visitor journey.
Regional Development And Economic Impact
The municipality has presented the project as part of a long-term strategy shaped by environmental, economic and social considerations. The park is expected to support direct and indirect employment, while creating additional demand for accommodation, restaurants and local businesses.
This wider economic role is central to the project’s B2B relevance. Adventure tourism developments can be particularly valuable for rural and mountainous areas when they are linked to local supply chains, hospitality capacity and multi-day stays. They can also help reduce seasonality by offering activities that are not limited to summer beach tourism.
Secretary of State for Tourism, Commerce and Services Pedro Machado has supported the strategic direction of the proposal, while Turismo Centro de Portugal’s leadership has highlighted its potential to compete beyond a purely local market. This national and regional backing suggests the scheme is being viewed as a possible anchor for broader tourism growth in Central Portugal.
Phased Delivery And Sector Relevance
At this stage, the construction timeline, opening date and pricing have not been confirmed. Reports indicate that the project may be delivered in three phases, with further details expected in the coming months.
For the attractions and visitor experience sector, São João da Mata offers a useful case study in adventure-led destination planning. Its planned mix of ziplines, treetop trails, mountain biking, climbing, go-karts and cable car access reflects rising demand for active outdoor experiences that combine physical participation with landscape appeal.
If delivered successfully, the scheme could reposition Castanheira de Pêra as a stronger regional and international adventure tourism destination. It also demonstrates how municipalities can use existing leisure infrastructure, natural terrain and transport links to build a more resilient visitor economy.
