Pinhal da Paz Forest Park
A sprawling, free-to-enter forest park with playgrounds, wildlife exhibits, and ample picnic spots. Perfect for family fun and nature escapes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather
Pinhal da Paz Forest Park
Best Time
Flowers in bloom, pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling, free-to-enter forest park with playgrounds, wildlife exhibits, and ample picnic spots. Perfect for family fun and nature escapes.
"Awesome location with dozens of barbeque grills and a huge covered picnic table area. Best park for families!"
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore miles of trails easily. Essential for enjoying the park's natural beauty.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Abundant BBQ grills and picnic tables make it perfect for a family meal.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Wildlife Encounters
Various exhibits throughout the park
See deer, birds, chickens, and friendly cats roaming freely. A delight for all ages!

Playgrounds & Maze
Central park areas
Two playgrounds, including a toddler-specific one, and an engaging maze for endless family fun.
Extensive Walking Trails
Throughout the park
Easy-to-follow paths wind through beautiful landscapes, perfect for a run or a peaceful stroll.
Picnic & BBQ Facilities
Designated picnic zones
Dozens of BBQ grills and large covered picnic tables, some even featuring pizza ovens.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Footwear and Picnic Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore miles of trails easily. Essential for enjoying the park's natural beauty.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Abundant BBQ grills and picnic tables make it perfect for a family meal.
Just arrived in Ponta Delgada
Recommendations for hiking with kids
🦌 Feed the Deer (Responsibly)
Deer often approach fences; grass is a safe treat. Avoid feeding them human food.
🐾 Friendly Resident Cats
You might meet some very friendly cats living in the park.
Must see sights in Ponta Delagda
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore miles of trails easily. Essential for enjoying the park's natural beauty.
🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket
Abundant BBQ grills and picnic tables make it perfect for a family meal.
🦌 Feed the Deer (Responsibly)
Deer often approach fences; grass is a safe treat. Avoid feeding them human food.
🐾 Friendly Resident Cats
You might meet some very friendly cats living in the park.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Ample free parking makes accessing the park convenient for all visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Pinhal da Paz Forest Park as a well-maintained, free-access destination perfect for families and nature lovers. Highlights include the playgrounds, wildlife exhibits, and extensive picnic/BBQ facilities, making it an ideal spot for a relaxed day outdoors. Some mention it could be even more beautiful when more flowers are in bloom.
"Definitely worth the stop! A really neat park with several different playgrounds intermixed with several different animal exhibits. There were deer, birds, chickens, turkeys. The kids enjoyed playing on the playgrounds and seeing the different animal exhibits.
The park was really well maintained with an open bathroom.
Very nice walking trails that were easy to follow and took you through the beautiful landscape of the park. Would make a great place to go for a run. We were there in early season so not much was flowering but I would bet the park was even more beautiful later in the spring."
Jon French
"Awesome location, with dozens of barbeque grills for multiple families, and a huge covered picnic table area with about 16 tables. Large Play structure for the kids, and trails all over to explore."
Rob Romaniuk
"Large recreation area with lots to do for kids. A large play area, places to cook and eat, large fields, and various exhibits with local wildlife, including a bird enclosure. Loads of hiking trails with limited verticality, so easy for all ages."
Josh Reilly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pinhal da Paz Forest Park is located in São Roque, near Ponta Delgada. While public transport options might be limited, many visitors opt for a rental car for easy access. The park offers ample free parking, making it convenient for those driving.
Information on direct public transport routes can be scarce. Renting a car is often recommended for flexibility. Check local bus schedules, but be prepared for potential transfers or longer travel times.
From Ponta Delgada, head towards São Roque. The park is well-signposted and easily accessible by car. Use GPS navigation for precise directions to the park entrance.
Yes, the park provides plenty of free parking spaces, which is a significant advantage for visitors arriving by car.
Cycling is a great option if you enjoy scenic routes. The roads leading to the park are generally well-maintained, offering a pleasant ride through the Azorean landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Pinhal da Paz Forest Park is completely free! This makes it an accessible and budget-friendly destination for everyone.
The park is generally open daily, allowing visitors to enjoy its grounds throughout the day. It's advisable to check for any seasonal changes or specific holiday hours, though it's typically accessible for most of the year.
Absolutely not! Pinhal da Paz Forest Park is a public space and offers free admission to all its visitors.
While the park is generally open daily, it's best to plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery and wildlife. Specific closing times might apply, but it's usually accessible from morning to early evening.
Generally, there are no strict entry restrictions, but visitors are expected to respect the natural environment and wildlife. Please follow park guidelines for a pleasant experience for everyone.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy nature walks on easy trails, observe local wildlife like deer and birds, let kids play on the playgrounds, have a picnic with BBQ facilities, and explore a fun maze.
Yes, the park features two playgrounds, including a dedicated area for toddlers, ensuring fun for younger visitors.
Definitely! Pinhal da Paz is equipped with dozens of barbecue grills and large covered picnic tables, making it an ideal spot for outdoor dining. Some even have pizza ovens!
Visitors often spot deer, various bird species in an enclosure, chickens, and turkeys. Friendly resident cats also roam the park.
The trails are described as easy with limited verticality, making them suitable for all ages and fitness levels, including for running or leisurely strolls.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no formal restaurants within the park itself. However, the park offers extensive picnic and BBQ facilities, encouraging visitors to bring their own food.
Absolutely! Bringing your own food and drinks is highly encouraged, especially given the numerous BBQ grills and picnic areas available for use.
Yes, the park is well-equipped with dozens of barbecue grills, perfect for a cookout. There are also large covered picnic areas with tables.
Given the BBQ facilities, grilled items are popular. Otherwise, sandwiches, salads, and snacks are great for picnics. Don't forget drinks to stay hydrated!
While the park focuses on self-catering, you might find cafes or small eateries in the nearby town of São Roque if you prefer to dine out after your park visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush greenery, the diverse wildlife (especially the deer), the charming playgrounds, and the scenic walking trails. The picnic areas with their rustic charm also make for great shots.
Yes, with its variety of plants, trees, and resident animals, it's an excellent location for nature photography. The well-maintained trails offer easy access to different scenic points.
Certainly! The animals, particularly the deer, are often visible and approachable (from a safe distance). Remember to be respectful and avoid disturbing them.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel.
Look out for the deer at the fences, the colorful bird enclosure, and the picturesque picnic spots. The maze can also offer unique photographic perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Nature Walkers & Runners
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
As you explore, keep an eye out for the various plant species that thrive in the park's climate. While some reviews mention that not much was flowering in the early season, it's implied that the park transforms into an even more vibrant spectacle later in the spring. The trails provide opportunities to discover hidden nooks, observe local wildlife, and simply enjoy the tranquility of the forest environment.
Family Fun and Amenities
Complementing the play areas are the abundant picnic and BBQ facilities. With dozens of barbecue grills and large, covered picnic tables, it's the perfect setup for a family gathering or a relaxed outdoor meal. Some areas even include pizza ovens, adding a unique touch to the dining experience. The combination of play areas, open spaces, and convenient amenities makes Pinhal da Paz a highly recommended destination for families visiting the island.
Wildlife and Nature
Beyond the contained exhibits, the park's natural setting supports a variety of plant life, creating a lush and green environment. Friendly resident cats are also known to roam the grounds, often interacting with visitors. The park's commitment to maintaining these natural elements and exhibits makes it a delightful place for nature enthusiasts and those looking to experience the local ecosystem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit