Bioparque

Bioparque is a nature and adventure park in Carvalhais, in the municipality of São Pedro do Sul, at the foot of the Serra da Arada mountains in Viseu district. It has camping, bungalows and a range of outdoor activities, but in summer most families come for the parque aquático: an outdoor swimming pool where fresh water from the mountain pours in, with a water slide that the park says is a hit with children and adults alike.

It’s a countryside park rather than a town lido. Around the pool there’s a lawn, which sets the capacity: the park estimates about 400 people.

The park describes its pool as fed by cool mountain water (“frescas águas da serra”). Expect it to be cooler than a heated town pool, which is refreshing on a hot day but can be a shock for small children. It doesn’t publish depths or say whether there’s a separate shallow area, so ask on arrival before letting non-swimmers in.

The water slide is the main attraction for children. The park doesn’t give height or age limits online; check with staff.

In 2026 the pool opened from 16 May to 13 September, every day from 10:00 to 19:00.

Tickets:

• Full ticket: €5
• Half ticket (ages 6 to 10): €3
• Late afternoon, 17:00 to 19:00: €3 full, €2 half

The price list doesn’t mention under-6s; ask at reception.

Rentals: a parasol costs €2.50, and two loungers with a parasol cost €6.

The park’s kiosk sells quick meals (burgers, hot dogs, bifanas, which are pork sandwiches, pica-pau, toasties and sandwiches), drinks and ice cream. It opens from 10:00 to 19:00, and until 21:00 in August.

There’s also a picnic area with tables, a drinking fountain and a barbecue, so you can bring your own lunch.

Bioparque runs activities for “miúdos & graúdos” (kids and grown-ups). Groups must book; individuals can sign up at reception on the day, though the park asks for advance booking for most activities:

• Junior treetop course (arvorismo júnior) with a zip line: suspended bridges and obstacles in the trees, adapted for children, about 25 minutes.
• Senior treetop course with a zip line: about 30 minutes.
• Climbing on a wall with ropes and safety gear: about 15 minutes.
• Abseiling, orienteering courses and a peddy-paper trail around the park (new routes in 2026).
• A sensory trail designed for groups.

Along the Ribeira de Contença, by the road into the park, is a row of 13 restored water mills. The stream banks are lined with violets, royal ferns, mosses, oaks, birches, willows and alders. Each mill has a stone channel (levada) carrying water to its wheel, and one channel is made from hollowed-out tree trunks, which the park says is rare.

The mills were restored to show the old cycle of bread-making, from grinding flour to baking broa (cornbread) in ovens built on site. The park notes that the parish of Carvalhais once had more than 100 mills, which shows how important water power was here in the 18th and 19th centuries and the first half of the 20th.

A guided mill walk with a tasting of regional produce at the end costs €6 per person and must be booked.

• The pool water comes from the mountain, so it’s cool.
• Parasols can be rented, but bring hats and sun cream too.
• The park recommends using Google Maps to São Pedro do Sul first, then following local signs to Carvalhais, which it says is the route with the best access.
• In August the kiosk stays open later, to 21:00.

For more in Viseu district, the Museu do Caramulo has classic cars and art, and the city of Viseu is within reach for a rainy day. Further north in Aveiro district, the Paiva walkways and the 516 Arouca suspension bridge make a big day out for older children.

How much is the Bioparque pool?

In 2026 a full ticket cost €5 and a child’s ticket (ages 6 to 10) €3. From 17:00 to 19:00 it’s €3 and €2.

Is there a water slide?

Yes. The park has a water slide; ask staff about any height or age limits.

Is the water cold?

It’s fed by fresh mountain water, so expect it to be cooler than a heated town pool.

Can we bring a picnic?

Yes. There’s a picnic area with tables, a fountain and a barbecue, as well as a kiosk.

When is it open?

In 2026 the pool opened daily from 16 May to 13 September, 10:00 to 19:00.