World Donkey Day: Meet the Gentle Giants of Quinta do Pisão in Cascais, Portugal

This World Donkey Day on 8th May, Quinta do Pisão in Cascais, Portugal invites families, nature lovers, and animal enthusiasts to celebrate the remarkable role of donkeys in Portugal’s cultural and natural heritage. Found within the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, Quinta do Pisão is a 380-hectare paradise where history, conservation, and rural traditions come alive.

Today, donkeys roam freely across the park’s sweeping landscapes - symbols of resilience, loyalty, and the timeless connection between humans and nature. Among them are the Mirandese donkeys, a cherished but endangered Portuguese breed, cared for as part of Cascais City Council’s efforts to preserve biodiversity and ancestral customs.

Visitors are invited to mark this special day by meeting the donkeys up close. Whether taking a donkey ride through flowering meadows or participating in family-friendly workshops like brushing and feeding, Quinta do Pisão offers unforgettable experiences that celebrate these intelligent and affectionate animals, as well as a range of other activities that place nature at the forefront.

A Park with Many Lives

Quinta do Pisão's rich past spans thousands of years, with archaeological sites like the prehistoric Porto Covo cave dating back to the Neolithic era. Visitors can walk trails steeped in history, from ancient burial grounds to 19th-century kilns and the former Casa de Cal lime warehouse, now the main visitor centre.

A Hands-On Approach to Nature

More than just a walk in the woods, Quinta do Pisão is a living, breathing landscape. Guests can ride horses, harvest organic vegetables, explore bee hives, and meet the park’s charming residents - including chickens, sheep, and free-range horses. From brushing donkeys to picking lettuce, the park encourages meaningful interaction with the land.

Family-Friendly and Fully Inclusive

With accessible trails, Braille signage, and transport options for those with mobility issues, Quinta do Pisão is committed to inclusion. Children can follow the whimsical Cuquedo Trail, inspired by the popular Portuguese children's book, or take part in holiday camps that build lasting memories - and connections to nature.

A Hub of Sustainability and Education

As a dynamic example of sustainable land management, Quinta do Pisão also plays a role in wildfire prevention. Projects involving large herbivores are underway to naturally manage underbrush. Meanwhile, the park offers regular interpretive tours, environmental volunteering, and educational programmes for all ages.

Festa do Maios 2025

In May and June, the Quinta do Pisão farm will host a 4-day event (over two weekends) suitable for the whole family. There will be countless activities taking place, including donkeys, sheep, horses, traditional games, learning workshops, walks, theatre and music. Visitors can also have picnics or enjoy the street food options on offer.  

Festa do Maios is a spring celebration inspired by ancestral traditions, linked to Celtic and agricultural roots. Its goal is to revive the rural traditions of Cascais for the new generations, through the various activities that will be happening at Quinta do Pisão.  

Festa dos Maios will be taking place across two different weekends:  

• 24th & 25th May 2025 
• 31st May & 1st June 2025 

Full programme and registration for Festa do Maios is available here.

Quinta do Pisão is open every day, year-round, with free admission. Hours are 9am–9pm from April to September and 9am–6pm from October to March.

Ends

Editors notes

Historically a refuge for Portuguese nobility during WWII, and now an elegant blend of 19th-century architecture and traditional Portuguese charm, Cascais is a veritable paradise for those seeking endless culture, sun and sand. The historic wealth of Cascais’ royal past is still visible on every winding cobbled street, with grand palaces and extravagant villas dotted in between boutiques and classic eateries. A yet undiscovered region of Portugal that is just 20 minutes by train from Portugal’s capital of Lisbon, the charming cultural town of Cascais and neighbouring palatial Sintra offer a welcome escape for a more refined, relaxed escape.