Survey 2025
Quinta dos Ingleses:
a potential future
More than 2,000 people took part in the Dream Visualiser, a virtual experience created by SOS Quinta dos Ingleses about the future of the Quinta. The results show that 89% of participants dream of a large natural urban park, where nature, leisure, and culture coexist in perfect harmony.
🌳 A name full of meaning
When it comes to naming this future park, the majority chose one that reflects an environmental spirit: "Parque Ecológico da Quinta dos Ingleses" (Ecological Park of Quinta dos Ingleses), selected by 68% of participants. Other names chosen included "Parque de Carcavelos" and "Parque Urbano da Costa do Sol" (Urban Park of the Sunshine Coast).
🌲 How do we imagine the green spaces?
More than half of participants (51.5%) would like to see the Quinta filled with a variety of green areas — woodland, gardens, playing fields, and more. Others preferred to preserve and restore the existing forest, transforming scrubland into flower-filled, sustainable meadows.
🚶♀️ How do we want to move through it?
There’s nothing like walking surrounded by greenery! Wooden walkways connected to the beach were the top choice (45%), followed by walking trails with fitness circuits (43%) and cycle paths for the more adventurous.
🐝 A paradise for biodiversity
We want this park to be a vibrant home for wildlife. 46% proposed increasing plant species, and 43% dreamed of a semi-wild area for biologists to study and conserve. Other suggestions included flower-rich meadows to attract pollinators.
🌊 The stream as a natural protagonist
Over 1,200 people suggested restoring the stream to its natural state, making it a refuge for biodiversity. Others imagined integrating the Quinta’s historic bridges into a charming waterway route.
🎠 Fun and wellbeing for all ages
The Quinta can be a space for everyone! Among the most popular ideas were plastic-free playgrounds, picnic areas, outdoor fitness equipment, treetop climbing, and even a dog park – everything for a perfect day outdoors.
🎭 Outdoor culture? Yes, please!
More than 60% of people want an open-air amphitheatre, ideal for concerts, plays, and workshops. There’s also enthusiasm for intergenerational event spaces and, of course, for the return of the MUSA Festival.
⚽ Honouring the sporting legacy
The existing mountain biking track (BTT) holds a special place in many hearts and was the most voted feature for preservation. Support was also given to reviving the Grupo Sportivo de Carcavelos, creating a sports museum, and even paying tribute to Portugal’s first tennis court, which was established there in 1876.
🏖️ From forest to beach
Nearly 80% of participants envisioned a beautiful natural boardwalk as the link to the beach. Others dreamed of viewpoints, lookouts, and picnic spots to fully enjoy this meeting point between forest and sea.
🏰 A place full of stories to tell
We want to celebrate the history of the Quinta! Ideas include creating a historical walking route linked to Quinta da Alagoa, restoring the old cable station workers’ houses, and planting vineyards as in the past, among other suggestions.
🌱 Sustainability as a mission
The planet’s future starts here. That’s why nearly 70% of people support the creation of a sustainable innovation centre, which would share knowledge about green parks and cities. Many also dream of a forest school so that children can grow up in direct contact with nature.
