Santiago do Cacém has always been characterized by the importance of its cork oak forests, considered one of the most valuable in the country.

The most emblematic tree in Alentejo awaits your visit.

Santiago do Cacém currently has the fourth largest cork oak forest area and the largest in the district of Setúbal (about 46,000 ha) occupying more than 75% of the municipality’s forest area. The density of the trees here is also much higher than the rest of the territory.

Here, the Montado has a prominent place, is part of the charts of the cultural heritage and natural heritage of the Alentejo coast and is the object of candidacy for World Heritage with the aim of safeguarding historical, cultural and natural values, as they are the key to the identity of the places and their populations.

Cork oaks, in addition to cork, support other economic activities linked to the cork oak forests, such as beekeeping, nature tourism, rural tourism, agrotourism, ecotourism, the collection of edible or medicinal mushrooms and for cosmetics, the creation of local breeds of animals, such as black pigs or Alentejo cattle, hunting and handicrafts.

They are transversally important for the composition of the landscape, for an extraordinary ecosystem of biodiversity and for the local economy.

In addition to the cork oak, holm oak, eucalyptus and pine are also an important part of the forest area. As spontaneous vegetation, covering the slopes of the mountains, there are several species of shrubs that we call bush, predominantly cistus, heather, sargasso, oak and holm oak.

The cork oak and holm oak forests, one of the main forest riches in the region, should be looked at, in addition to their biophysical, faunal, floristic and socioeconomic importance, as well as their relevance for their tradition, tourism and attractiveness.

Santiago do Cacém is a defender of the culture of cork oaks and cork oaks, whether in promoting their cultivation or in creating conditions for the study, defense, classification and promotion of activities associated with them.

Source: Municipality of Santiago do Cacém
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