Guide to Route 2744: from Campo Grande to Póvoa da Galega, through parks, saloio heritage and outdoor leisure

Guide to Route 2744: from Campo Grande to Póvoa da Galega, through parks, saloio heritage and outdoor leisure

Route 2744 connects Campo Grande, in Lisbon, with Póvoa da Galega, passing through Lousa, Venda do Pinheiro, Roussada, Tituaria and Milharado — a route that combines the capital’s urban life with villages, green areas and leisure facilities in the saloio region.

At the Lisbon end, the journey begins next to the Campo Grande terminal, the metro and one of the city’s main green spaces. It is an area marked by the movement of students, supporters, residents and passengers connecting Lisbon’s urban network with the surrounding municipalities.

After leaving the capital, the route enters the Loures area through Lousa, where the landscape becomes more elevated and takes on more rural characteristics. It then passes through Venda do Pinheiro, one of the main centers of the municipality of Mafra, before continuing through smaller localities such as Asseiceira Grande, Roussada and Tituaria.

On the final stretch, between Milharado and Póvoa da Galega, passengers encounter a village atmosphere, community facilities, religious heritage and recently developed urban parks. It is a particularly interesting itinerary for those wishing to take short walks from a stop, although some natural sites require additional walking.

Notice: the distances shown are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided for the route and the locations of the confirmed establishments and attractions. According to the information provided, the route operates only on weekdays, with 5 departures in the Campo Grande–Póvoa da Galega direction and 6 departures in the opposite direction. Neither the fare nor the operator was provided in this route listing.

Dr. Mário Soares Garden, formerly Campo Grande Garden

The first major walk on route 2744 is practically at the departure point. Officially called Dr. Mário Soares Garden, the space remains known to Lisbon residents and visitors as Campo Grande Garden and offers a green break amid the activity of the Campo Grande–Alvalade corridor.

With lawns, a lake, playground, youth park, fitness circuit, dog park, picnic area and dining facilities, the garden is suitable both for a quick walk before the journey and for a longer outing. The size of the space and its direct connection to the metro make it one of the best options along the route for those seeking leisure without leaving Lisbon.

• 📍 Location: Campo Grande, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Campo Grande (Metro) P16, about 0.1 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park and outdoor leisure.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: A large green area with facilities for walking, recreation, informal sports and relaxation, next to an important transport terminal.

José Alvalade Stadium and Sporting Museum

Those getting off at Campo Grande can also walk to José Alvalade Stadium, one of Lisbon’s main sports facilities. In addition to games and events, the complex offers stadium tours and the Sporting Museum, dedicated to the club’s history and sporting heritage.

The museum houses trophies, photographs and objects connected with the history of Sporting Clube de Portugal, while the tour allows visitors to see areas inside the stadium. The proximity of the Campo Grande terminal, acknowledged by the club itself, makes it easier for visitors arriving from other parts of the city or from the municipalities served by route 2744.

• 📍 Location: José Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Campo Grande (Metro) P16, about 0.3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Stadium, museum and sports entertainment.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: Combines a stadium visit with a historical collection dedicated to more than a century of Sporting activity.

Alvaláxia Shopping Center

Part of the Alvalade XXI complex, Alvaláxia Shopping Center is an option for those seeking shopping, services, dining and a sheltered break before continuing their journey. The facility is next to José Alvalade Stadium and benefits from connections to the Campo Grande terminal, the metro and several bus routes.

It is a destination more suited to taking care of practical needs or combining a meal with other activities in the area, such as visiting the garden and stadium. Its location makes it possible to create a short itinerary at the beginning of the route without using another form of transport.

• 📍 Location: Alvalade XXI complex, next to José Alvalade Stadium, Lisbon.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Campo Grande (Metro) P16, about 0.4 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Shopping center, services and dining.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: It is associated with a stadium, sports facilities and the Campo Grande intermodal terminal.

Cabeço de Montachique Swing and Viewpoint

In the Lousa section, route 2744 approaches one of the most scenic areas along the journey. The Cabeço de Montachique Viewpoint Swing is located at one of the parish’s higher points and offers a broad view of the surrounding landscape, making it an option for those who enjoy walking, photography and stops with open scenery.

The site is farther from the road served by the route and requires an additional walk uphill. It is therefore more suitable for those planning their outing with enough time and checking the path conditions in advance. The reward is a rural, panoramic setting that differs greatly from the itinerary’s urban beginning.

• 📍 Location: Cabeço de Montachique, parish of Lousa, Loures.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: En 374-2 5 (Lousa), about 2 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Viewpoint, nature and walking.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: A panoramic swing installed at one of the parish’s highest points, with wide-ranging views over the region.

Venda do Pinheiro Ecological and Intermodal Park

The Venda do Pinheiro (Eco Parque) P4 stop is one of the best points along the route for those seeking a leisure space directly connected to public transport. The Ecological and Intermodal Park combines green areas, sports facilities, walking paths, a children’s area, dog park, picnic area and spaces for outdoor activities.

The facility also has an environmental and educational dimension, with an Interpretation Center connected to the source of the Lizandro River. The presence of the bus interchange and parking reinforces the site’s role as a community meeting place, both for those arriving by public transport and for those wishing to begin a walk through Venda do Pinheiro.

• 📍 Location: Avenida 9 de Julho, Venda do Pinheiro, Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Venda do Pinheiro (Eco Parque) P4, about 0.1 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Ecological park, sport and mobility.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: Brings together nature, recreation, sports facilities and a direct connection to public transport.

Museum Center of the S. Miguel do Milharado Folklore Group

Between the Asseiceira Grande, Roussada and Tituaria stops, the route crosses an area where saloio culture remains very present. The Museum Center of the S. Miguel do Milharado Folklore Group, housed in the former primary school building in Roussada, preserves material and intangible references connected with the community’s traditions.

The space is particularly interesting for those wishing to understand the area beyond its landscapes. Costumes, instruments, everyday objects and elements associated with agricultural practices and popular festivals help tell the story of local communities. Since this is a community museum center, it is advisable to confirm visiting conditions in advance.

• 📍 Location: Former primary school building, Roussada, parish of Milharado, Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Av Principal 55 (Roussada), about 0.3 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Museum center, folklore and intangible heritage.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: Preserves memories, objects and customs of saloio culture through the work of a local association.

Church of São Miguel do Milharado

In the central area of Milharado, the stop near the pharmacy serves as a gateway to the Church of São Miguel. The temple is part of the religious heritage of the municipality of Mafra and preserves Manueline elements, giving it historical and architectural interest.

The visit can be combined with a walk through the nearby streets and a stroll to Largo de São Miguel. It is a more contemplative stop, suitable for those who enjoy architecture, local history and small rural centers that still organize community life.

• 📍 Location: Largo de São Miguel, Milharado, Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Milharado (Pharmacy), about 0.2 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Religious heritage and historic architecture.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: Parish church associated with Milharado’s history and retaining traces of Manueline elements.

Póvoa da Galega Urban Park

The itinerary’s final stop offers one of the most comprehensive leisure facilities along the route. Póvoa da Galega Urban Park occupies a large area and combines green spaces, restored banks of the Trancão River and pedestrian bridges with structures for different age groups.

There is a children’s playground, picnic area, dog park, football field, basketball court, fitness circuit and skate park. The space also has an open-air amphitheater, multipurpose room, library and area dedicated to young people, functioning as a new cultural, sporting and community center for Póvoa da Galega.

• 📍 Location: Póvoa da Galega, parish of Milharado, Mafra.
• 🚏 Nearest stop/route section and approximate distance: Póvoa da Galega (Fountain), about 0.1 km.
• 🏷️ Category: Urban park, sport, culture and leisure.
• ⭐ Distinctive feature: A multifunctional complex with a skate park, amphitheater, sports facilities, family spaces and a pedestrian connection over the river.

Route 2744 provides a direct connection between the Campo Grande urban corridor and a group of localities where leisure takes place on a quieter scale: gardens, viewpoints, community facilities, religious heritage and riverside parks. Since there are few departures and they operate only on weekdays, the ideal approach is to plan the outing in advance, choose the direction of travel carefully and check the schedules before setting out.

Sources

• Lisbon City Council — Dr. Mário Soares Garden
• Lisbon Metro — Campo Grande Station
• Sporting Clube de Portugal — José Alvalade Stadium
• Sporting Clube de Portugal — Stadium and museum visits
• Mafra City Council — Venda do Pinheiro Ecological and Intermodal Park
• Lousa Parish Council — Cabeço de Montachique Viewpoint Swing
• Mafra City Council — Póvoa da Galega Urban Park
• Mafra City Council — Guide to the municipality’s cultural resources
• Cultural Heritage — Church of São Miguel do Milharado
• Lisbon City Council — Alvalade XXI Complex and Alvaláxia Shopping Center