Best Tours of Parks and Gardens in Porto

Porto is an important city in Portugal that, in previous centuries and today, has always been in close contact with nature. This is evidenced by the large tracts of land full of greenery and the passage of the Douro River, which flows through the city until it empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

Therefore, among the things to see and do in Porto is to know the gardens and parks in its interior. I recommend the Crystal Palace Gardens, full of a unique historical charm; the Botanical Garden of Porto, where you can learn about biodiversity; the Serralves Park, which combines art and nature; or the City Park, ideal for a relaxing break. Here I tell you more about each option.

Although they are part of the complex, the Crystal Palace Gardens draw attention on their own. For many it is one of the most emblematic green spaces in Porto and its construction dates back to 1860 as part of the Crystal Palace project that was demolished in 1951, while the gardens have managed to maintain its original charm.

Walking through the interior you will see the mixture of artistic styles such as the romantic of the nineteenth century with baroque details. Among its paths you will find fountains and ornamental ponds. Also, in the garden several exotic plants are grown .

On the other hand, if you go to Oporto in winter, you will see many plants in full bloom such as camellias (yes, it is a fascinating fact). In fact, each season of the year paints the gardens with a special tint.

Do not miss the view from the lookout, where it is possible to appreciate the beauty of the Douro River that crosses the city. In addition, due to its location near several tourist attractions such as the Lello Bookstore, a visit to these gardens could be combined with a guided tour of Porto.

Useful information

• Price: free tour on your own.
• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
• Location: Rua de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto.

With its 83 hectares of extension, Porto's City Park holds the title of the largest urban park in Portugal. This space was inaugurated in 1993 and covers a large area from the heart of the city to the Atlantic Ocean, i.e., it provides direct access to the sea, specifically to Matosinhos beach.

Inside this park there is a lot to see and a wide variety of leisure options. Its long trails, which extend for about 10 km, stand out. In fact, you could use a bike rental service in Porto to tour the park. Of course, you can walk or run if you wish.

You will see landscapes composed of meadows, lakes, streams and forests, an ecosystem in which you can find some samples of flora and fauna. You will observe at least 74 species of trees and animals such as swans, toads, frogs and reptiles.

Although the lakes are artificial, they still add beauty to the environment. You will also find picnic areas, an amphitheater and a sports area. On the other hand, you should know that at one of the entrances to the park, on the beach side, you will find the Sea Life Porto aquarium, so you could improve your tour and book tickets for Sea Life Porto.

Useful information

• Price: free of charge.
• Duration: between 2 and 4 hours.
• Location: Estrada Interior da Circunvalação, 4100-183 Porto.

Although the Porto Botanical Garden was established in 1951, part of the land it occupies corresponds to a 19th century estate. Currently, the site belongs to the University of Porto and serves as a botanical research and management center.

In its approximately 4 hectares you can find about 4 thousand species of native plants and from other regions of the world. In addition, the interior is structured in thematic sections. Thus, you will see gardens such as the aromatic plant garden , the tropical greenhouse, the alboretum, and the famous cactus and succulent garden.

On the other hand, as you walk through this natural reserve, you will see the interesting collection of camellias, which attracts attention throughout the European continent. Also, take a look at the design of the gardens, which mix ancient and modern architectural styles.

In the Victorian greenhouse you will see exotic plants and a sample of 19th century architecture: the Andresen House, an old mansion that today serves as a museum and educational center.

Information of interest

• Price: about €6 per person for a guided tour of various parts of the complex, but the self-guided tour of the gardens is free.
• Duration: the visit can last between 1 and 2 hours.
• Location: Rua do Campo Alegre 1191, 4150-181 Porto.

Serralves Park is a large complex where art and nature blend together. This space was built during the 1930s, with the design of the French architect Jacques Gréber, commissioned by the Serralves family. It is an extension of 18 hectares that houses not only green areas, but also the buildings that make up the Serralves Foundation.

In the tour of this green environment, you can see the formal gardens that are mixed with forests, meadows, themed gardens, lakes and rose gardens. In every space of the park you can see the artistic influence of modernism and art deco, which is evident in views that combine with the natural landscape and geometric lines.

The area is also home to buildings such as the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Serralves House, which for their beauty and exhibitions are included in the list of best museums in Porto. Going back to the vegetated areas, this natural lung has a collection of native and exotic trees with some that are more than 200 years old.

In addition, you will learn about the cultivation processes in the organic farm, where some vegetables and herbs are produced. Also, this natural and artistic area hosts various cultural events and outdoor exhibitions and, of course, offers quiet spaces if you are looking for relaxation.

Information of interest

• Price: about 10€ per person, with access to the museum.
• Duration: between 2 and 3 hours.
• Location: Rua Dom João de Castro 210, 4150-417 Porto.

With a history dating back to 1866, the Cordoaria Gardens are one of the oldest in Porto. Its name comes from the fact that in the area there used to be an old rope factory. This green space has a romantic style corresponding to the 19th century and inside you will see centenary trees, several rest areas and winding paths.

Notice the emblematic elms and also the plane trees that are more than 100 years old. If you walk towards the center of the gardens you will find the ornamental fountain, which is one of the main landmarks of the park.

Also, during the tour you will see some monuments and sculptures, such as those of João Cutileiro, which consist of nude female figures that simulate movement. Temporary exhibitions are also held at the site, which has become a rest stop amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.

With its privileged location in the historical center of the city, a visit to this garden can easily be combined with other activities on your 3-day Porto itinerary or longer, such as a private 4x4 tour of Porto that passes by places like the Church of the Clérigos and the Church of Carmen, just a few minutes from the park.

Information of interest

• Price: free of charge.
• Duration: free time.

São Roque Park belongs to the youngest group of the city and its creation dates back to 1980, when it was inaugurated as part of the urban renewal project. It is a little smaller than other parks on the list, with an area of approximately 4 hectares, and is located in the eastern part of Porto.

During your visit to this natural environment you can relax in the landscaped areas or in the open vegetation areas. You will see a variety of trees and shrubs, some typical of the region and others exotic, ideal for sheltering from ultraviolet rays on sunny days. Its labyrinthine garden also stands out , where you will feel like you are in a movie.

This destination is described as a bit more intimate, because it allows you to get away from the noise of the city easily . Also, you can go to the viewpoint, which will offer beautiful views of the city and the Douro River, no matter if you visit Porto in summer or other times of the year.

Inside you can have picnics, take the kids to the playground or admire the lake. Given its location, a visit to this park can be combined with a tour of the FC Porto Museum and the Dragão stadium, which are less than a 10-minute walk from the park.

Information of interest

• Price: free of charge.
• Duration: between 1 and 2 hours.
• Location: Rua de São Roque da Lameira, 4300-316 Porto.

Also in the eastern part of Porto you will find another fascinating natural refuge: the Quinta do Covelo. This place was a private property for many years and, in the 1980s, it became a public park, which has allowed it to retain its historical and natural appeal.

The Quinta do Covelo extends over approximately 7 hectares. Inside you can see the structure of the old quinta, with its agricultural terraces and other historic buildings. Also, take a look at the botanical variety of the site, which is home to various tree species such as cedars, oaks, eucalyptus and pines.

Explore the gardens of medicinal and aromatic plants, where you can learn about them and their cultivation process. Check out the community gardens, where local residents grow vegetables and fruits for their daily use.

Walk or run along the trails while you relax and, if you visit Porto with children, take them to the playground, which is well equipped for their fun. The site is also the scene of various educational and cultural activities promoted by the Environmental Education Center.

Information of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Duration: you can stay as long as you want.
• Location: Rua de Faria Guimarães 1075, 4200-289 Porto.

One of the youngest parks on this list is Parque Oriental da Cidade do Porto, which opened in 2010. With its 80 hectares of land (it is estimated that it will be extended to 120 hectares), this site is the second largest in Porto and extends along the valley of the Tinto River, whose tributary flows through its paths.

This vast natural space was designed by Sidónio Pardal. The integration of the watercourse into the park has made it even more beautiful. Walking through the place you will see the meadows, forests and wetlands designed to promote biodiversity and planned to achieve ecological restoration.

Through its trails, which extend for 4 km, visitors can enter the different areas of the park according to the type of recreation they want to have, whether in areas of natural contemplation, relax outdoors, admire the surroundings and panoramic views, etc..

The complex also has some sports facilities and organizes activities such as guided tours and environmental education. Getting to know this destination could be combined with a myriad of activities in your Porto itinerary in 4 days or more.

Useful information

• Price: access is free.
• Duration: the tour will be at your own pace.
• Location: Estrada da Circunvalação, 4300-096 Porto.

In the north of Porto, specifically in the 9 de Abril Square, is the Jardim de Arca d'Água, a historic garden whose history begins in the 16th century. Many locals and visitors are unaware that both the name and the location of this garden is due to the fact that it functioned as a water reservoir for the water supply system at that time.

In the 18th century, a fountain with the name of Arca d'Água was built in this space and in the 19th century , it became a public space with a romantic style. As you walk through the park, you will see the decades-old trees, the ornamental plants and the pond with the fountain, which are emblematic elements throughout the space.

You will also see some sculptures and memorials. Take a rest or read a book on one of the benches, or take the kids to the children's play area. Depending on the time of year you visit, you will be able to see and participate in the cultural events that are usually organized in this space. This park is an outdoor respite in the middle of the city.

Information of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Duration: the tour will be at your own pace.
• Location: Praça 9 de Abril, 4249-004 Porto.

The Parque Urbano da Pasteleira is a green area in the western part of the city of Porto, which was built between 2004 and 2009. With its 7 hectares of land, this place is easily accessible, as it connects to the center and the surrounding area.

The area was designed by the landscape designer Marisa Lavrador and seeks to promote sustainability and biodiversity in every detail. As you move through the interior, you can appreciate the unevenness of the terrain, which was used strategically to delimit environments and perspectives.

Thus, in this space you can walk, run or ride a bike along its trails. You can also admire the fauna and flora, which is evident in herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs among which coexist urban animals, especially some birds. The place offers spaces for sports, outdoor exercise, areas to rest and recreational activities and events.

Information of interest

• Price: admission is free.
• Duration: the tour is at your own pace.

The duration of the Porto parks and gardens tours is quite flexible, since in most of the parks the time spent is decided by you, because the tours are self-guided and at your own pace.

However, for the cases where guided tours are offered with access to all areas of some complexes you will need between 1 and 2 hours. Otherwise, you can schedule your time in the way that best suits you to join other activities such as a boat ride on the Douro River in Porto or a guided Segway tour of Porto

These tours offer natural contemplation experiences , mainly. However, you will not only see green paths or meadows, but gardens with colorful flowers, trees such as pines, cedars, elms, medicinal plants, ornamental plants, fruit and vegetable crops, etc.

In addition, you will see some architectural samples mostly from the nineteenth century, and you can identify various garden designs, with fountains, ponds and even a garden in the form of a labyrinth. You will also be able to see children's areas and outdoor sports areas, and you will get beautiful views full of vegetation.