Best Tours of Parks and Gardens in Porto

Porto is an important city in Portugal which, in previous centuries and today, has always been in close contact with nature. This is evident in 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 are the gardens and parks within the city. I recommend the Crystal Palace Gardens, full of 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 part of the complex, the Crystal Palace Gardens are an eye-catcher in their own right. 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 which was demolished in 1951, while the gardens have managed to maintain their original charm.

As you walk around the interior you will see the mixture of artistic styles such as 19th century Romantic with Baroque details. Among its paths you will find fountains and ornamental ponds. The garden is also home to various exotic plants.

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

Don't miss the view from the viewpoint, where you can appreciate the beauty of the Douro River that flows through the city. Moreover, due to its location near several tourist attractions such as the Lello Bookshop, 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.

At 83 hectares in size, Porto's City Park holds the title of the largest urban park in Portugal. It was inaugurated in 1993 and covers a large area from the heart of the city to the Atlantic Ocean, providing direct access to the sea, specifically to the beach of Matosinhos.

Inside the park there is plenty to see and a wide variety of leisure options. The park's long trails stretch for around 10 km. In fact, you could use a bike rental service in Porto to cycle around 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 see at least 74 species of trees and animals such as swans, toads, frogs and reptiles.

Although the lakes are man-made, they still add to the beauty of the surroundings. You will also find picnic areas, the amphitheatre and the 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. Nowadays, the site belongs to the University of Porto and serves as a botanical research and management centre.

In its approximately 4 hectares you can find about 4 thousand species of native plants and plants 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 nature reserve you will see the interesting collection of camellias, which attracts attention throughout the whole of Europe. Also, take a look at the design of the gardens, which mix ancient and modern architectural styles.

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

Useful information

• Price: around €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 take between 1 and 2 hours.
• Location: Rua do Campo Alegre 1191, 4150-181 Porto.

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

As you walk through this green environment, you can see the formal gardens mixed with woods, 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 Casa de Serralves, which for their beauty and exhibitions are included in the list of best museums in Porto. Back to the vegetation areas, this natural lung has a collection of native and exotic trees with some that are more than 200 years old.

You will also learn about the cultivation processes in the organic farm, where some vegetables and herbs are produced. This natural and artistic area also hosts various cultural events and open-air exhibitions and, of course, offers quiet spaces if you are looking for relaxation.

Useful information

• Price: around €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 gardens in Porto. Its name comes from the fact that there used to be an old rope factory in the area . 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 elm trees and also the plane trees that are more than 100 years old. If you walk towards the centre of the gardens you will find the ornamental fountain, which is one of the main landmarks of the park.

Along the way you will also see some monuments and sculptures, such as those by João Cutileiro, which consist of nude female figures simulating 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 historic centre 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 away from the park.

Useful information

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

São Roque Park is one of the youngest parks in the city and dates back to 1980, when it was inaugurated as part of the urban renewal project. It is a little smaller than the 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 film.

This destination is described as a little more intimate, because it allows you to get away from the noise of the city easily. You can also 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 at 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 the 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.

Useful information

• 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 attraction.

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 note the botanical variety of the site, which is home to a variety of tree species such as cedars, oaks, eucalyptus and pines.

Explore the medicinal and aromatic plant gardens , where you can learn about medicinal and aromatic plants and how they are grown. 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 setting for various educational and cultural activities promoted by the Environmental Education Centre.

Useful information

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

One of the youngest parks on this list is the 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 is the second largest park in Porto and extends along the valley of the river Tinto, 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. As you walk around the site you will see meadows, forests and wetlands designed to promote biodiversity and planned to achieve ecological restoration.

Along its trails, which stretch for 4 km, visitors can enter the different areas of the park according to the type of recreation they wish to have, whether it be in areas of natural contemplation, resting in the open air, admiring the surroundings and the panoramic views, etc.

The complex also hosts some sports facilities and organises 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 Praça 9 de Abril, is the Jardim de Arca d'Água, a historic garden whose history dates back to the 16th century. Many locals and visitors are unaware that the name and 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 was built in this space with the name of Arca d'Água 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 often organised here. This park is an open-air respite in the middle of the city.

Useful information

• Price: admission is free.
• Duration: the tour is 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 is connected to the centre 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 around 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 cycle along its paths. You can also admire the fauna and flora, which can be seen in the herbaceous plants, trees and bushes, among which urban animals coexist, especially some birds. The place offers spaces for sports, outdoor exercise, rest areas and recreational activities and events.

Useful information

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

The duration of the tours of Porto's parks and gardens is quite flexible, as in most of the parks you decide how long you want to stay, as the tours are self-guided and at your own pace.

However, in 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 a way that suits you best to join other activities such as a boat trip on the Douro River in Porto or a guided Segway tour of Porto

These tours offer mainly natural sightseeing experiences. However, you will not only see green paths or meadows, but also colourful flower gardens, 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 19th century, and you can identify various garden designs, with fountains, ponds and even a garden in the shape of a labyrinth. You will also be able to see children's areas and open-air sports areas, as well as beautiful views full of greenery.