Discover Porto’s parks and green areas with our list!
Even thought is still winter time, the weather is so good that we are already thinking about spring! To enjoy this warm days we made a list of our favorite parks around town and invite you to visit them. Choose an outdoor activity – could be running or jogging, taking your dog for a walk or just reading a book – and go check one of this places:
Parque da cidade – City Park
Discover the City Park, the biggest urban park in Portugal and the only one in Europe with an ocean front! The park was inaugurated in two phases: the first one in 1993 and the second in 2002. It was designed by the landscape architect Sidónio Pardal and in 2000 won a prize of one the most remarkable works constructed in Portugal on the 20th century. The City Park is much loved among locals and everyone goes there on sunny days. Enjoy its 205 acres with 10 km of running routes!
Address: Estrada Interior da Circunvalação 15443
Hours: October to March: daily from 8am to 10pm. April to September: daily from 8am to 12am.
Parque da Pasteleira – Pasteleira Urban Park
Pasteleira Park, located in the Foz neighborhood, has a total area of 17 acres of natural vegetation, like wild pine trees and cork trees. It was designed by the architect Marisa Lavrador and is divided into two parts, connected by three large bridges. In 2009 was added a bike path of 2 km that connects Pasteleira with the City Park, creating a great route to enjoy the green areas of Porto!
Address: Rua de Diogo Botelho/Rua Bartolomeu Velho
Hours: October to March: daily from 8am to 8pm. April to September: daily from 8am to 11pm.
Parque Oriental – Oriental Park
A little bit off the city center is Oriental Park, a 24 acres green area that, just as the City Park, was also designed by Sidónio Pardal. It was inaugurated in 2010 and has been transforming the region into a natural and pleasant area to walk and rest.
Address: Alameda de Azevedo
Parque do Covelo – Covelo Park
Back in 18th century existed a villa named Quinta do Lindo Vale, also known as Quinta da Boa Vista. In 1830 this property was sold to Manuel Pereira da Rocha Paranhos and started to be known as Quinta do Paranhos (originating the actual name of this neighborhood) and after it was bought by the merchant José do Covelo, from which the park received its name. In the 20th century the villa was donated to the City Council, who currently administrates the space. In 1988 the old mansion of the villa was renovated and, in 2009, a children’s playground was inaugurated.
Address: Rua de Faria Guimarães/Rua do Bolama
Hours: October to March: daily from 8am to 7pm. April to September: daily from 8am to 8pm.
Parque de São Roque – São Roque Park
This 11 acres area named São Roque Park – also known as Quinta da Lameira – has its origins in the division of the Quinta da Bela Vista. It was a property of the Calém family and it was sold to the City Council in 1979, being immediately opened to the public. It was refurbished in 1990, maintaining the characteristics of a romantic garden, and was added a set of sculptures, a green labyrinth and a reconstructed chapel.
Address: Rua de São Roque da Lameira 2040
Hours: October to March: daily from 8am to 7pm. April to September: daily from 8am to 8pm.
Enjoy the beautiful parks Porto has to offer! For more tips of great places to visit and things to do in town, check other posts of our Top 5 section here!
And to explore and discover more about the city’s history and secrets, book a tour with us :)
