As temperatures are steadily rising and Summer hits its peak in Porto, locals and visitors alike go out looking for the best green areas where to relax and have it made in the shade (in this case quite literally). If you’re one of those lucky people whose visit to the city is right around the corner, then make sure to check out our list of the best Porto gardens – you will definitely thank us later!
HERE ARE 5 PORTO GARDENS YOU SHOULD CHECK DURING YOUR VISIT
JARDIM DE ARCA D’ÁGUA
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Located in Paranhos, near the city’s main University campus, the Jardim de Arca d’Água is one of the quaintest and least-known gardens in Porto. Unfortunately, tourists often overlook it in favour of those gardens which do appear in your average Lonely Planet guides, but we urge you to do otherwise! Not just because the garden is quite picturesque, but because underneath there’s an entire network of water cisterns and tunnels whose permission to be explored may be granted anytime soon!
QUINTA DO MOSTEIRO DE LEÇA DO BALIO
Photo by: oportoblog
Yet another hidden gem, the Leça do Balio Monastery and its surrounding green area are the perfect example of a secluded garden waiting to be discovered by the masses. It might be a bit tricky to get to, but the reward is absolutely worth the effort! Plus, if you’re one of the many pilgrims who walk the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela, this should be a mandatory stop along your route. Just make sure not to anger the Big Guy in the Sky in case you fall so hard for this place that you don’t want to leave!
Rua Conselheiro Luís Magalhães
PARQUE DE SERRALVES
Photo courtesy of: Fundação de Serralves, Porto
Although one shouldn’t have to pay to visit gardens or parks, we are willing to make an exception when it comes to a place as magnificent as Parque de Serralves. This huge privately owned oasis features walking trails, well-cared gardens and even some architectural gems scattered across its 18 acres. In fact, you may even pretend to know your way around contemporary art while in there, as some of the park’s very own museum pieces are actually exhibited in the outdoors. Remember: the one who sees the most ludicrous things is considered the expert!
Admission: 5€
PARQUE DA CIDADE
Photo by: Raphael Alvim
As the official city park (that is literally what its name means), Parque da Cidade is the quintessential go-to place for those who love the outdoors. If you were wondering where in Porto you would find the locals jogging or cycling, the kids playing football or the elderly couples taking their long morning walks, this is it! In case you happen to visit in the Summer, we recommend walking all the way to the seaside in Matosinhos, as the heat can be pretty intense sometimes. We’re talking about the kind of heat that melts your face and leaves you as unrecognizable as Gary Oldman after a make-up section, so maybe a dip in the ocean might not be such a bad idea!
JARDINS DO PALÁCIO DE CRISTAL
Photo by: oportoblog
And it looks like we finally reach the last stop on our list of Porto gardens you don’t want to miss! Despite the weirdly shaped dome called Pavilhão Rosa Mota that will have you feeling like you’re exploring the suburbs of Bratislava, the Palácio de Cristal gardens still stand as a one of the best and most pleasant Porto gardens. Throughout its maze of flowers, fountains, statues – and the occasional free range peacock running wild – you will find the Carlos Alberto Chapel, the Almeida Garrett Library, and, to top it all off, several strategic viewpoints over the Douro.
We bet you’re already getting ready for a walk after reading this! Which of these Porto gardens would you pay a visit? Let us know on the comments section!
