As summer approaches, all you want to do is get out of the house. At this time of year, some people can’t do without diving into the most beautiful pools and beaches. At the same time, however, there are also those who prefer to relax in green spaces. So we’ve decided to list some of the best picnic spots in and around Porto.
To enjoy the incomparable ‘art of picnicking’, we suggest various parks and gardens,not forgetting some areas by the river. So prepare your food, spread out your towel and make the most of it. The order is random, so you literally just have to pick your favorite spot!
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Picnicspots in Porto
Within the city of Porto, there are several pleasant places where you can have a picnic with the family or with your partner. In addition to the spaces mentioned below, there are also inviting spots in the Freixo area, for example.
City Park
Of course, this list had to include Porto’s largest park. In Parque Ocidental da Cidade, which leads to the beach and the sea, it ‘s hard to choose where to lay out your picnic towels.
It is considered the largest urban park in the country and is unique in Europe for having a seafront. It has also been named one of the best green spaces in the world.
Where: Estrada Interior da Circunvalação
São Roque Park
In 2022, Parque de São Roque was the target of an intervention by Porto City Council.
In this context, the beautiful green space was extended by 1.2 hectares, the paths were restored, the viewpoints rehabilitated and the iconic labyrinth preserved.
It’s a great place for a picnic. You can also take the opportunity to stop by Casa São Roque and admire its century-old camellias.
Where: Rua São Roque da Lameira, 2040
Passeio das Virtudes Garden
It has one of the best views of the city, over the River Douro, and is a favorite spot for watching the sunset.
For this reason, and because it also has shaded areas (an important detail when it comes to picnics), it’s one of the best places to have a get-together in Porto.
Where: Passeio das Virtudes N/A
Quinta do Covelo
Located in the parish of Paranhos , this is almost 8 hectares of green space in the middle of the city. It’s a little paradise and the ideal place to reconnect with nature. There’s plenty of space for you to choose the spot you like best to set up your picnic.
It was donated to Porto City Council and the Ministry of Health (which has since given up its share) in the 20th century.
Where: Parque Covelo, Rua de Bolama
Crystal Palace Gardens
The Crystal Palace Gardens are one of Porto’s favorite places and also one of the mostromantic. However, this is also an excellent place to have a picnic in Porto.
With many nooks and crannies, there are many strategic spots here with views of the Douro River. Also, take advantage of the spring air and enjoy the beautiful tulips that fill the gardens with color.
Where: Rua de Dom Manuel II
Oriental City Park
This is another City Park, this time in the eastern part of Porto. This park, which stretches along the banks of the River Tinto, was designed by Sidónio Pardal, who wanted to:
“to transform a compartmentalized and rugged space of fields into a natural, grassy, wooded continuum with a network of paths where people can enjoy spending leisure time in peace”.
Picnic outside Porto
A picnic in the open air is always a good idea… If there are pleasant options in Porto, believe me, there are in the surrounding area too. So, if you’re looking for a destination (not too far away) to take a stroll and spend a good evening, here are our suggestions.
Jardim do Morro (Gaia)
Overlooking the Douro and Porto, Jardim do Morro is located high above Gaia and is very popular at the end of the day. But it’s also a great place to have a picnic. You can even have a snack and stay to watch the sunset.
Despite the fact that it’s a garden privileged by the beauty of the surrounding scenery, it’s not exactly the most recommended place for those looking for tranquillity above all.
So, if you decide to go here, bear in mind that it’ s usually very crowded, especially during the high tourist season.
Avioso Park (Maia)
For those who like large green spaces, Avioso Park is an excellent option. Located less than 30 minutes by car from Porto, in the municipality of Maia, it is a 30-hectare plot of land, perfect for outdoor activities.
The area includes a picnic area, a children’s playground and other facilities that make a summer’s evening even more enjoyable. You can also enjoy walking, playing volleyball and/or cycling. To make the scenery more beautiful, there are small water basins.
Where: Rua do Monte Grande and Rua do Património – São Pedro do Avioso, Castêlo da Maia
Senhora do Salto Park
Less than 30 minutes away by car, Senhora do Salto Park is one of the fantastic places to visit near Porto. It’s a place of rare beauty, where the green landscape dominates and waterfalls flow down mountainsides.
In summer, it’s a very ‘cool’ area, suitable for those who want to escape the heat. At the same time, you can enjoy a picnic, as there are some stone tables and benches for this purpose. What’s more, the surrounding scenery makes you want to take lots of photos!
Where: Lugar da Nossa Senhora do Salto, Aguiar de Sousa
