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The Gardens of Porto

Porto, Portugal's second city may be a lesser-known European destination, but boasts delightful gardens sure to inspire any flora-enthusiast.

Portugal is hot.

And not just because it’s summertime.

Skyline of Porto, Portugal at sunset overlooking the Douro river.

Photo by Sean Hsu via Alamy

The colorful building of the Porto skyline mix with drips of a summer sunset overlooking the Douro River.

Americans have long flocked to Europe for summer getaways with places like Paris, London, and Rome getting much of the attention. But once these spots have been checked off, it’s time to look farther afield for a new adventure and discovery. In that sense, the Portuguese city of Porto hits all the right notes.

While there is much history to unearth in Porto—don’t miss climbing the steps to the top of the Torre dos Clérigos for a 360° view of the city and taking a boat cruise passing beneath each of the six bridges that span the Douro River—you’d be remiss in not spending some time in the gardens of Porto. Garden and floral enthusiasts will be entranced by the sheer quantity of public green spaces in this port town on the far west corner of Europe. Pocket gardens along cobblestone-lined streets teem with tall, full-headed, purple allium blooms. The hardy Queen Crepe myrtle variety thrives in the coastal climate, and century-old olive trees can be found around almost every tile-walled corner.

A blooming field of flowers next to a yellow house in Gardens of Crystal Palace.

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The Yellow House at the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal in Porto, Portugal.

Porto’s Must-Visit Gardens:

A view overlooking the Douro River from the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal.

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The Gardens of Palácio de Cristal are only enhanced by breathtaking views of the Douro River.

1) Gardens of Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace)

Just beyond the entrance to this expansive space (nearly 20 acres) on the western edge of the city center is an arena for performances and conferences, but the green spaces are the real attraction—well, that and the bevy of peacocks and chickens that call the romantic Gardens of Palácio de Cristal home. Designed by German landscape architect Émile David in the 19th century, the entrance gardens still bear his name. Follow the canopied Avenida das Tílias to the Douro River where a small tower awaits your climb for a breathtaking view of the river and the town of Gaia, just on the other side.

Greenery follows stone staircases at the  Gardens of Palácio de Cristal.

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The stairs may be a climb, but it makes for it with great views of the river and city.

Dome and manicured lawn at the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal.

Photo by Karol Kozlowski via Alamy

The gardens were originally built as a part of a world expo, and buildings like the central dome were created to accommodate visitors.

Peacock overlooks the Douro river.

Photo by Sana Baleia via Shutterstock

Even the peacocks enjoy the views of the city.

LOOK FOR:

Flora species North American Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera), Box elder (Acer negundo), Tilia (Cordata, Platyphyllos, and Tomentosa), Camelia sp., Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), Metrosideros, Palm Tree (Washingtonia Robusta), Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria Heterophylla).

The Crystal Palace gardens come right up to edge of the Douro River.

Photo by Lethicia Coelho via Shutterstock

The simple design of the gardens elevates the beauty of the cityscapes even more.

Pools leading up to a pink midcentury building.

Photo by Jonathan Ball via Shutterstock

Originally designed by by the 2nd Count of Vizela, Carlos Alberto Cabral for him and his wife to live in, the pink art deco mansion now serves as the centerpiece for Serralves Park.

2) Serralves Park

Grab an Uber and head to Parque de Serralves to enjoy the nearly 45 acres of greenspace designed by architect Jacques Gréber in the 1930’s. Here you’ll find a traditional farm (tended with help from kindergartners and adults with disabilities), formal gardens, an elevated treetop walk, and cozy woodlands. Dotted throughout are important works from artists like Alexander Calder, Richard Serra, and Anish Kapoor. Visit the park after dark for “Serralves in Light,” an immersive light installation that creates the illusion of different seasons throughout the park.

A pathway of green trees at Serralves Park

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Long walks through shady tree paths are part of what make Serralves park so special.

Art installation of a giant red shovel.

Photo by Michal Sikorski via Alamy

Garden spade, sculpture by Claes Oldenburg.

LOOK FOR:

With more than 200 species of flora and a variety of autochthonous and ornamental, non-native plants, any garden enthusiast will delight in the expansiveness of this compound.

Rust red building in front of a cactus garden.

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The deep green of the flora contrasts nicely with the red university buldings.

3) The Botanical Garden of the University of Porto

The singular moniker given to this garden is a bit of a misnomer as there are no less than three levels of biodiversity present here, each with characteristics all their own—more like “gardens,” plural. The first level boasts mixed borders of native species, formal gardens, and tall hedges of centenary camellias. Beyond, you will find gardens dedicated simply to roses and another to all dahlias, as well as ponds with a bevy of floating lotus plants. Keep going and you’ll encounter cactus and succulents as well as greenhouses with towering species, stretching upward toward the warm coastal sunshine. Walk a bit farther to reach the arboretum with a small reservoir and a large lake— yes, all inside these city gates.

A pathway surrounded by a garden of cacti.

Photo courtesy of the Associação de Turismo do Porto e Norte, AR.

Visitors can enjoy the unique collection of flora by walking through pathways lined with cacti.

LOOK FOR:

The Hall of Biodiversity— Ciência Viva Center is a space dedicated to the promotion of scientific culture in the scope of the biological sciences, evolution, and biodiversity.

Sunset views of Porto from Jardim d0 Morro

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The sunsets in Porto are magical, and the Jardim do Morro offers one of the best views.

4) Jardim do Morro

While this humble Portuguese garden is technically just across the Luís I Bridge from the city of Porto in the town of Gaia, it is an easy walk and well worth the visit. Go in the early evening and enjoy dinner at one of the cafes that line the Douro River before heading up to the Jardim do Morro to enjoy the spectacular sunset that seems to drip gold on the Porto rooftops. On any given evening, you will find yourself surrounded by dozens of like-minded opacarophiles (yes, there is actually a word for those who love sunsets, and that’s it).

LOOK FOR:

While you won’t find as many botanical species here as at the other gardens listed, this location is ideal for people watching, recapping the day with friends, and celebrating time spent in Porto. Pack a blanket and a few chilled beverages to savor the moment. Walk back across the bridge and take the funicular back up the steep hillside of Porto to save your legs for the next day.

Colorful pillows displayed on a floor.

Photo by Olly Yung

If you’ve already exhausted your travel budget for the year, you can still enjoy a little bit of the lushness of this seaside town with a new line of textiles and home décor from Charlotte-based textile designer Laura Park. The artist has captured the spirit of Portugal in her upcoming Porto Collection which she says is a “celebration of life, art, and the ‘joie de vivre’ that defines this coastal paradise.” Walks with her daughter, Lawson Park (designer and co-founder of sister brand, Brooks Avenue), through the historic tiled walls of the city center and the town’s many gardens served as indelible inspiration.

See more details here.

“My goal with the Laura Park Porto Collection was to balance the familiarity of the city’s traditional motifs with the vibrancy of its culture and people. It is a testament to Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry—and the magic of delighting in simply living your life.” —Laura Park

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