One of the things to love about Setubal is the fact that it has everything. And no shortage of green spaces is definitely one of its assets. From spots to play soccer, practice skateboard, sunbathe, or walk your dog, you will find it all in Setubal. While it would be a difficult feat to write an exhaustive list of every tucked away hillside covered in green and sporting a few cozy benches, this list of 10 of the best (and biggest) parks in Setubal is a great place to start. So, get out there and enjoy the weather (it’s delicious year round) in the sand, in the grass, on a bench, in a chair, or simply scooting down a slide.
Bonfim
Bonfim is a fairly small park but it is so centrally located that it’s easy to get to from all points around the city. There is a duck pond in the middle, and ducklings fill it each spring time. There is plentiful grass which is perfect for a picnic or a lie down in the sun. There are a few oddly shaped cement chairs which are comfortable for a time at least.
There is a fairly extensive playground for kids which is always buzzing with little bodies. This is also an area which is popular for kid’s birthday parties — both around the playground and over on the grass.
On the south side of the park there is a cafe which has indoor and outdoor seating as well as a rooftop where they occasionally host special events. They also set up a screen outside during the European Football Championships.
One of my personal favorite things in the park are the statues. These are reproductions of miniatures done by local artist Maria Pó. Each of the statues around the park represents an important aspect of the region. For example, there is a grape statue which represents the region’s plentiful wineries and wine production.
Parque Urbano de Albarquel
PUA, as it’s commonly known, is a thin park which runs alongside the river at the western end of Setubal. The park starts on the far side of the big blue building which houses the boat club. In the park there are basketball courts, volleyball courts, play structures, as well as plenty of green space. Alongside the river is a wide walking path lined by benches. Set back from the river is a cafe where you can sit on the patio and enjoy a drink in the sun.
The park also does have a beach, when the tide is out. I would not personally recommend swimming at this point along the river, though some day. But regardless, if there is a decent strip of sand it is certainly clean enough to walk along.
The park does continue up a set of stairs to a second level where there is some more green space as well as another, higher end restaurant.
Alternatively, if you go to the left rather than to the right you can walk around the cliffs and reach the first beach — Praia de Albarquel. Again, this is only possible when the tide is out, otherwise you can walk up and around but you’ll be along the road so it’s certainly not as pretty of a walk.
Vanicelos
Vanicelos is one of the largest and most usable parks in Setubal. It’s a gorgeous space which catches amazing light in the evenings and has perfect shading from its many trees. There are paths which are perfect for running or walking and there is plenty of green space. A lot of people let their dogs run loose throughout the park but there is also a small designated dog park which is fenced off from the rest of the area. That space actually recently had a few agility elements added to it.
Vanicelos also has tennis courts as well as padel courts. You’ll find people running exercise classes on weekend mornings, and there is a kid’s playground.
Just across from the west side is a great place for a casual beer — Skal. And there is also a cafe with a deck on the backside of the padel school.
Parque da Algodeia
Algodeia is a quiet green space tucked away behind residential buildings and near the old aqueducts. There is a pond with some ducks right in the middle of the park and paved pathways criss-cross the area.
This is a great place for kids and you’ll often see young kids practicing balancing on their bikes here.
Right in the middle of the park is a little cafe with a large patio space and lots of tables and chairs. The area gets gorgeous sunlight so it is great on a winter day or you can put up the sun shades and stay cool in the summer. The cafe serves basics like ice cream, soft drinks, beer, chips, etc.
On the back side of the park you will find Skate Parque Setúbal where there are a few skate ramps and very often people out in the sunshine practicing their tricks.
Jardim Multissensorial das Energia
This park gets very little traffic as it is off to the east side of Setubal, where many people don’t venture. The idea here is that there are reproductions of sorts of energy from the earth. For example, you can see a small volcanic reproduction and read an information panel.
The exhibits are sweet and engaging for younger kids. But in my opinion the highlight of the park is the amazing view. You can see across the river out towards the ocean, the beaches, the port, and the city center.
The park does close at night (6:00 PM, except for summer weekdays when it stays open until 8:00 PM) but there is a guard at the top of the park as well as toilets which are open whenever the gates are open.
Parque Urbano da Várzea
While there are supposedly many big plans for this large park, it remains for now quite rough and wild. At just under 10 acres and right in the middle of the city it is an amazing opportunity and it will certainly be exciting to see what becomes of it in the future. However, it does have a dampness problem as it is largely covering a sort-of marshland.
For now you can find a great network of paths which are excellent for walks with or without dogs. You can often have the entire park to yourself, but even if you do encounter other walkers they will be few and far between.
There are flood lights which cover the paths after dark.
Jardim Engenheiro Luís da Fonseca
This green space sits right along the river banks near the city center and the ferry to Troia. It is a very small park but it does have some picnic tables and benches. The main appeal of this area is the promenade which runs along the water.
There are a few benches here and you will very often find fishermen sat along the edge with their rods waiting for something to bite.
Parque do Quebedo
This is a very small park which sits around Praca do Quebedo train station which is where you can get the train to the ferry which will get you to Lisbon.
Within the park there are some paths, a few benches, a children’s play area, and a small pizza restaurant with some outdoor seating.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this as a destination within itself but it is a good spot to sit if you are early for your train.
Green Bela Vista Park
In many ways this park is amazing — it is the largest urban park in Portugal, at about 25 acres. And it has amazing views across the water, the city, and Arrabida. But it is in what is considered to be the rougher part of Setubal so may not appealing to all. It is also a good distance off to the east, about a 45 minute walk from Bocage Square.
But, if you do make the trek out you’ll be rewarded not only with views, but spacious open fields and beautifully paved paths which are great for walking, running, or for kid’s to practice cycling or scootering.
There is also a substantial kid’s play area and along the edge of the park is a BMX track as well as football (soccer) playing fields.
I STB
It may be somewhat of a stretch to call this area a park, but it is definitely a nice shady, somewhat green area in the city. Running through the center of the avenue for the length of Luisa Todi as it makes its way through downtown Setúbal, this space has benches, large trees providing shade, cafes, and a gazebo.
This is one of the few places in the city where you will find a dedicated cycle lane. And in the winter you’ll find the Christmas market set up here. There are also other markets throughout the year including the flower market.
