Location: Vila Nova de Gaia
Top Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia
10 Nature & Parks in Vila Nova de Gaia That You Shouldn't Miss
Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈvilɐ ˈnɔvɐ ðɨ ˈɣajɐ]; Proto-Celtic: *Cale) is a city and a municipality in Porto District in Norte Region, Portugal. It is located south of the city of Porto on the other side of the Douro River. The city proper had a population of 178,255 in 2001. The municipality has an area of 168.46 km². and a total population of 302,295 inhabitants (2011), making it the most populous municipality in Norte Region. Gaia together with Porto and 12 other municipalities makes up the commonly designated Porto Metropolitan Area.
Restaurants in Vila Nova de Gaia
1. Praia de Dunas Mar
2. Cantinho das Aromaticas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
The Cantinho das Aromaticas is an urban organic farming project, unique in Europe, which produces aromatic plants from seed to final product. The entire productive garden can be visited, and it is possible to wander freely around the farm, or, if you prefer, ask for a guided visit for groups. With an area of 10 hectares, we have 3 hectares under cultivation with over 180 different herbs. In our herbal tea house you can taste several different organic herbal teas.
Reviewed By Joanalc
Definitely recommend to visit Cantinho das Aromáticas. It´s a beautiful quite big farm, the surroundings are simply breathtaking! It feels like you are travelling around the world with aromatic plants, the smells, the flavours, amazing! An unique experience just 10min. driving from Porto center. You are in the city, but completely outside. For nature lovers. Bought a lot of spices there that I use a lot for cooking.
3. Zoo Santo Inacio
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 558 reviews
Take a walk on the wild side and visit the biggest and greenest zoo in Porto. There are more than 600 animals and 200 different species, all living in spacious and green habitats.
Reviewed By HighWycombeCouple - High Wycombe, United Kingdom
A hidden gem that is not well signposted, but trust in Google Maps and you will be fine. We went in early February, Winter hours mean it is closed on Mondays, so beware. We were blessed with a sunny day albeit windy. Us, son and his fiancée and their 20 month old daughter. Concessions in theory are for over 65s, but being Portugal grey hair was enough. They were buying season tickets as the zoo is but a 20 minute drive for them and as twos and under are free they intend to make full use of the zoo as a regular place to go. Attractions such as penguin feeding, lion feeding etc start as soon as the zoo opens. The zoo is very much like Chester in the UK being very rare breed and conservation centric, though the site is a bit smaller than Chester. The way the enclosures are designed you get very much up close and personal to the animals. Beware of some of the monkeys as they have a habit of relieving themselves through the bars and if you are under it you will smell the rest of the day. On a peak season day the two car parks would be under pressure. It is downhill to the ticket office so, of course, it is uphill back to the car. Catering is by means of numerous cabins and vans around the whole site and a central restaurant. Low season only the restaurant was open. Well priced, but with what may be seen by some as limited choices. Animals can be adopted and your name appears on the side of the enclosure. The emphasis is on communication of issues surrounding the animals in the wild. With everything that is available by way of attractions and exhibitions the zoo caters for all ages from toddlers through to adults. In sum a great day out for all the family and well worth the 15€ admission.
4. Jardim do Morro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 425 reviews
Reviewed By Bozeman-Dublin - Trim, Ireland
A fantastic viewpoint at the upper cablecar station, one of the best views you will get of Porto. They have landscaped a beautiful park here, including an amphitheatre- like set of curved concrete benches for you to sit on and drink in the view. The best time to go is in the evening as the sun sets. There will be musicians and a great vibe as a combination of tourists and chilled locals meet to chat and watch the sun go down over the Douro and Porto . I loved it here, I went back every evening I was in Porto!
5. Praia de Miramar
6. Praia da Madalena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By sadiem545 - Loughborough, United Kingdom
Beautiful beach with lovely cafe, we hired bikes and cycled from Porto , great trip. The surf was really powerful, the children loved watching it and paddling in the waves
7. Reserva Natural Estuario do Douro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Ramikat
We took a cab to the Douro Marina and then went along the walking path to the Reserva. We did this on a sunny day (60's F) with no wind. They have a bicycle path, too. Cranes, seagulls and ducks. Then walked slightly uphill to lookout over Atlantic Ocean. Park areas with benches along the way. Nice nature break from the city.
8. Praia da Granja
9. Barragem de Crestuma-Lever
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By DeniseP1524
Extremely interesting. It is an awesome work of engineering. Very good for kids, curious adults, and of course engineers of all ages. some boat tours have meals and wine.
