Parque de Merendas da Comenda
A beloved community picnic spot in Serra da Arrábida, offering BBQ facilities, natural pools, and scenic beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Secure a prime picnic spot
Parque de Merendas da Comenda
Best Time
Secure a prime picnic spot
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved community picnic spot in Serra da Arrábida, offering BBQ facilities, natural pools, and scenic beauty.
"A great picnic area! Arrive before 12:00 to find a spot."
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
To snag the best picnic tables, aim to arrive before 12:00 PM, especially on weekends.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this lovely park pristine by taking all your garbage with you.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Picnic & BBQ Areas
Throughout the park
Spacious spots with tables and grills, perfect for family gatherings and outdoor cooking.
Natural Pools
Near Ribeira da Venda
Refreshing, free-access natural pools surrounded by scenic picnic spots.
Wildlife Spotting
Park surroundings
Keep an eye out for local fauna, including foxes and various bird species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
Preserving the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
To snag the best picnic tables, aim to arrive before 12:00 PM, especially on weekends.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this lovely park pristine by taking all your garbage with you.
🚗 Public Transport Options
Buses 4470, 4471, or 4730 can get you here, but driving offers more flexibility.
🏊♀️ Natural Pool Refreshment
Discover free-access natural pools perfect for a dip on a warm day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
To snag the best picnic tables, aim to arrive before 12:00 PM, especially on weekends.
🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash
Help keep this lovely park pristine by taking all your garbage with you.
🚗 Public Transport Options
Buses 4470, 4471, or 4730 can get you here, but driving offers more flexibility.
🏊♀️ Natural Pool Refreshment
Discover free-access natural pools perfect for a dip on a warm day.
🦝 Wildlife Encounters
Be observant for local wildlife like foxes and birds in their natural habitat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Parque de Merendas da Comenda as a beautiful and well-organized picnic area, ideal for BBQs and family gatherings. The natural pools and surrounding scenery are highlights, though arriving early is crucial to secure a spot, especially during peak season.
"From May to September, you should arrive before 12:00. It is difficult to find a spot after 12:00! A great picnic area!"
İlkerCE
"Nice place for outdoor leisure and cooking and play outdoor. Have bathroom and toilet also for refreshment"
alwin wilson
"For those EASTERN EUROPEAN guys who found me and my friends near the road and took us, im looking for YOU, please answer this review or send an email to this: ( josefinaalmeida249 )
O parque é bom, bastante bonito e organizado"
Josefina Almeida
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the park via the N379-1 road. Public transport options include buses 4470, 4471, or 4730. Driving your own vehicle is also a convenient option.
While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, arriving early on weekends is recommended, suggesting parking can become limited.
The park is located within the Serra da Arrábida, a popular area for cycling. The N379-1 road provides access, making it a feasible option for cyclists.
Yes, you can use public buses such as the 4470, 4471, or 4730 to reach the vicinity of the park.
For a picnic, arriving by car is often preferred for ease of carrying supplies, but public transport is a viable alternative if you plan ahead.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The park is generally considered a public space for leisure and picnics, with no mention of entrance fees in reviews or social media.
There are no official published opening hours, but it's a public park typically accessible during daylight hours. Arriving before noon is advised for the best spots.
While specific booking information isn't available, it's a popular spot for BBQs and parties, so arriving early is crucial to secure a good location.
Historically, there have been efforts to restrict public access, but the park is intended for public use. Visitors are encouraged to respect the natural environment.
As a natural park area, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and to enjoy the scenery. There are no indications of it being open or suitable for night visits.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers picnic tables, BBQ grills, and restrooms for visitors. Some areas also feature natural pools.
Yes, reviews mention the availability of bathrooms and toilets for visitor refreshment.
Yes, there are natural pools accessible for swimming, particularly near Ribeira da Venda. The nearby Praia da Comenda also offers beach access.
Absolutely! It's a great spot for families with children, offering space to play, picnic areas, and natural pools for fun.
You can enjoy picnics, BBQs, swimming in natural pools, hiking in the surrounding Serra da Arrábida, and wildlife spotting.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park is ideal for picnics and BBQs, there are dining options nearby, such as Restaurante Regata in Alpalhão.
Yes, the park is well-equipped with BBQ grills and is a popular spot for outdoor cooking and gatherings.
Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blankets, and any cooking supplies if you plan to use the BBQ grills. Don't forget trash bags!
It's advisable to bring your supplies from Setúbal or nearby towns, as immediate shop access within the park is limited.
For those without packed food, consider nearby restaurants or cafes, though the park's primary appeal is self-catered picnics.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture scenic views of the Serra da Arrábida, the natural pools, wildlife, and lively picnic scenes. The natural light is often beautiful.
Yes, with its diverse flora, fauna (like foxes), and scenic landscapes, it's an excellent location for nature photographers.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the park or the Serra da Arrábida Natural Park.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer ambiance.
The areas overlooking the natural pools and the surrounding hills of Serra da Arrábida offer picturesque viewpoints.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts
🚗 Day-Trippers from Lisbon
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Serra da Arrábida
When exploring the Serra da Arrábida, remember that it's a sensitive ecosystem. Stick to marked trails to avoid damaging vegetation and disturbing wildlife. The park is home to a variety of species, including birds of prey and small mammals like foxes, which have been spotted within the picnic area itself. Respecting the natural environment ensures that this beautiful landscape remains preserved for future generations.
For those interested in water activities, the proximity to Praia da Comenda offers opportunities for swimming and enjoying the coastline. The park's location makes it a versatile destination, appealing to nature lovers, hikers, and families looking for a day out in the Portuguese countryside.
Community & Conservation Efforts
These efforts highlight the value placed on public access to natural and recreational areas. The community's involvement underscores the idea that such spaces are vital for social cohesion and well-being. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of this community spirit by keeping the park clean and respecting its natural state.
The ongoing advocacy for the park's accessibility reflects a broader movement to protect public spaces and natural heritage. It serves as a reminder that these areas are not just amenities but integral parts of a community's identity and quality of life.
Activities Beyond Picnics
For adventure seekers, the park's location within the Serra da Arrábida makes it a starting point or a stopover for kayaking and canoeing, particularly if accessing the coastline or nearby water bodies. The natural beauty of the area also lends itself to photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife, landscapes, and the vibrant atmosphere of the park.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing picnic, a refreshing swim, an adventurous water sport, or simply a beautiful natural setting to explore, Parque de Merendas da Comenda and its environs provide a diverse range of experiences for visitors.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit