Parque de Merendas da Comenda - Image 1
1 / 10

Parque de Merendas da Comenda

4.2
·838 reviews·Setúbal, Portugal

A beloved community picnic spot in Serra da Arrábida, offering BBQ facilities, natural pools, and scenic beauty.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends before noon

Secure a prime picnic spot

CrowdHigh
Loading map...
Parque de Merendas da Comenda - Image 1

Parque de Merendas da Comenda

Best Time

Weekends before noon

Secure a prime picnic spot

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beloved community picnic spot in Serra da Arrábida, offering BBQ facilities, natural pools, and scenic beauty.

4.2
(838 reviews)

"A great picnic area! Arrive before 12:00 to find a spot."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Picnic & BBQ Areas

Picnic & BBQ Areas

Throughout the park

Spacious spots with tables and grills, perfect for family gatherings and outdoor cooking.

Natural Pools

Natural Pools

Near Ribeira da Venda

Refreshing, free-access natural pools surrounded by scenic picnic spots.

Wildlife Spotting

Wildlife Spotting

Park surroundings

Keep an eye out for local fauna, including foxes and various bird species.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Access & Timing

Parque de Merendas da Comenda is a popular picnic spot, especially on weekends. Arrive before noon to secure a good spot, as it gets crowded quickly. Public transport options are available, but driving offers more flexibility.

Preserving the Park

This beautiful park is a community treasure. Remember to take all your trash with you to keep it clean for everyone. Respect the natural environment and wildlife.

Best Times

When
Weekends before noon
Why
Secure a prime picnic spot
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy a quieter atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
May to September
Why
Ideal weather for outdoor activities
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Parque des Merendas da Comenda- Setubal. #setubal #setubalportugal #parquedemerendasdacomenda #comenda #portugal #canoagem #kanu #canoe #canoing #visitportugal #visitsetubal #canoagemportugal #cayaking #amar_setubal @amar_setubal
francomaraglino
64 likes • 1.5K views

🎯 Arrive Early for Spots

To snag the best picnic tables, aim to arrive before 12:00 PM, especially on weekends. Reddit

🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash

Help keep this lovely park pristine by taking all your garbage with you. Reddit

Parque de Merendas em Praia da Comenda, Setubal🇵🇹🇵🇹🇵🇹 . . . #turismo #merenda #praiadacomenda #felicidade #travelling
360toureadventure
11 likes • 961 views
O Parque da Comenda é da população de Setúbal O Parque da Comenda sempre foi um dos melhores sítios da nossa cidade para o convívio e o lazer. em 2021, a Herdade da Comenda foi vendida a novos proprietários que decidiram fechar os portões ao Parque de Merendas. Contra a lei! Contra a vontade da população! Contra todos nós! Mas Setúbal não se deixou ficar e os eleitos da CDU na Câmara Municipa...
cdusetubal
245 likes • 7K views

🚗 Public Transport Options

Buses 4470, 4471, or 4730 can get you here, but driving offers more flexibility. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Natural Pool Refreshment

Discover free-access natural pools perfect for a dip on a warm day. Instagram

Ontem, dia 5 de outubro, a campanha do Bloco esteve em Setúbal, no Parque das Merendas da Comenda. Deve ser assegurado o livre acesso público a este espaço e impedida qualquer apropriação ilegal. A defesa do espaço público é essencial para garantir que a Serra da Arrábida continua a ser de todos e para todos. Não nos tirem outra vez o Parque de Merendas da Comenda em Setúbal! Assina a petição em ...
be_setubal
200 likes • 5.4K views

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. Reddit

🗑️ Pack Out Your Trash

Help keep this lovely park pristine by taking all your garbage with you. Reddit

🚗 Public Transport Options

Buses 4470, 4471, or 4730 can get you here, but driving offers more flexibility. Instagram

🏊‍♀️ Natural Pool Refreshment

Discover free-access natural pools perfect for a dip on a warm day. Instagram

🦝 Wildlife Encounters

Be observant for local wildlife like foxes and birds in their natural habitat. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.2
(838 reviews)

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

Great picnic and BBQ spot
Beautiful natural setting
Refreshing natural pools

What People Dislike

Crowded on weekends
Need to arrive early

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. Instagram

While specific parking details aren't widely advertised, arriving early on weekends is recommended, suggesting parking can become limited. Reddit

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. Instagram

Yes, you can use public buses such as the 4470, 4471, or 4730 to reach the vicinity of the park. Instagram

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

Yes, reviews mention the availability of bathrooms and toilets for visitor refreshment. Reddit

Yes, there are natural pools accessible for swimming, particularly near Ribeira da Venda. The nearby Praia da Comenda also offers beach access. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a great spot for families with children, offering space to play, picnic areas, and natural pools for fun. Reddit

You can enjoy picnics, BBQs, swimming in natural pools, hiking in the surrounding Serra da Arrábida, and wildlife spotting. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the park is ideal for picnics and BBQs, there are dining options nearby, such as Restaurante Regata in Alpalhão. Instagram

Yes, the park is well-equipped with BBQ grills and is a popular spot for outdoor cooking and gatherings. Reddit

Bring your own food, drinks, picnic blankets, and any cooking supplies if you plan to use the BBQ grills. Don't forget trash bags! Reddit

It's advisable to bring your supplies from Setúbal or nearby towns, as immediate shop access within the park is limited. Instagram

For those without packed food, consider nearby restaurants or cafes, though the park's primary appeal is self-catered picnics. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture scenic views of the Serra da Arrábida, the natural pools, wildlife, and lively picnic scenes. The natural light is often beautiful. Instagram

Yes, with its diverse flora, fauna (like foxes), and scenic landscapes, it's an excellent location for nature photographers. Instagram

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. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer ambiance. Instagram

The areas overlooking the natural pools and the surrounding hills of Serra da Arrábida offer picturesque viewpoints. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Parque de Merendas da Comenda is a fantastic choice for families. The ample space with picnic tables and BBQ facilities makes it easy to organize a fun day out. Children can play freely, and the natural pools offer a safe and enjoyable place to cool off. Reddit Remember to bring plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection. The park's natural setting also provides opportunities for kids to observe local wildlife, adding an educational element to the visit. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love the outdoors, the park serves as an excellent base within the Serra da Arrábida. You can enjoy a picnic after a morning hike or use it as a tranquil spot to relax before or after exploring the trails. The diverse flora and fauna offer plenty for nature lovers to discover. Instagram Consider packing a map of the Serra da Arrábida trails to make the most of your visit.

🚗 Day-Trippers from Lisbon

Parque de Merendas da Comenda is a popular day-trip destination from Lisbon, offering a refreshing escape into nature. It's easily accessible by car, making it convenient for a spontaneous outing. Plan to leave Lisbon early to maximize your time and secure a good spot, especially on weekends. Reddit Combine your visit with a stop at nearby beaches or viewpoints in the Arrábida Natural Park for a full day of exploration.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Serra da Arrábida

Parque de Merendas da Comenda is nestled within the stunning Serra da Arrábida Natural Park, a protected area renowned for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity. The park offers numerous hiking trails that cater to various fitness levels, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the Mediterranean scrubland and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. Many visitors combine a picnic at the Comenda with a hike, experiencing the best of both worlds. Instagram+1

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. Instagram Respecting the natural environment ensures that this beautiful landscape remains preserved for future generations. Instagram

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

The Parque de Merendas da Comenda holds significant importance for the local community of Setúbal. It has historically been a cherished spot for gatherings, BBQs, and family outings. There have been instances where private ownership changes led to attempts to restrict public access, sparking community mobilization and protests to ensure the park remains a public space for all. Instagram+1

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. Reddit

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

While the Parque de Merendas da Comenda is primarily known as a picnic and BBQ destination, its surroundings offer a variety of other activities. The nearby Ribeira da Venda features natural pools that are perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day, often described as free-access and scenic. Instagram These pools provide a unique alternative to the beach, offering a more tranquil experience amidst nature.

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. Instagram The natural beauty of the area also lends itself to photography, with opportunities to capture wildlife, landscapes, and the vibrant atmosphere of the park. Instagram

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.

You may also like