Azeitão Bacalhôa Parque

The Azeitão Bacalhôa Parque runs alongside the EN10 road at the entrance to Vila Nogueira de Azeitão, the wine village between Setúbal and Sesimbra. The first part opened in 2011. A second phase, built by Setúbal council and the Azeitão parish council, added about four more hectares and new equipment aimed mostly at young people: a skate park, a street-basketball court and a zip line. Visit Setúbal now gives the whole park as about six hectares.

The park is more than 600 metres long and is enclosed by a wooden fence. For parents of small children who like to bolt, that fence is a real plus.

The council and Visit Setúbal list these for families:

• a playground (parque infantil)
• a skate park
• a zip line (slide, in Portuguese)
• a street-basketball court
• about a kilometre of paths, some paved and some of compacted earth, that wind up and down across the park
• two small bridges linking parts of the park that used to be cut off from each other
• a picnic area with shade

There is also fitness equipment for older adults, so grandparents can join in, and bike parking if you arrive on two wheels.

The skate park was part of the second phase and opened in 2021. Neither the council nor the parish council lists its individual obstacles, so we can’t tell you how big or technical it is. Take a look before your child sets off, and pick a quiet moment for a first go on a board or scooter.

No rules on helmets or pads were published when we checked. A helmet and wrist guards are sensible for any beginner.

A zip line is always a highlight. Smaller children may need a lift onto the seat and a push to get going, and older children will queue for another go. The playground is the place for toddlers and younger children. The council’s pages don’t describe the playground’s equipment in detail.

This is a park of old trees as well as play. Olive trees, some of them very old, line the paths, and trees and shrubs grow along the stream that runs through it. One of the nicest spots is a century-old cork oak circled by a round wooden bench eight metres across, with colourful paving underneath. It makes a good meeting point if children scatter.

The park also includes a basin that holds back rainwater during heavy storms to protect the village from flooding. It is a useful example to point out to children of a park that does a job as well as looking pretty.

There is a kiosk with a terrace for coffee, drinks and snacks, and the picnic area gives you tables in the shade for your own food. The paths make the park easy with a buggy, although some are compacted earth rather than paving. The council’s pages don’t list public toilets, so plan for the café or the village.

The council gives no detail on the playground or the skate park, so you won’t know exactly what’s there until you arrive. The park runs beside a main road, so expect some traffic noise. It is best as a stop of an hour or two, not a destination for a whole day.

Azeitão is a good base for a day in the Arrábida. Children who like to cook can book a class with Hands On Kids Cooking in Azeitão, and the Piscina Municipal de Azeitão is nearby for a swim. The beach at Portinho da Arrábida is a drive over the hills. Skaters who want more can head to Setúbal’s skate park in Algodeia, which has a bowl.

Is the Azeitão Bacalhôa Parque free?

Yes. It is a public council park with no entry charge.

Is the park fenced?

Yes. The parish council says the park is enclosed by a wooden fence along its 600-metre length.

Is there a café?

Yes. There is a kiosk with a terrace, and a shaded picnic area.

Is there a zip line?

Yes. A zip line was added in the park’s second phase, along with the skate park and the basketball court.

Is the skate park suitable for beginners?

The council doesn’t describe its obstacles, so take a look first and choose a quiet time for a beginner.