Lipor Parque Aventura and Trilho Ecológico

Lipor is the company that handles the household waste of Porto and the surrounding municipalities. From the 1970s, much of that rubbish was buried in the landfill at Ermesinde and Baguim do Monte, on the edge of Valongo and Gondomar. When the landfill closed, Lipor sealed it and turned the 19-hectare hill into the Parque Aventura, a free public park for play, sport and picnics.

That story is the best thing to tell children before you arrive. The grass they run on sits on top of decades of other people’s rubbish. To make it safe, Lipor installed systems that collect the dirty water that seeps out of buried waste, drain the rainwater and capture the gases the rubbish gives off as it rots. It is a real-life lesson in what happens to the things we throw away.

The park is laid out on levels up the old hill. Lipor lists a playground (parque infantil), a “parque radical” with more adventurous equipment, a mini golf course, a small football pitch, an ice-cream stand, and plenty of open green space. There is a bike circuit inside the park where bikes and scooters are allowed, a mini slide near the top, a traditional games and fitness level and an aromatic herb garden.

From May to September the park adds extra activities, such as mini golf and traditional games, with a published activity plan for weekends. On Tuesdays and Thursdays in those months the extras are for organised groups who book, which is worth knowing if you run a home-education group. You cannot reserve the football pitch, mini golf or other equipment; they are shared by everyone.

Since 2009 Lipor has worked to bring the River Tinto back to life along the edge of its site, and the Trilho Ecológico (eco trail) follows it. Along the way you see the riverbanks rebuilt with “natural engineering”, techniques that use plants, wood and stone to hold banks in place and slow the water, and there is a vegetable garden, the Horta da Formiga.

There are two routes. The 2.5-kilometre loop runs round the base of the trail and takes about 30 minutes at a walk. The 4-kilometre route adds the climb to the top of the Parque Aventura and takes about an hour. A map of the whole site is on Lipor’s website. Bikes and scooters are not allowed on the trail, so wheel them or bring them in the car to the park’s bike circuit.

Entry is free. Lipor asks for a “custo simbólico” (symbolic fee) in the form of recycling: paper and card, plastic or metal packaging, or glass, dropped in the box at the trail entrance by the Ecocentro or at the Parque Aventura reception. Children usually love being the ones to post it.

The park is open every day of the year from 08:00 to 20:00. Normally you go in and out only through the Parque E area next to the Ecocentro da Formiga in Ermesinde, where there is a car park, and you must register once as a user at the electronic kiosk there. At weekends from May to September you can also drive in through Lipor’s main gate and park inside, while spaces last. There is a second pedestrian entrance from the Palmilheira/Águas Santas station side.

There are three toilets: at the trail entrance by the Ecocentro, at the Parque Aventura reception at the bottom, and at the top near the mini slide. Eight drinking fountains are spread around the park, so bring refillable bottles. Picnic tables are free to use and can be booked for a birthday through a form on Lipor’s website; there is no fridge, and Lipor does not organise parties.

Ramps link all the levels of the Parque Aventura. Cars are not allowed beyond the car parks, but visitors with reduced mobility can ask at reception for help from a Lipor vehicle.

This is an industrial site with heavy lorries and machinery moving around it, so stay on the marked paths and keep children close near any roads. Under-16s must always be with an adult. Pets are not allowed, except assistance dogs. Lipor recommends comfortable clothes and a cap or hat, as much of the park is open to the sun.

Many children who love bin lorries will want to see where the rubbish goes. Lipor runs guided circuits of its facilities, including the reuse and recovery centre, the biogas and solar power plant and a historical and natural circuit, but only for organised groups of 10 to 25 people (schools, associations and other groups), booked online at least 30 days ahead. A home-education group could qualify; a single family cannot. Lipor also offers free live-streamed virtual visits, booked 30 days ahead.

On 31 October, from 20:00 to 23:00, the park and trail become a haunted route full of scary characters. No booking is needed. Lipor recommends it for ages 12 and up; younger children can go with an adult, but Lipor warns it may be too intense for sensitive children.

Weekends from May to September have the most going on. Much of the park is on slopes, so the 4-kilometre route with the climb is tiring for little legs; stick to the 2.5-kilometre loop with toddlers. Bring your own food: there is an ice-cream stand but no café listed.

The Parque Biológico de Gaia is another big outdoor day with animals and trails. The Zoo da Maia is nearby. Valongo also hosts the MagicValongo magic festival; see What’s on for dates. For a big city park, try the Parque da Cidade in Porto.

Is the Lipor adventure park free?

Yes. Lipor asks you to bring some recycling as a symbolic entry fee.

Can you take a buggy?

Ramps connect all levels of the Parque Aventura. The upper trail route climbs the hill, so it is harder work with a buggy.

Can children go on their own?

No. Under-16s must be with an adult.

Are dogs allowed?

No, only assistance dogs.

Can you visit the recycling plant as a family?

Not on your own. Plant visits are for organised groups of 10 to 25, booked at least 30 days ahead. Families can join a home-education or community group visit, or watch a free virtual visit.