Zoo Santo Inácio — Attraction in Vila Nova de Gaia

During my visit to Porto Santo Zoo this August in Porto, Portugal, I had one of the most delightful experiences of my trip. The zoo is beautifully maintained and offers a lovely balance between natural surroundings and well-kept enclosures, making it a joy to explore for both adults and children.

From the moment I entered, I was greeted by friendly staff who were welcoming and eager to share information about the animals. The pathways are well-designed, making it easy to stroll from one exhibit to another at a relaxed pace. What stood out most was how close visitors can feel to the animals while still respecting their space and comfort. I saw a wonderful variety of species, each in thoughtfully designed habitats that mimic their natural environments.

One of the highlights of my visit was observing the playful monkeys and the elegant birds. Their energy and beauty made the day truly memorable. I also appreciated the educational aspects of the zoo—informational signs were available in multiple languages, giving visitors insight into the animals’ origins, habits, and conservation efforts.

The zoo is not overly large, which makes it perfect for a half-day trip without feeling rushed or exhausted. There were shaded resting areas, a small café offering refreshing drinks and snacks, and plenty of opportunities to simply sit and enjoy the surroundings. Families with children seemed especially happy, as the zoo is very child-friendly and safe.

Overall, my visit to Porto Santo Zoo was a lovely experience filled with charm, relaxation, and learning. It’s a hidden gem in Porto that offers a peaceful yet exciting way to spend a day close to nature. I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area, whether you’re an animal lover, a family, or simply someone looking for a unique and...

Absolutely amazing, so many animals well taken care of. Though a SMALL amount of enclosures werre empty I don't know why but most likely maintenance. Fun activities for kids like bungee jumping, zip lining, and climbing on platforms, very cool. Also there are cute praia dogs that my son fed, the eat peanuts and fries but most likely peanuts, but put the food in your hand, crouch down to them and let them eat it, they do have nails so they might take the food from you, its a very nice and big zoo, the food was ok and could've been better, having said that the price is reasonable. Be warned the praia dogs might accidentally nibble your hand 🤣 and the animals were very well taken care of, they don't overfeed them and underfeed them, there was a small pony that had a black and white colour which was very nice and his hair was so elegant, the other brown horse was very strong, the zoo keepers are nice as well. The birds there are very well taken care of too, BE WARNED, there is a common raven and if you throw water at it, it will be MAD, when I did that it tried tearing down the metal fence and biting...

I'm very careful when visiting zoos. I avoid going anywhere where there is a big chance animals are not well taken care of and where they will definitely not have space to have a happy, safe life. Zoo Santo Inácio is one of the best places for endangered animals or rescues to live in. They have a great conservation program and the conditions are great. You can see that all animals are fed properly and are very healthy and happy and rested. It's a wonderful place to visit and see very rare animals like the white rhino, the Asian lion and Humbolt Penguins. There is a tunnel where you can go in and see the lions sleeping or walking over you. There are giraffes, gazelles, lamas, monkeys and even snow leopards. The entrance fee is around 16 euros for an adult ticket. Overall, it's a fascinating place and a perfect place to visit...