Parque de Oriente

Parque de Oriente is one of the more contemporary city parks in Zaragoza, laid out on the left bank of the Ebro River in the eastern part of the city. Its name reflects that position — for a long time it was the easternmost green space in the whole urban area. The park covers roughly 49,000 m², with close to 17,000 m² of open lawns and the rest given over to paths, play areas and recreational spots.

How to get there?

The park sits in the Vadorrey district on the city's east side, a short stretch from the Ebro riverbank. Public transport or a bicycle are the easiest ways in — Zaragoza has an extensive network of cycle paths linking the riverside promenades with the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Drivers will find on-street parking along the roads bordering the park.

What will you see?

The park was built in the 1980s on land that had previously been wasteland used for dumping rubble and refuse. It officially opened in 1986, once the city's urban clean-up project for that area was complete. Today it hosts as many as 29 different tree species — pines, olives and poplars alongside oaks, cypresses and ginkgos — making Parque de Oriente one of the more botanically varied parks in Zaragoza.

A large sundial is the park's most recognizable landmark. There's also a small river port referencing the nearby Ebro, plus a petanque court, a bowls-style game popular across Spain and France. Shaded walking paths wind through the grounds, making the park a pleasant retreat for a stroll when the city heats up in summer.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best times, with milder temperatures and the vegetation at its fullest. In summer, shade from the pines and olive trees offers real relief from the heat typical of the Ebro valley. The park also occasionally hosts local events such as Cincomarzada, the traditional city festival held on March 5th, when residents gather for picnics and open-air get-togethers in parks across Zaragoza.

Who is it for?

The park works well for families with children thanks to its play areas, for anyone after a quiet walk away from the bustle of the city center, and for petanque enthusiasts. Being tucked slightly away from the main tourist routes, it tends to be less crowded than the riverside promenades closer to downtown.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to the park free? Yes, Parque de Oriente is a public city park with free admission year-round.

How many tree species grow in the park? Around 29 different tree species grow here, including pines, olives, poplars, oaks and ginkgos.

When did the park open? It was built in the 1980s on former wasteland and officially opened in 1986.

What else is worth seeing besides the greenery? A distinctive large sundial, a small river port referencing the nearby Ebro, and a petanque court.