Practicing yoga in Lisbon, outdoors, is one of Pedro Carreira's favorite activity. He lives in the capital city since 2000, when he left Beira Interior. Graduated in Communication Sciences, he seeks, daily, to combine two of his greatest passions: writing and the practice of yoga. With more than two decades living in the city, and hundreds of kilometers on his feet walking through its streets and green spaces, he reveals to All About Portugal some of his favorite places in Lisbon for its practice and for moments of deep meditation: “It is possible to live here and immerse yourself in the silence that only nature provides”. Prepare your mat, join us and discover Pedro's suggestions.
1- Guerra Junqueiro Garden / Estrela Garden
Right next to the imposing Basilica da Estrela is this romantic, English-inspired garden, where you can do yoga in Lisbon outdoor. Inhabited by secular vegetation and about 800 tree species, in Guerra Junqueiro Garden – better known as Estrela Garden – there is also a bandstand, which in the summer months serves as a stage for concerts, an esplanade, beautiful flower beds, a library and a greenhouse, artificial caves, lakes and a picnic area.
2- Eduardo VII Park
See the city with different eyes: in addition to the breathtaking views, from here you can count its seven hills and discover what lies beyond the historic area. Located at the top of Avenida da Liberdade, its extensive central strip covered with grass invites you to practice yoga in Lisbon. The monument to the 25th of April, by the sculptor João Cutileiro, as well as a huge national flag, will jump out at you.
3- Amália Rodrigues Garden
Right above Eduardo VII Park, and with a view that extends to the waters of the Tagus River, you will find the Amália Rodrigues Garden, which pays homage to the Portuguese fado diva. Its geography and design give it a great diversity of environments, such as an amphitheater facing Avenida da Liberdade and a lake surrounded by grassy areas with olive trees, stone pines, poplars, almond trees and oaks, perfect for practicing yoga in Lisbon.
4 - Estufa Fria
Still in one of the corners of Parque Eduardo VII, where there was once an old basalt quarry, you will find yourself in one of the most pleasant places in the capital, which will give you a feeling of well-being. Close your eyes and imagine that you are in an exotic destination. This mini forest, punctuated by lakes and waterfalls, houses three greenhouses: the Estufa Fria – with species from various areas of the globe –, the Estufa Quente – with tropical plants and birds – and the Estufa Doce with cactus and succulents. Sit back, meditate and let time pass, surrounded by these trees and plants from all over the world.
5 - Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian Garden
Do you like architecture and love a good exhibition? Then this is the right place for you: you can practice yoga in Lisbon and combine the activity with a cultural program. It is one of the most emblematic gardens of the modern movement in Portugal and a reference for Portuguese landscape architecture. Here you will find a fantastic natural and planned landscape, with several environments and corners that invite you to well-being. There are ducks, fish in the lakes, trails and always someone relaxing or reading a book.
6- Quinta das Conchas e dos Lilases Park
Until the 19th century these 25 hectares were two separate properties, today it is one of the largest green areas in the capital and an oasis of well-being in the middle of Lisbon's stone jungle. Among the numerous environments to discover, we highlight, at Quinta dos Lilases, the extensive lawn and the famous artificial lake representing the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe (very popular) and the forest of Quinta das Conchas, a denser, mysterious forest area retired from the city mess.
7- Belém Tower Garden
It is one of Lisbon's tourist highlights and, therefore, popular especially on weekends and holiday seasons. In addition to the emblematic Torre de Belém and the Tagus River, forming a postcard scene, this garden has a lot of animation around it and is the ideal place to practice yoga in Lisbon, but only if you like a lot of hustle around you… and you like to watch and be seen. To finish off in beauty, you can venture into one of the gastronomic specialties of the capital: a pastel de Belém, just a few steps away.
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