Every late spring, Lisbon transforms into a dreamlike canvas of purple blossoms as Jacaranda trees burst into bloom. Discover the 10 best places to see Jacaranda trees in bloom.
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The vivid blue-violet flowers of the Jacaranda tree create a striking contrast against the city’s cobblestones, terracotta rooftops, and tiled façades—turning ordinary strolls into unforgettable moments.
But these beautiful trees aren’t native to Portugal. The story of how they got here is just as fascinating as the blooms themselves.
But these beautiful trees aren’t native to Portugal. The story of how they got here is just as fascinating as the blooms themselves.
A Royal Botanical Journey
The Jacaranda mimosifolia, originally from South America (especially Brazil and Argentina), found its way to Lisbon in the early 19th century, thanks to Félix Avelar Brotero, a pioneering Portuguese botanist and director of the Ajuda Botanical Garden from 1811 to 1826.
Brotero brought Jacaranda seeds to Portugal and generously offered them to anyone interested in cultivating them in the city. This was long before the Portuguese Royal Court returned from Brazil, making the tree’s arrival a significant botanical event. At the time, blue-spectrum pigments were extremely rare and prized, so the exotic Jacaranda—blooming in brilliant purple-blue hues—was considered a symbol of prestige and royal sophistication.
Brotero brought Jacaranda seeds to Portugal and generously offered them to anyone interested in cultivating them in the city. This was long before the Portuguese Royal Court returned from Brazil, making the tree’s arrival a significant botanical event. At the time, blue-spectrum pigments were extremely rare and prized, so the exotic Jacaranda—blooming in brilliant purple-blue hues—was considered a symbol of prestige and royal sophistication.
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When to See the Jacarandas Bloom
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Lisbon’s Jacaranda season typically peaks from late May to early June, though the exact timing can vary depending on the weather. The bloom lasts for about two to three weeks, and during that time, the city becomes a soft, fragrant wonderland.
To experience the magic, plan your visit for the final week of May or the first week of June. |
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The 10 Best Places to See Jacaranda Trees in Lisbon
Whether you're hunting for the perfect photo or simply want to wander beneath violet-colored canopies, here are 10 of the most beautiful places in Lisbon to enjoy the blooming Jacarandas:
1. Eduardo VII Park
Perched above the city center, this vast park offers sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. In late spring, the green slopes are splashed with the unmistakable purple of Jacaranda trees, making it a favorite spot for picnics and peaceful walks.
Perched above the city center, this vast park offers sweeping views of Lisbon and the Tagus River. In late spring, the green slopes are splashed with the unmistakable purple of Jacaranda trees, making it a favorite spot for picnics and peaceful walks.
2. Largo do Rato
This quiet square offers a pocket of tranquility in the middle of the city. The Jacarandas here provide gentle shade and a burst of seasonal color, perfect for sitting on a bench and enjoying the slower pace of Lisbon life.
This quiet square offers a pocket of tranquility in the middle of the city. The Jacarandas here provide gentle shade and a burst of seasonal color, perfect for sitting on a bench and enjoying the slower pace of Lisbon life.
3. Largo do Carmo
One of Lisbon’s most picturesque squares, Largo do Carmo combines history and beauty. The ruins of the Carmo Convent provide a dramatic backdrop to the delicate Jacaranda blossoms, adding a poetic, almost cinematic, charm to the setting.
One of Lisbon’s most picturesque squares, Largo do Carmo combines history and beauty. The ruins of the Carmo Convent provide a dramatic backdrop to the delicate Jacaranda blossoms, adding a poetic, almost cinematic, charm to the setting.
4. Rossio Square
Lisbon’s buzzing central square takes on a softer tone in spring as Jacarandas line the perimeter. Whether you’re sipping coffee at an outdoor café or watching street performers, the purple blooms make Rossio even more magical.
Lisbon’s buzzing central square takes on a softer tone in spring as Jacarandas line the perimeter. Whether you’re sipping coffee at an outdoor café or watching street performers, the purple blooms make Rossio even more magical.
5. Campo de Santa Clara
Located in the historic Alfama district, this large green space is home to the famous Feira da Ladra flea market. During bloom season, the Jacarandas provide a colorful canopy over the market and the surrounding walkways.
Located in the historic Alfama district, this large green space is home to the famous Feira da Ladra flea market. During bloom season, the Jacarandas provide a colorful canopy over the market and the surrounding walkways.
6. Jardim Dom Luís (D. Luís Garden)
Nestled near Cais do Sodré and TimeOut Market, this charming garden features a collection of Jacarandas that explode with color each spring. It’s a peaceful place to take a break and watch Lisbon locals go about their day under the soft shade of the blossoms.
Nestled near Cais do Sodré and TimeOut Market, this charming garden features a collection of Jacarandas that explode with color each spring. It’s a peaceful place to take a break and watch Lisbon locals go about their day under the soft shade of the blossoms.
7. Avenida Dom Carlos I
Leading toward the National Assembly, this avenue becomes a true floral tunnel in late May. The Jacarandas arch overhead, creating a striking corridor of color that’s perfect for photos or a leisurely stroll.
Leading toward the National Assembly, this avenue becomes a true floral tunnel in late May. The Jacarandas arch overhead, creating a striking corridor of color that’s perfect for photos or a leisurely stroll.
Photo Credit - Ana Luísa Alvim | CML
8. Praça de Santos (Santos Square)
Tucked into one of Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods, Santos Square becomes a peaceful urban oasis during Jacaranda season. The flowers contrast beautifully with the neighborhood’s pastel buildings and tilework.
Tucked into one of Lisbon’s most charming neighborhoods, Santos Square becomes a peaceful urban oasis during Jacaranda season. The flowers contrast beautifully with the neighborhood’s pastel buildings and tilework.
9. Avenida 24 de Julho
Running along the riverside, this long avenue offers a breathtaking floral display in late spring. The Jacarandas stretch for several kilometers, casting lacy shadows over joggers, cyclists, and pedestrians enjoying the view of the Tagus.
Running along the riverside, this long avenue offers a breathtaking floral display in late spring. The Jacarandas stretch for several kilometers, casting lacy shadows over joggers, cyclists, and pedestrians enjoying the view of the Tagus.
10. Avenida da Torre de Belém
This iconic area is known for its historic monuments—including Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery—but it’s also a wonderful place to spot Jacarandas. The combination of historic architecture and seasonal blooms makes for an unforgettable Lisbon moment.
This iconic area is known for its historic monuments—including Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery—but it’s also a wonderful place to spot Jacarandas. The combination of historic architecture and seasonal blooms makes for an unforgettable Lisbon moment.
Bonus Tip
For photographers and flower-lovers, early mornings are best—when the sunlight is soft and the streets are quiet. And don't forget to look down: the fallen petals create a purple carpet that adds a touch of magic to every step.
Jacaranda season is brief, but it leaves a lasting impression. Whether you’re a local savoring the change of seasons or a visitor discovering Lisbon for the first time, the bloom transforms the city into a purple-hued paradise—both grounded in history and alive with color.
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