Best Running Routes in Lisbon for Excercise Junkies

Best Running Routes in Lisbon for Exercise Junkies

Running in Lisbon is not just about training for a marathon – it is a way of life!

Lisbon roads, sourced from Pixabey

Running is not only a fashionable sport that is rapidly gaining popularity all over the world but also an incredibly useful exercise for human health.
Even for leisure, going for a run is can become an exciting exploration of new scenic spots and an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding nature.

The running attractions of Lisbon include the Tejo waterfront with a picturesque area from Praca de Commercio to Belem Tower, Monsanto Park. You will be able to admire these places by taking part  in the popular Lisbon Half Marathon. Jogging here, according to experienced runners, is incredibly exciting yet comfortable.

Cais do Sodré running route in Lisbon

Cais do Sodre, sourced from Pixabay

If you were wondering where you could start your running journey – it’s Cais do Sodré. In fact, this route is considered one of the smoothest and most interesting of them all.

Cais do Sodré begins its running route by the Tagus River. For me, it cannot be separated from the sound of trams and the cry of seagulls. Due to the proximity of the water here it is easy to breathe. Along the waterfront, you can enjoy your run while watching the river and how the clouds float.

Several decades ago, this coastal area was considered unfavorable because of the proximity of the docks. There were mostly cheap pubs and brothels here.  Docks turned into trendy restaurants, the streets were filled with stylish cafes and small bars, conceptual stores appeared here.

Running through all this whirlpool of new Portuguese emotions you will end up being at Torre de Belém. Probably this is where your route would finish and you would need to return back.

Monsanto municipal park for running

Monsanto in Lisbon, sourced from Wikimedia

Monsanto is located a little bit further from the city center, but is still very accessible. There is a lot of public transportation like the subway, buses and city trains to reach the forest. It is not only a route for running but also it’s full of public sports equipment so you could exercise here.

Monsanto is accessible from different parts of Lisbon like Ajuda, Benfica, Sete Rios, etc. It is the most advisable to access it from the Benfica side. If you are coming from the city center you could catch a public bus number 746, or a subway blue line and get out at Sete Rios.

Monsanto is mainly a forest area with long roads that lead from one end of Lisbon to the other. So you could start at Benfica start and end it at Ajuda. During that route, you will be able to spot the famous 25th of April Bridge or even lie and recuperate in the sun on a grassy hill.

This is definitely one of the best running routes in Lisbon. Can you imagine doing sports while breathing with 100% pure oxygen? This the best exercise for your body.

Parque Eduardo VII for running

Parque Eduardo VII, sourced from Wikimedia

Parque Eduardo VII is not only one of the biggest parks in Lisbon, but also the most convenient for runners. It is literally right in the middle of the center taking its start at Avenida da Liberdade. The monument of Marques Pombal is defending the labyrinth of the park. This is where you need to be headed when you are starting your morning journey.

It is advisable to start early in the morning since it is a touristic place and you probably would not like to catch a lot of people. Approaching the hill with the Portuguese flag you can start running to the left. You will be able to see Estufa Fria – Lisbon’s botanical garden with dawns on the lake. To the right side, you will spot a museum all covered in Azulejo.

Parque das Nações for running long-distance

Parque das Nações roads in Lisbon for running routes, sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Parque das Nações is a much newer part of the city, which means that the pavements and roads are much wider than in downtown Lisbon. It also has a fantastic boardwalk which is just perfect for running along.

Just imagine waking up early in the morning and staring your day along the River Tagus with its fresh breath. The Myriad Hotel will sweep you off your feet with its beauty resembling buildings from Dubai. This is the best route for those who are perfections and do not like distractions while still enjoying the view.

Dear runner, Lisbon has a lot to offer you when it comes to the best running routes. It is no just a simple track road, it is a true rollercoaster just on the ground. Lisbon is so unpredictable that you will be really surprised.