The best places to run in Lisbon

The Monsanto Forest Park is the lung of the city and one of the most popular places to run in Lisbon, for those who want to be in contact with nature. The area is vast and there are options for all tastes, from easy circular routes to trails, which require more dexterity, therefore more suited for fans of Trail Running. At Monsanto, All About Portugal's suggestion is the Alameda Keil do Amaral. Access is via the Alvito road, at the Montes Claros Garden roundabout. In addition to the conditions for running, this promenade has a pleasant amphitheatre overlooking the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge, a bar and public toilet.

Belém is one of the most beautiful and historic areas of the Portuguese capital. Due to the flow of tourists that travel through Belém daily, you may find it a bit crowded, but if you like running along the river then it is undoubtedly one of the most interesting places. You also have the bonus that, as you progress in the race, you can make stops to appreciate the Tower of Belém, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries), the garden at Praça do Império and the architecture of the MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, among other attractions.

For those staying in the central area of Lisbon, and without a car, the Eduardo VII Park, at the top of Avenida da Liberdade, will undoubtedly be the most obvious option to consider when running in Lisbon. For those who do not mind waking up early, even on holiday, enjoy the rare vision provided by the empty streets of the Portuguese capital; run around the park, finish the exercise at the park's viewpoint, and watch the city wake up as the sun rises.

Anyone who glances at Mama's Lighthouse quickly discovers similarities with the lunar rocket of Tintin, the mythical cartoon character created by Hergé. But it is just a coincidence. This is another curiosity to motivate you to choose to run around this area, located in the Serra de Carnaxide, in Oeiras, on the outskirts of the city of Lisbon. It is not the most obvious choice for a run, but it will surprise you. The location has a circular track, gardens and an unmissable panoramic landscape that extends to the Tagus River.

The city of Amadora, on the outskirts of Lisbon, is well known for its strong connection to sport and the arts. The Arts and Sports Park Amadora combines these two aspects. This enclosure has areas where you can walk, run, or ride a bicycle. Along with sport and well-being, during rest breaks you can admire the sculptures by various artists on display, as well as the open view of the large urban agglomeration of the city.

The Bela Vista Park is mainly known for being the venue of the music festival Rock in Rio Lisboa. But when stripped of stages and crowds, the park turns into a huge trail. Located in one of the highest areas of the Lisbon region it offers, as its name suggests, a beautiful view of the city and the river.

In the eastern part of the city of Lisbon, the Parque das Nações, located on the banks of the Tagus River, is also an excellent place to run. Walk or jog along the riverside promenade, which, during the 1998 Lisbon World Exposition, was known as “O Caminho da Costa”. The avenue offers rest areas, pleasant shades provided by the stone pines that give colour to the walk, and a permanent view of the Tagus River and the Vasco da Gama Bridge.

Quinta das Conchas has ample lawns, lots of trees and offers a flat and stable course to run at a slow pace, if you so desire. The park consists of three areas with different characteristics: the central nave of Quinta das Conchas, the forest and Quinta dos Lilases. There are lots of trees and shade, ideal for avoiding the heat of the hottest summer days.

If you are visiting Lisbon for a long time and thoroughly enjoy sport, Jamor is undoubtedly the ideal place to be. This is because the Jamor Sports Complex was specifically designed for sporting activities. The park is vast and allows you to run along a linear route or try a hike through the forest, up to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Boa Viagem. In addition to the historic National Football Stadium, it has swimming pools, an athletics track, tennis courts, mini golf, and an adventure park.

Located in Póvoa de Santa Iria, in Vila Franca de Xira, this is the most distant suggestion from the city of Lisbon, but it also has the Tagus River for company, and a landscape of undeniable beauty. In addition to the walkways with pedestrian and bicycle paths, the park covers the Pescadores Beach area, which also includes a sport area.