At first glance, Lisbon’s might not look like a great place for a run. Its steep and busy streets, narrow alleys, and trafficked roads don’t seem to leave much room for a run. However, there are some – not so – hidden secrets that will surely get your fitness groove on! From Cascais to Póvoa de Santa Iria, there are several trails for walking, running, and riding a bicycle in and around the city. Check out our list of great places to exercise body and mind.
A quick, fresh run along the Tagus
One of Lisbon’s most beautiful features is the river. The Tagus runs along the area of Belém, Cais do Sodré, Praça do Comércio, Beato, Braço de Prata, and Santa Apolónia. From the city, one can see the calm and peaceful waterfront, Trafaria, Almada, and Barreiro. We recommend starting your run in Belém – where you’ll pass through Padrão dos Descobrimentos – and keep going all the way to Braço de Prata. Shade is scarce, but the river breeze will keep you cool.
Tips: Stop at Maat Museum for a drink, a relaxing moment overlooking the river, or to check out one of their latest exhibitions. The Champalimaud Foundation also has a gorgeous restaurant with a terraced area for a pleasant meal.
A nature run: Monsanto
Monsanto is the city’s green lung and the perfect spot for a run surrounded by plants and trees. You can take different itineraries, but perhaps the most iconic is the “Rota do Panorâmico”. It’s 10 kilometers long and passes by an emptied building that used to be the Panorâmico Restaurant, hence the name. Monsanto is the perfect place for those wanting to escape the city’s hustle and bustle for a few hours. Gear up, take your dog, and become one with nature.
Tips: You should also visit Palácio da Fronteira, a beautiful palace from the 17th century. Partygoers will love to know that Keil do Amaral’s Amphitheatre, in Monsanto, frequently hosts high-quality electronic music events.
An urban path: from Parque das Nações to Loures
Inaugurated in September 2023, the Passeio Ribeirinho de Loures is an eight-kilometer walk that extends from the Knowledge Pavilion (in Parque das Nações) to the Póvoa de Santa Iria dock. There is a beautiful architectural work comprised of a six-kilometer modern passageway made of wood, several bridges, and tunnels that take you on a nature run along the Tagus River. This is an unmissable path if you’re looking for a balanced mix of green and urban landscapes. You can take the same route back, or take the train.
Tips: This is a family-friendly trail where bicycles are welcome.
Beach Sightseeing: from Algés to Cascais
Wondering what’s beyond Algés? For a more impactful journey, we recommend commencing in Cais do Sodré to really feel the transition from riverside to seaside – the Atlantic sea starts in Oeiras. If you feel like it, go all the way to Estoril or Cascais. It gets pretty busy on weekends, as regular runners, families, bikers, and dog lovers make plans to bash in the sun along the coast. Also, don’t forget your swimsuit, you might want to take a dip in the ocean!
Tips: Want to keep going? The view from Cascais (passing by the Marina, and Boca do Inferno) to Guincho is absolutely mesmerizing, revealing a landscape made of rocky shores, untamed waves, and sandy beaches. Made of modern-looking passageways, the Cresmina Dune Trail is also a good choice for people who wish to stretch their legs while overlooking the sea.
Running Up That Hill: Discover Lisbon’s Seven Hills
Scenic horizons and endless beaches might be what dreams are made of, but not everyone has time for it. Expats are usually passionate about Lisbon’s traditional neighborhoods, often located in the city’s high areas, like Lapa, Graça, Ajuda, Alfama, or the S. Jorge Castle. Lisbon is also known as the “city of seven hills” – São Jorge, São Vicente, Sant’Ana, Santo André, Chagas, Santa Catarina, and São Roque – and the highest is the first one, where the castle is located. You can either start there and keep going down, or start somewhere close to the river and head up. This trail allows you to see a lot of iconic monuments and witness the locals’ day-to-day lives. It can be fun (and challenging) to plan a jog through Lisbon’s seven hills and test your cardio stamina. The trail is a mix of uphills and downhills, so be prepared for a full-body workout.
Tip: Feeling tired? Stop for a drink at S. Jorge Castle, or Portas do Sol, two spots from where you can have wonderful panoramic views.
For the adventurous: Cabo da Roca to Praia das Maçãs
Here’s another top-notch nature walk! We would drive to Cabo da Roca through one of Portugal’s most scenic roads over the Atlantic Coast. From the cape, you can reach Praia da Adraga or head a bit further to Praia Grande or Praia das Maçãs. The whole trail is surrounded by wilderness on one side, and the waves crashing on the other.
Tip: Although it’s becoming more and more popular amongst tourists, Praia da Ursa is still a gem, especially because it’s not that easy to get there. The steep and uneven footpath can be challenging for kids and the elderly. It is located pretty close to Cabo da Roca.
Move HIIT at Jardim da Estrela
Not much free time, but still want to move your body while enjoying the outdoors? Zé Maria has the solution! His Move HIIT sessions happen at the beautiful Jardim da Estrela. Surrounded by trees and birds chirping, you’ll experience an intense workout that will surely bring the results you’re aiming for. Besides, this is also a chance to meet like-minded people, and perhaps even go for a drink nearby afterward. Check Zé Maria’s HIIT classes here.
When it’s raining outside
Don’t let the bad weather ruin your day! There are countless gyms in Lisbon, but if we had to choose, it’d be either Circle and Amplify. Circle’s team has a holistic approach to exercise that includes training, health, nutrition, and recovery. There more than a dozen different classes, from yoga to HIIT-like workouts, from 7:15am to 7:30pm. The workouts are made of creative exercises, and the setting is also designed to empower your session. The gym is located close to Marquês de Pombal. Haven’t tried it out yet? This is your chance!
Amplify also offers a complete set of classes, from yoga and barre, to cycling and bootcamp. Indoor-cycling is Amplify’s signature class. You can expect a fun, and intense session where music, bikes, and experienced coaches join forces to take you on a fitness journey. There are three Amplify gyms in Lisbon, so there’s no excuse to miss your session!
