Porto, or Portugal as a whole, is famous for good food at reasonable price. Inevitably, it is easy to get overly indulged in food and drinks. While the locals could burn off some calories in the near by beaches on surf boards, travelers and expats from land locked places may have to resort to things like “running”.

Porto is a great place for running. There are many hills but also flat roads for those who want to work on their paces. Unlike Lisboa, which is overly crowded and impossible to even walk in a straight line, Porto is much more running friendly. Even in the center of the city, it is still possible to run.

Here are a few routes that can be started from the center of the city.

City Center to Praia do Castelo do Queijo ( 8.5 km one way)
This is the route that runs along the north shore of Douro River. It starts at the somewhat busier tourist section but don’t let it deter you. At the half way point, run out to Felgueiras Lighthouse if it is open to pedestrians. At Castelo do Queijo, you may return by the same route or head west to Parque da Cidade do Porto to double up the run to 16+ km. If you are looking for a 10km run, head north to the subway station Matosinhos Sul to take a ride home.

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City Center to Douro Cabedelo Beach ( 14 km )
This is the south shore route of Douro River. Cross the Luís Bridge at the lower level and it will take you through the area where all the winery tasting rooms are. You can also add some up hill training by running up R.do Gen. Torres to visit Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar on the way back, or some stairway training across the northern entrance of Luis Bridge.

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The Atlantic Coast ( from 8 to 15km one way )
A very large stretch of the Atlantic coast south of the city is lined with wooden boardwalks. It is easily accessible by both private vehicle or CP train from Sao Bento through Linha de Aveiro. There are also various cafes on the route, if you decide to stop for a coffee or ice-cream. Beware the narrow wooden boardwalks could be too crowed for running in summer. The distance can be easily adjusted by arriving and leaving at different train stations.

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