World Physical Activity Day is celebrated every year on April 6, with the aim of promoting a healthier lifestyle. To mark the date, we’ve decided to list some places to run in Porto and the surrounding area, or to take long walks in the fresh air.
In addition, Porto was recently 4.ranked No. 1 on the list of cities of the world where it is possible to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
This article is therefore even more pertinent in this context. So put your excuses aside, get your sneakers ready (yes, we don’t say sneakers around here, as you well know) and get off the sofa! Let’s go?
Places to run in Porto:
1 – Asprela Park
Inaugurated last year, Parque da Asprela is one of the city’s new green spaces that is well worth a visit, whether it’s for a run, a walk or even ajog picnic.
Located in the area of the Asprela university campus, it comprises a total of around six hectares of landscape, with water mirrors, hundreds of trees, streams and more than two kilometers of pedestrian and cycling routes.
2 – City Park
This is Porto’s main green space and also one of the largest urban parks in the country. Covering more than 80 hectares, the City Park, which unites Invicta and Matosinhos offers many trails for lovers of running and hiking.
In total, there are around 10 km of routes. If you like nature, this is a good place. And you can always stop to say hello to the ducks that fill the lakes in the City Park with life.
3 – Crystal Palace Gardens
This is one of the city’s most romantic gardens but it is also one of the most beautiful places to exercise.
The surrounding landscape is overwhelming, full of trees and with the Douro as a backdrop. In other words, the ideal place to burn calories and breathe fresh air.
4 – Covelo Farm and Park
Quinta do Covelo once belonged to nobles and bourgeois. But today it stands out as another place to take into account when strolling (and not only) in the city of Porto.
This is a place with dense vegetation. That’s why it’s a good option for hot days. Throughout the space, you’ll find drinking fountains, which are particularly useful if you forget your water bottle.
5 – Avenida Brasil
Foz was considered the best area in Porto in 2021. But this place also deserves to be highlighted for its enormous potential for exercise.
Running, walking or cycling on Avenida Brasil means having the sea breeze as company. We can hardly think of a better scenario for burning calories, can we?
6 – Avenida da Boavista
At around 5 km, Avenida da Boavista is one of the best places to run in Porto. After all,sta is the largest avenue in the city, so it’s an area to consider for outdoor activities.
At the end, if you want to finish your exercise session with a dose of inspiration, enjoy the sunset by the sea!
7 – Marginal do Porto
In Porto, the sea and the river go hand in hand; and we are fortunate to have both in our city. So how about a 12 km route that mixes the best of fresh and salt water?
Starting from Foz in the direction of Ribeira, there is a flat path full of charms waiting to be walked. From Cheese Castle to the Freixo Bridge, we couldn’t think of a better setting for running or walking.
Places to run near Porto (and surroundings)
8 – Marginal de Gaia
It’s not in Porto, but it’s close by and deserves to be enjoyed! The Gaia has an extensive route along the coastline.
The ideal place for cycling (and more), always with a breath of fresh air in the air!
9 – Lavandeira Park
Located in the Oliveira do Douro area, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, Lavandeira Park is an option not only for those looking to run, walk and exercise out doors, but also for families.
After all, around here you’ll find the theme park “Around the World in 80 Days” a marvel for the children and best of all, these activities are free!
10 – Matosinhos Marginal
It’s right next door, literally. The Marginal de Matosinhos is another excellent option for burning a few calories.
Once again, the sea adds a special touch to the landscape. Ideal for inhaling and exhaling over and over again!
11 – Marginal de Leça da Palmeira
Some say that Leça da Palmeira is the most beautiful place in Portugal. Whether it is or not is a debate we don’t want to enter into. Now, the Marginal de Leça is beautiful, that’s for sure. Whether it’s winter or summer, this place is great for outdoor activities.
There’s also an extra motivating factor: the many works by the famous architect Siza Vieira so close by. Which ones? For example Tidal Pool and Boa Nova Tea House.
12 – Varas Park, next to the Leça do Balio Monastery
O Monastery of Leça do Balio, in the municipality of Matosinhos, is a true medieval gem. In recent years, it has become known above all for being the stage for a historical re-enactment.
However, there is more to this space than history. The truth is that the surrounding Leisure Park is an option to consider for those who want to exercise and get to know other places.
13 – Avioso Park
We understand that this is not a suggestion for your day-to-day life, if you live in Porto, of course. However, it is certainly an option to consider for weekends.
Avioso Park, in the parish of Castêlo da Maia, may be a place to consider going, for example, with the family. Take advantage of the 30 hectares and more than 4 km of trail, go for a run or a walk. And what about a picnic at the end?
