GUIDE TO LISBON PT 2

BEST PLACE TO RUN

Tejo River Route :

Cais do Sodrè to Belem This run has it all: lovely riverside running with great views of the 25 Abril Bridge bridge, several important landmarks and museums, and the manicured Jardim de Belem. The full riverside route in the old part of Lisbon goes for nearly 5 miles one way between centrally located Cais do Sodré and the Belem Tower. Most of the route is along a dedicated riverside path, although there are a couple of sections along the road and around buildings — just follow the bike path signs. The most spectacular section on the water is west of the Bridge. The surface alternates between paved, limestone, and cobblestone. One great option is to run one way and take the light rail back — which only takes 15 minutes and has three stops along the way! It’s nice at sunset as you head west toward Belem. Lit at night

River run east :

Marina, Paque das Naçōes, Parque das trejo This is a great waterside running spot in the eastern part of Lisbon. The 11 km out and back along the Tejo River starts at the Marina and runs through Parque das Nações (Park of Nations), site of Expo 98 and since transformed into the striking ultra modern side of traditional Lisbon. There’s an Oceanarium, a cable car along the water, a large shopping center, a discovery museum, Lisbon’s casino and a host of other attractions with a water theme. It’s also a popular area for nightlife. The flat route has great views, with some spectacular path sections that nearly float on the water. A highlight is the run under the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which opened in 1998 and at 17 km is the longest bridge in Europe. Starting at the Pavilhão do Conhecimento (Pavillion of Knowledge), do a short loop around the marina path that juts out onto the water, before heading east on the path. Head east through the Parque das Nações , the Oceanarium, and the Jardim do Passeio dos Heróis, following the gondola line (!) before going under the bridge. Just after the bridge, enjoy the paths of the Parque das Trejo, where you can run on the water or along a more shaded, park-like section.  There are places to sit and enjoy the view, restaurants, cafes, and other recreational activities along most of the way. The last little section turns curls left along the river toward the A30. The whole route is 10.9 km. An out and back to the bridge is 7.5 km, including the marina loop. Monsanto Park Referred to as Parque Florestal de Monsanto, this is the largest green space in Lisbon. It has a large variety of terrain, from forest trails to pedestrian and cycling paths, and several active recreation areas. There are several surviving mills, dating back to the park’s more agricultural era.