wellness
Lisbon Runners Discover Three Best Routes for 2026 Training
Lisbon's best running is found along the flat Tagus riverside path from Cais do Sodré to Belém, the hilly trails of Monsanto Forest Park, and the once-a-year chance to run across the 25 de Abril Bridge on the official Lisbon Half Marathon course.
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Lisbon offers a genuine split between flat riverside running and real hill training, with one of the largest urban forest parks in Europe on the city's doorstep. Here are the best running routes in Lisbon for 2026.
The Tagus Riverside, Cais do Sodré to Belém
A dedicated riverside path runs roughly 7.5 kilometres one way from Cais do Sodré to Belém, mostly paved with some cobblestone sections, flat throughout. It passes Praça do Comércio and the MAAT museum before finishing near Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. Many runners go one way and take the Cascais light rail back, a three-stop, fifteen-minute ride.
Monsanto Forest Park
Monsanto Forest Park covers more than 1,000 hectares, one of the largest urban forest parks in Europe, with several marked trail options including a 10.8 kilometre running trail, a roughly 7 kilometre perimeter loop with about 180 metres of elevation gain, and a Blue Trail of similar length with slightly more climbing. Its mix of forest single-track and paved paths gives Lisbon its most genuine trail-running terrain, with real shade and hills minutes from downtown.
Parque Eduardo VII
Parque Eduardo VII, at 26 hectares Lisbon's largest central park, offers a loop of about 3 to 4 kilometres through its main avenue and the adjoining Jardim Amália Rodrigues, with city views from the upper terrace toward the castle. A recently completed green corridor extends roughly 3 kilometres southwest from the park, connecting toward Monsanto for a longer combined run.
Running the Lisbon Half Marathon Route
The EDP Lisbon Half Marathon starts mid-span on the 25 de Abril Bridge, closed to traffic for the day, a rare chance to run across a bridge normally off-limits to pedestrians with views of the Cristo Rei statue. The course descends into Alcântara, runs the flat riverside Avenida da Índia toward Dafundo, and finishes at Jerónimos Monastery.
Practical Guide to Running in Lisbon
The riverside path is the most reliable choice for a flat, scenic run at any time of day; Monsanto is the better option for anyone wanting genuine elevation and trail terrain, with the paved and single-track sections both well used by local runners.