Run down, up and over the Rio Douro
Our favourite runs in Porto
Porto borders the Douro River, which lends itself to some great running routes. We became creatures of habit with our running routes in Porto, either running down, up or across the river. Here are some pictures from our excursions so that you can run along with us!
Down the Douro River
Distance: 10.5km
What luck we had this particular morning catching the beautiful mist on the river! Only 10 minutes later it was all cleared up, so I’m glad we made it out when we did!
Looking West at the Ponte Luis I, in the direction of our run for the day.
Looking back East at the Ponte do Infante.
We make our way down to the water. I’m happy to be on the flat!
We are just a little over 1km from home, but the 80m climb up these stairs (Escada dos Guindais) stand between us. I love these stairs, but I also hate these stairs.
Up the Douro River
Distance: 7.5km
Looking West at the many bridges that span the Douro River. There are six bridges over 5.5km of river bank!
We make the steep drop down to the water, this time on Calçada das Carquejeiras to change things up from the usual stairs.
The many bridges that span the Douro River make for great mental goals while running. When running East we turn around at the Ponte do Freixo, 2.5km from the Ponte Luís where we ascend back up the cliff.
We are past our turn-around point, with our sights set on Ponte Luís I in the distance.
On the final stretch.
Across the Douro River
Distance: 4km
We make our way across the Douro River by means of the Ponte do Infante.
We have the path to ourselves on the south side of the river as we make our way West towards the Ponte Luis I.
Before crossing the Ponte Luis we head up to the Miradouro (lookout) da Serra do Pilar, which gives an excellent view of Porto across the river.
We run across the top level of Ponte Luis I. The bottom level is open to cars, but the top level is only for pedestrians and metro trains. Makes for a tranquil crossing.
And that’s a wrap! Thanks for joining us on our runs in Porto!
Kudos to everyone back home who is managing to get out and enjoy the fresh air in much cooler temperatures. Brittony and I use a shorthand for days when you really don’t feel like getting out, but still manage to, even if it’s a short distance...BTN...Better Than Nothing!
References: Credit goes to author and time management expert Laura Vanderkam for coining the BTN phrase.