Running in Cascais

Usually, I’m going for a run in bigger cities, so I can do some sightseeing while running. In Cascais, the blue sky, the sun and the amazing views were just too great to not go for a costal run. Looking back, the run in Cascais was one of the greatest I’ve done in my life – especially in December.

• Find more content about Cascais on our city page!

There are several reasons why Cascais is a great place for running: The amazing views, the good weather all year round and all the historic buildings along the way.

• Distance: 6,5 Kilometers
• Jogged altitude: 76 Meters
• Calories burned: 400-500
• Month: December
• Weather: Mostly sunny

You may not reach the most Western point of Continental Europe (we’ll have a special post on that one soon), but you’ll enjoy an amazing time at the Atlantic coast nevertheless.

Even if you are not a runner, be sure to follow my path and go for a walk along the coast – it’s more than just worth the effort.

Sunny running along the coast

Late December, only a few days after Christmas, I usually don’t expect amazing weather conditions for running. In Cascais, I suprsingly found these. I started my run at the Grande Real Villa Italia, but you can start at pretty every hotel along the coast. The first two kilometers, I just followed the Atlantic Ocean. In the first minutes, I can recommend to just focus on the scenery and enjoy the views. A divided path (walking and cycling) makes running along the coast very easy.

Moreover, only few cars pollute the air, so you are able to enjoy running without any major traffic “problems”.

Watching the amazing lighthouse and turning around

As I planned to enjoy a view on the city of Cascais itself as well, I decided to only follow the coast for around two kilometers.

The lighthouse, a really beautiful one, is a nice point to turn around. On the way back, you’ll be able to enjoy some amazing views once again.

After watching the stunning scenery, you should also take a look at a part of Cascais that’s not really beautiful. The “holiday area” consists of several bigger hotels, all built many years ago.

I think it’s worth having a look anyway as you’ll be able to enjoy all the other views even more.

Around the harbor with stunning views

At kilometer 5, we arrived back in Cascais.

Just a few meters after our starting point, I reached a nice canyon. After passing that one (the little bridge is lovely, too), you’ll enjoy a great view on an amazing house.

But that’s not all, as you’ll reach the Pousada de Cascais (not only a luxury hotel, but also a stunning fortress) instantly.

After running around the fortress, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a spectacular view on the bay of Cascais.

I decided to not run into the city center as we were more likely to enjoy the views of the Atlantic a little more. That was possible at the harbor that’s right in front of the Pousada de Cascais.

Coming home after an amazing run

After passing the lovely harbor, there is another chance to enjoy amazing views on the Atlantic Ocean (if you aren’t sick of looking at it yet!).

For me, it was time to end our run after the last “new point”, so I followed the Atlantic Coast for some hundred meters and arrived back at the Grande Real Villa Italia. In my opinion, this run is definitely worth a recommendation.

It may not be the most scenic one when it comes to architecture or sightseeing, but it’s absolutely enjoyable as you’ll be able to breath fresh air and enjoy some undisclosed views that you’ll remember forever.

 

You like this running guide? Take a look at our other “Running in …” posts!