Trail Running in Portugal: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Any trail running adventure to Portugal will either begin in Lisbon or Porto. While you’re in one of these two cosmopolitan hubs, be sure to check out some of the city’s architecture and cultural heritage. Heading out on a warm up run for the adventure ahead is a great way to do so.

Due to its beautiful volcanoes and beaches, the island of Madeira is one of the top spots in Portugal for trail running. Make sure you have at least one week to go out and explore this lovely place.

In spite of its distance from the European mainland, Madeira is pretty easily reached via flights into Cristiano Ronaldo International Airport (FNC) from most major European airports.

Other parts of Portugal are just of worthy of your trail running presence, but might require a bus ride, domestic flight or train ride in order to reach. The harder it is to get to however, generally the better the trail running is.  

Stunning scenery

Regardless of where you head in Portugal, you’ll be met with fantastic views. The rolling hills or Alentejo make for a soothing sight. Coastline cliffs up the Atlantic allow for scenic breaks and keep you wanting more. The country’s rugged interior is great for more idyllic runs through mountain passes and out

Plenty of variety

In spite of its small size, Portugal is quite a diverse country and wherever you go for your trail running you’re sure to be met with something different. Marvelous beaches, tall mountains, volcanic islands, wooded valleys and rolling hills are just some of the diverse spots available to be explored.

Come for the culture

You can’t spend every minute of the day running. Spend some time exploring Portugal’s culture while you’re now out on the trails. The country is famous for its wine and seafood as well as its architecture and agricultural heritage. Wherever your trail running takes you, be sure to check out whatever is nearby!

During the spring, autumn and winter temperatures are quite mild in most of Portugal, ranging from 10ºC to 23ºC. Temperatures can drop below freezing at higher elevations. Temperatures during the summer can be very hot, averaging between 25ºC and 30ºC. Portugal receives some rainfall, which is spread pretty evenly throughout the year, except in the summer.

Almost any trip to Portugal usually begins with a flight into either the international airports in Lisbon (LIS) or Porto (OPO), form these points, it is pretty easy to take a connecting flight, bus or train to your final destination.

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September to May, although many guides offer trips year-round as well.