Cascais Coastal Run

If you want a wonderful coastal run along a dedicated path, head to the fishing village of Cascais (pronounced ‘Kaj-Kaj’), just 30 km west of Lisbon. A train runs every 20 minutes, costs $5, and takes about 1/2 hr. This is a lovely town to just explore, with an older section of quaint, narrow streets, several waterfront parks, and sites such as the Conde de Castro Guimarães Museum, a former palace.

This idyllic run starts right in town next to the marina, at Parque Marechal Carmona. Run west along a dedicated cycle/pedestrian path, painted red. Great views of the Atlantic Ocean, mountains, and cliffs in the distance. The path is on the ocean side for the first 2 km heading out of town. It then switches to the opposite side of the road. West of there, you can run on the bike path, or along a the water, which alternates between a soft dirt shoulder and a firmer, dedicated walking path. The path continues for nearly 9 km to Praia da Água Doce, past lighthouses and numerous public beaches. Key segment points:

• 2.5 km: is the Farol da Guia (lighthoue),
• 3 km:  Public golf course.
• 4.5 km:  Forte de São Jorge de Oitavos
• 6.3 km: Farol Cabo Rado  (lighthouse)