Centro histórico street. Flickr: Fernando Stankuns
This route is a ‘runseeing’ tour of the Centro histórico de Braga (historic center), featuring the city’s important architectural and historic highlights, and several fountains! The area is fairly compact — our route is only 3.2 km. There are good options to add on, winding your way through the center’s maze-like streets, or connecting to the Ecovia route, 1 km away. (jardim=park)
Start at the Jardim Avenida Central (park), a grand green space with wide paths leading to the fountain at the Praça da República. Continue east along the narrow streets of the center through a couple of small parks/plazas: Jardim de Santa Bárbara, with its flower garden overlooked by a medieval palace, and Praça Municipal. Continue through the historic gate (Arco da Porta Nova), and then use R. Dom Afonso Henriques to run back east. There are views of 11th-13th century Santa Maria de Braga Cathedral, as you pass the Museu Pio XII. Letriro Braga, and the Palácio do Raio. Use the wide, tree-lined Av. Liberdadd to return to the start.
Add-Ons: Create your own route through the streets of Centro histórico. Try to go early to beat the crowds. Also, the Ecovia route along the Rio Este is 1 km to the south — use Av. Liberdade.
Centro histórico street. Flickr: Fernando Stankuns
This route is a ‘runseeing’ tour of the Centro histórico de Braga (historic center), featuring the city’s important architectural and historic highlights, and several fountains! The area is fairly compact — our route is only 3.2 km. There are good options to add on, winding your way through the center’s maze-like streets, or connecting to the Ecovia route, 1 km away. (jardim=park)
Start at the Jardim Avenida Central (park), a grand green space with wide paths leading to the fountain at the Praça da República. Continue east along the narrow streets of the center through a couple of small parks/plazas: Jardim de Santa Bárbara, with its flower garden overlooked by a medieval palace, and Praça Municipal. Continue through the historic gate (Arco da Porta Nova), and then use R. Dom Afonso Henriques to run back east. There are views of 11th-13th century Santa Maria de Braga Cathedral, as you pass the Museu Pio XII. Letriro Braga, and the Palácio do Raio. Use the wide, tree-lined Av. Liberdadd to return to the start.
Add-Ons: Create your own route through the streets of Centro histórico. Try to go early to beat the crowds. Also, the Ecovia route along the Rio Este is 1 km to the south — use Av. Liberdade.
The best off-road run in Braga that's not a hill or a trail run. Paved linear park path along the Rio Este runs for 4 km. A nice green space in the center of town. Some good add-on options. Lit at night!
A nice run in the pleasant Parque da Ponte, and then the paved path through Parque do Picoto to the summit of Monte Picoto, featuring great views. The climb is ~100m over 2 km. Add with running track & Ecovia path.
Lovely paths for running along the Cávado River in Vila de Prado, located 10 km north of Braga. Tree-shaded paths run for 5 km along the south bank and 3 km along the north bank. Enjoy a post-run swim in the river!
Excellent trail running opportunities on Braga's 280 km network of trails through hills, valleys, rivers and the city. Link to website with good details on features, level of difficulty, and elevation profile.
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