São Jorge is a small, hilly island in the Azores known for its cheeses and numerous festivals throughout the year. The island is 60 km long and 10 km wide. Running can be a challenge in São Jorge, because there are few flat roads and the terrain gets very hilly just above the coastal towns. But it’s a great hiking and trail running destination! Below are a our recommendations for some easier, scenic waterfront running on São Jorge:
Velas Waterfront. Author Photo
Velas Waterfront and Running Tracks. Velas is the largest town on São Jorge, and location of the ferry terminal. One can do about 1 km directly along the water, from the ferry terminal east to the Ermida Nossa Senhora do Livramento (church). For a nice loop, incorporate Avenida do Livramento. It rises above the water, and leads to a couple of great viewpoints (miradouro). There are running tracks at the high school, just off the main road, and at the Campo Municipal das Velas (municipal soccer field).
Urzelina Area. Just west of Manadas in Urzelina, nice waterfront running on Caminho dos Casteletes. Headed west, it’s gentle rolling hills for ~1 km, then a bit more of a climb toward the Miradouro da Larica. Great views of the water and surrounding hilly countryside. ROUTE MAP
Calheta Area. Some decent running on a quiet along the water, with some nice water views. From the port, head west. It’s flat for ~1.7 km, then the road climbs for 60m over 1 km, affording some nice views above the water. Parts with no sidewalk, but very little traffic.
São Jorge is a small, hilly island in the Azores known for its cheeses and numerous festivals throughout the year. The island is 60 km long and 10 km wide. Running can be a challenge in São Jorge, because there are few flat roads and the terrain gets very hilly just above the coastal towns. But it’s a great hiking and trail running destination! Below are a our recommendations for some easier, scenic waterfront running on São Jorge:
Velas Waterfront. Author Photo
Velas Waterfront and Running Tracks. Velas is the largest town on São Jorge, and location of the ferry terminal. One can do about 1 km directly along the water, from the ferry terminal east to the Ermida Nossa Senhora do Livramento (church). For a nice loop, incorporate Avenida do Livramento. It rises above the water, and leads to a couple of great viewpoints (miradouro). There are running tracks at the high school, just off the main road, and at the Campo Municipal das Velas (municipal soccer field).
Urzelina Area. Just west of Manadas in Urzelina, nice waterfront running on Caminho dos Casteletes. Headed west, it’s gentle rolling hills for ~1 km, then a bit more of a climb toward the Miradouro da Larica. Great views of the water and surrounding hilly countryside. ROUTE MAP
Calheta Area. Some decent running on a quiet along the water, with some nice water views. From the port, head west. It’s flat for ~1.7 km, then the road climbs for 60m over 1 km, affording some nice views above the water. Parts with no sidewalk, but very little traffic.
A pleasant waterfront run in Ponta Delgada -- capital of the Azores and its largest city. It's one of the few opportunities on São Miguel for a flat, easy run along the water. 10k out and back, and great views!
Easy trail run along a path above the water on the northern coast of São Miguel, between Calhetas and São Vicente Ferreira. Fantastic views the whole way. Path is more of a wide dirt road. Up to 6.5 km one-way.
Easy and scenic 6 km loop on a path around this popular lake. Great views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and lovely trees and flowers. There are hot springs at the lake's southern end. Also possible to run from Furnas (hilly!).
We've scoped out the best options for safe and scenic waterfront running on the island of Terceira. Includes routes in Angra do Heroísmo, Negrito, the area around Fort of Greta, Biscoitos, and Praia da Vitória.
Terceira has a wonderful network of well-waymarked walking and hiking trails. Those that are classified as 'easy' good trail runs for the average runner. Those marked as 'medium' or 'difficult' are more challenging trail running.
Our guide to running on some 30 km of quiet, scenic coastal roads on Pico, including a 13 km cycle path between Madalena and Arcos. Great views of the water and the island's unique landscape: Mt. Pico, farms, vineyards, & lava fields.
Our recommendations for some of the walking/hiking trails on Pico that are an easy-to-moderate trail run. Lava fields, vineyards, coastal views. Vinhas da Criação Velha is a favorite. Also we point out some of the scenic, quiet interior roads.
A small, scenic, and hilly island! The best, easy waterfront run is in the city of Horta, location of the ferry terminal. Get the heart rate up by adding the road up Monte Guia!
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