The bland (or mirrored) interior walls of your local gym are far from the idyllic environment most runners desire. If fresh air, beautiful scenery, and new cultures are more your style, then you’re definitely going to want to bring your running shoes along with you when visiting these incredible places:
Sintra, Portugal
A UNESCO World Heritage city, Sintra’s natural beauty, culture, and mild climate make it an ideal destination for runners from all over the world. Known as having the best national parks in Portugal, Sintra features stunning architecture, beautiful landscapes, and even a royal palace.
Patagonia, Chile
Almost any running trail you choose in Patagonia will be incredible. Still, most runners suggest taking the Mirador Condor trail in Torres del Paine National Park for amazing views of the park’s natural splendor, such as lakes and mountains. Since you will be running through various altitudes, be sure to stay safe and prepare in advance.
Trentino Alto Adige, Italy
There are a number of dirt trails from which to choose in the Italian Dolomites (the Italian side of the Alps). But you can’t go wrong with any of them, as they all offer amazing views of the mountains. And you don’t have to worry about over-heating here either.
Madrid, Spain
If a cultural city hub better suits your interests, you’ll definitely appreciate running through the cobbled and colorful streets of Madrid. Additionally, the city features a number of different parks (many of them filled with statues, museums, and more) in case you want to exchange the city streets with a little more greenery.
Santorini, Greece
With its blue-capped, white houses and buildings nestled on the cliffs along the Aegean Sea, Santorini is one of the most iconic and picturesque Greek islands. It also happens to be a fantastic setting for a nice, long run. Take the six-mile path that connects the cities of Fira and Oia, where you’ll have incredible views and opportunities to meet the locals.
MacRitchie Reservoir Loop, Singapore
Considered one of the best places to run in an urban Asian city, the MacRitchie Reservoir Loop provides a woodsy getaway from the bustling streets of Singapore.
Berlin, Germany
To create the best experience for travelers (and locals, too), the running and walking trails in Berlin were specifically designed to highlight the city’s landmark sites. What better way to explore a new destination?
Melbourne, Australia
There are a number of trails and parks that are perfect for running in Melbourne, so you can choose a different one each day and see a different piece of the city. There are also a ton of races held throughout the year, so be sure to look them up before your visit!
Photo from Huffington Post.
