Alfama to Monsanto Forest

This Lisbon 20k loop starts in picturesque Alfama, runs through lively Graça, to leave the city center along the strict lines of Parque Eduardo VII for Monsanto Forest, its largest green space high above the city. Intricate trails lead through dense riots of vegetation down to the Rio Tejo and back along its broad promenade. Half city run, half trail run the route climbs to a decent altitude, while exploring a plethora of the intriguing, contrasting urban spaces this beautiful metropolis has to offer – I love experiencing cities this way.

Heading north, up and down over cobbled streets and stairs, the run skips the touristy parts of Alfama to pass the colorful hustle-bustle of Graça, a truly local district. Heading along the surprisingly leafy major artery Avenida da Liberdade, where the city shows off the wealth of centuries, leads up to the modernist Parque Eduardo VII.

The circuit soon reaches steep stairs that take us out of the city and deep into the heart of Monsanto Forest in a long climb. Moderately technical trails and wide forest paths through a lush variety of local flora immediately let us forget the vicinity of a vast urban area.

In a leisurely descent the route meets the Tejo river close to the Ponte 25 de Abril to return along the river bank to Alfama.