Running in the Bragança District

One of the natural gems of the region is the Montesinho Natural Park 🏞️, a protected area since 1979 covering more than 75,000 hectares. Renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, it is a haven for many rare species, including the Iberian wolf. Its forests and rivers provide an ideal setting for hiking and nature observation. Within the park, you'll find two significant mountain ranges, the Serra de Montesinho north of Bragança, and the Serra da Coroa north of Vinhais, as well as a collection of traditional villages like Franca, Montesinho, and Rio do Onor. Among the park's iconic villages, Rio de Onor is a must-visit. This village is split by the border with Spain, making one half Portuguese and the other Spanish. It's one of the last communal villages in Portugal where residents share ovens, farmland, and livestock. Nearby, a visit to Montesinho is highly recommended, a village perched over 1,000 meters above sea level, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Portugal.

The city of Bragança, the district's capital, offers a deep dive into Portuguese history. Its medieval castle 🏰, built in the 12th century, dominates the city and provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Within the fortified walls lies the Domus Municipalis, a rare example of Romanesque civil architecture in the Iberian Peninsula. The city is also an important cultural hub 📖. It houses the Iberian Museum of Mask and Costume 🎭, showcasing the region's masked traditions, particularly those of the Caretos de Podence, iconic figures of the Portuguese carnival, now classified as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. To the south of the district, the International Douro Natural Park borders the Douro River, creating a natural boundary between Portugal and Spain. Its spectacular cliffs are home to diverse wildlife, including vultures and golden eagles 🦅.

The Bragança district is also known for its delightful local specialties! The Botelo (smoked sausage), Alheira de Mirandela (sausage), and posta Mirandesa offer great choices for meat lovers. If you have a sweet tooth like Winnie the Pooh 🐻, local honey 🍯 and chestnuts 🌰 are highly recommended.

Now it's time to talk about running! For road racing, the main event in the region is in Bragança with the Meia Maratonas das Cantarinhas. If you're more into mountains and nature, check out the Trilhos de Mogadouro, Sky Running Serra dos Passos, and Trail Dos Diabos.