Running in the Vila Real District

It is at the confluence of the Corgo and the Cabril that our journey begins in the district of Vila Real. Here lies, at an altitude of 400 meters, the district's capital, Vila Real (well spotted, Sherlock). Here's a bit of context: it's a peaceful city in the north, not heavily industrialized, with an economy based on the trade of olive oil, wine, and charcuterie. It seems calm, maybe a little too calm. But there are students, thanks to the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, which attracts young people from all over the country. Now that you know a bit more about the city, you're probably wondering: is it worth a visit? If you love architecture and beautiful houses, absolutely! Lisbon has its Belém Tower, Paris boasts the Eiffel Tower, and Vila Real has the Mateus Palace. While the comparison is flattering, trust us, it's worth the visit. The palace comprises a garden, a chapel, and a baroque house dating back to the 18th century. After the visit, be careful not to get lost in the garden's maze, or you might end up like a certain Jack Nicholson. Downtown also has its share of beautiful buildings. As you wander through the streets of Vila Real, you are bound to come across a square with a fountain, a church, and some lovely buildings. This is Praça Luís de Camões and its Chafariz (that famous fountain), the Vila Real Cathedral, and the Palais de Justice. Continuing your journey, you will find yourself on Avenue Carvalho Araújo and its House of the Marquis. If you buy a nice postcard, you can send it from the CTT Vila Real post office. Speaking of postcards, that's what the route of the Vila Real half marathon offers you, allowing you to exercise under the watchful eyes of locals.

Once you've enjoyed the city, it's time to lace up your trail shoes and venture into nature. The great thing is, from Vila Real, the mountains are within reach! The Alvão Natural Park is just a 20-minute drive away. There, you'll encounter mid-mountain landscapes (the summit is over 1,400 meters), adorned with oak, birch, and chestnut groves. Bring your binoculars, as the park is home to many animal species, including the Iberian wolf, peregrine falcon, and golden eagle. During your stay in the park, you can admire spectacular waterfalls, such as the one at Fisgas de Ermelo.

Descending from the mountains, the landscape changes dramatically as you reach the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This region is globally renowned for its terraced vineyards that produce the famous Port wine. For centuries, winemakers have sculpted the steep hillsides, creating a unique cultural landscape where rows of vines follow the Douro River's curves. The picturesque villages of the valley, like Peso da Régua and Pinhão, are the beating heart of this winemaking tradition. The Douro River, which originates in Spain before traversing Portugal, has long been the main route for transporting wine to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto. So, if you want to run in the Douro Valley, we recommend choosing one of the two major races in Peso da Régua. The first, the Douro Vinhateiro Half Marathon, is a road race that will allow you to discover the Alto Douro wine region with its vineyard slopes along the river. If 21.1 km is too much for you (understandable), there's also a 6 km you can complete by running or walking. For the second race, we recommend the Douro Ultra Trail. Labeled as a UTMB event, organizers offer distances ranging from 8 km to 100 km (making the half marathon seem heavenly in comparison). After the strenuous activity, it's time for some fun at local festivals, such as the Romaria de Nossa Senhora da Pena in Vila Real, and enjoy a delicious roast kid with some Douro wine.