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Est. reading time: 3 min
Celebrating poetry, not conflicts.
Every year on June 10th, Portugal celebrates its National Day. But unlike many countries that mark a bloody revolution or a declaration of independence, Portugal does something unique: it celebrates a poet.
This Camoes' bust sits in the Foz district, in Porto.
The one-eyed poet that became Portugal's most iconic poet.
Our National day "Dia de Portugal, de Camões e das Comunidades Portuguesas" is a tribute to the soul of the nation, its language and Portuguese speaking communities across the globe, all of these embodied by its greatest literary icon, Luís de Camões. He died June 10th, 1580.
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Sweating and sightseeing: celebrating Global Running Day the right wayHappy Global Running Day! If you’re reading this while procrastinating your run, consider this your official sign to lace up your sneakers. Every year on June 3rd, millions of people across the globe unite for a collective celebration of sweat, and the mutual understanding that running is both a wonderful form of therapy and a brilliant excuse to eat more carbs. Whether you are a seasoned marathon veteran or someone who only runs when chased, today is all about celebrating the simple joy of moving forward at a faster pace!  GRD's originBut where did this global phenomenon actually start? We can thank our friends across the Atlantic for getting the ball rolling. The holiday was born in the U.S. back in 2009 as "National Running Day," largely spearheaded by major athletic organizations including the New York Road Runners (NYRR). It proved so wildly popular that by 2016, the movement officially dropped the "National" tag, went global, and saw over 2.5 million people from 177 countries pledge to log some miles on a single day. Talk about a highly successful PR campaign for cardio. Here at Porto Running Tours, we firmly believe the absolute best way to honor this day isn't on a stationary treadmill staring at a gym mirror. It’s out on the pavement. Combining fitness with sightseeing—affectionately known as sightrunning—might feel like a trendy modern travel hack, but it actually has a rich, surprisingly seasoned history.  Long before global networks emerged, urban pioneers were already showing off their cities at an elevated heart rate. Take City Running Tours in New York, which has been guiding runners through the Big Apple's concrete jungle since 2005, or the iconic Paris Running Tours, offering a breathless romance with the City of Light for well over a decade. Even earlier, trailblazers in European capitals like Berlin proved that culture and sweat mix perfectly. These organizations laid the groundwork, proving that you can absorb centuries of architecture while simultaneously dodging pedestrians and earning your vacation calories.  So, as the world celebrates Global Running Day today, why not take a page out of their book right here in Portugal? Porto's dramatic hills, historic Ribeira waterfront, and stunning Douro River views are practically begging to be explored at a conversational pace. Join us at Porto Running Tours to celebrate this global movement—we promise to handle the navigation, share the history, and most importantly, point you directly toward the best post-run francesinha in town. 
est.reading time: 4 min
Hidden in plain sight
During our running tours, while crossing the Douro on one of its bridges, we’re usually too busy admiring the sunrise to the east. But southeast of our position, just a couple of hundred meters away, lies the Geophysical Observatory (Instituto Geofísico do Porto)—a site that once played a silent, high-stakes role in global geopolitics.
New running tour in 2026
Welcome to Porto and to running in its old historic center: one minute you’re sprinting like you’ve got winged sandals, and the next, you’re looking for any excuse to stop to admire the scenery—or perhaps a wine menu.
At Porto Running Tours, we’ve leaned into this issue with our brand-new route: "Bacchus & Friends." It’s a tribute to the chaotic energy of the gods who inspired people to build this city.
We’ll be channeling Mercury, the fleet-footed god of commerce who turned Porto into a global trade powerhouse, while desperately trying not to surrender to the siren call of Bacchus, the god of wine and "bad decisions that seemed like a good idea at the time."
It’s a tour where your heart rate and your thirst will compete for the podium. Read on to see what to expect.
est.reading time: 8min
(100 years ago) Porto was the start line for a millionaire heist
If you think that climb from Ribeira up to Porto's Cathedral is hard, imagine Artur Alves Reis’s adrenaline surge while managing the largest fraud in Portuguese history and his heart rate while having to figure out ways to deal with multiple bags filled with illegally printed banknotes delivered right to his door!
It all started in the former jailhouse of Porto. Within its granite walls, Alves Reis hatched the most audacious plan ever seen in Europe. He wasn't just planning a heist; he was planning how to print real money in a... "creative" way. But is one brilliant mind enough to win a race where the Bank of Portugal sets the rules?
Just like in Parkrun: all runners are welcomeAlthough parkrun is a global phenomenon, the truth is that there isn't an official event in Porto just yet. If you are used to looking for your barcode every saturday, don't be discouraged; We have an alternative that lets you keep up your running habit while exploring the city. A running tour is the ideal solution because it combines the exercise you love with a private guide, turning your morning workout (on any day, not just Saturdays) into a personalized sightseeing experience. Here is why this is the best way to replace your usual 5k while on holiday: 
Est.reading time: 3 min
A tale of oceanic and city exploration
(January 6th, Three King's day)
Initially, the number of Wise Men in the tale was not very accurate. The Bible's Gospel of Matthew doesn't actually specify a number. Still, by the time the legend of the Wise Men became consistent, around the 6th century, the world known to Christians was tidy and conveniently divided into three parts: Europe, Asia, and Africa. The narrative had gradually evolved to include one Wise Man from each continent. This wasn't about prejudice; it was about geography. Each Wise Man, or "King," had been punctual enough to reach Bethlehem on time, each bearing his own gift: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, arriving on camels.
3 Kings. Balanced. Symbolic. Done.
Everyone agreed the world had been thoroughly covered. After all, what else could possibly exist beyond the edges of maps, where they politely warned 'Here be Dragons'!!?
Who is the 4th mystery character and where in Porto can we find clues about his origin?
Est.reading time: 4 min
Porto's centre of the universe
If you look up at the towering monument in the center of the Boavista roundabout, regarded as the city centre, you might think you’ve stumbled into a literal interpretation of a Lisbon football derby. At the very top, a massive lion is busy pinning down a rather distressed eagle.
For those familiar with Portuguese football symbols (or soccer, if you prefer), it looks like SportingCP finally getting the upper hand over Benfica. But let’s be honest: we’re in Porto. Why would we build a 45-meter tall tribute to two teams from the capital that are—historically speaking— irrelevant to our northern soul?
Rest assured, that's not about football; it’s a much older, much braver story...
Est.reading time: 5 min
Unlikely old stories
Read on to learn more about Porto's relationship with the friendliest and most generous of all white-bearded-red-suited old chaps - and possibly find out more about Santa's origins!
(street name sign in Porto's most touristic district)
STCP Tramcar Museum - here's a sneak peek
Calls to fight climate change have been growing louder around the world, and electric mobility has indisputably come into vogue. However, the silent, charming zero-emission tramcars have actually been running on tracks here in Porto for more than a century!
Let's head down 'memory tracks' and unveil the past to see how people used to move around the Porto urban area when run-commuting wasn't yet popular— is it even popular now?
Jump in and hold on for a glimpse of the STCP Tram Museum & Depot. The museum is housed in a building that was once a coal power plant; this not-so-green facility was responsible for powering the entire tram network!
Remnants of Porto's rich transit history can be found under the feet of joggers and walkers who make their way to the oceanfront or in the city's historic centre: the old tramcar tracks are omnipresent, some still active, others long since decommissioned.
estimated reading time: 4min
Much more than a jog
Stepping off the plane in a new city can be an exhilarating experience, filled with the promise of discovery and some adventure! While traditional sightseeing and guided walking tours certainly have its merits, imagine a way to immerse yourself in the heart of a place while doing something you love: running!
This is the magic of a running tour, a great way to explore a city like Porto or any other, offering so much more than just a quick jog. Lets delve into that!
estimated reading time: 1 min
With open arms since 2015
As part of our ongoing 10th Anniversary celebrations, which officially kicked off on September 10th, 2025, we are proud to unveil our fresh, new look!
Our brand-new logo features a runner with open arms, symbolizing the warm, welcoming attitude we’ve fostered since day one. This image represents our commitment to embracing the entire running community, regardless of pace or background. Its blue and white colors are a direct nod to the city’s historic identity.
Since 2015, Porto Running Tours has proudly welcomed runners from around the globe, providing unique running tours and essential city familiarization. Our goal is simple: ensure your time running in the "Invicta" city is well-spent, benefiting from our local knowledge and enjoying true Portuguese hospitality. We feel this is a pivotal moment and we're looking back on a great decade, hopefully running toward an even brighter future. We are excited to continue connecting runners with Porto's charm! We invite you to join us in this new phase. What do you think of our new look? Feel free to share your opinion in the comment section below! Happy Running!
Est. reading time: 3 min
2025's list
If you are looking for a stylish dinner or if you're in the need to impress your running partner, then you may want to skip Porto's traditional 'francesinha in a beer-house' or the bifanas @conga and make a reservation at a more exclusive place like the ones in this list.
We run right past the front entrance of most of them on our running tours and therefore it may help you decide which one fits you the best, based on its location and some of the information we provide!
Read on to learn more about the restaurants and chefs of the short list for a Michelin-starred memorable food experience in 2025 here in Porto (...) The list was revealed yesterday, February 25th!
Est.reading time: 4 min
Where did fountains go? Are there any left?
From hundreds to just a couple per district, some even completely dry, fountains have become a much rarer sight than they used to be. What happened? What did the city do with them?
You won't need to register for a running tour to discover the 'whole truth' (though you should anyway!), mainly because in this blog post we'll share some facts and stories that will help shed light on the subject of public water supply in the city.
Juliao Sarmento's artwork in the form of a fountain is not amongst the dislocated fountains.
But it is located in the best possible place to explain 'the mystery'...! Read on if you want to learn more.
Est.reading time: 2 min
As a running tour leader, I'm frequently asked, 'What does the running scene in Porto look like?'
Well... ever-changing, of course. But right now, this is what it looks like: here's a short overview that includes a seasoned race organizer, a tiny-but-mighty running tour company, and the recent emergence of extremely dynamic running clubs! |
Autor/Author
Sérgio é o fundador da Porto Running Tours, corre regularmente desde 1999 e desde 2015 que guia visitas em corrida na Invicta enquanto revela algumas das suas mais fascinantes histórias. 
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