There are two kinds of travelers: those who ask where the best tapas are, and those who—before the bags hit the floor—are already scanning sidewalks for pavement quality, calculating elevation, and mentally charting a loop route with negative splits.

You know who you are. You’re not packing for the beach without your running shoes. And when summer rolls around, with its longer days and lighter schedules, your idea of a holiday includes at least one sunrise jog along the coast.

Spain, naturally, is your playground.

We’ve rounded up five destination runs across the Spanish coastline that blend good vibes with better views. Zero stress, minimal hills, and just enough wow factor to make every mile Instagram-worthy—even if you’re stopping more for scenery than for time.

1. A Coruña Seaside Promenade

13 km of oceanfront bliss (plus ancient monuments to make it feel heroic)

Welcome to the Galician coast, where running feels like time travel. A Coruña boasts one of Europe’s longest urban promenades—13 uninterrupted kilometers designed with runners in mind. A dedicated lane follows the Atlantic, threading together sandy city beaches (Orzán and Riazor), wave-battered viewpoints, and cultural landmarks like the Aquarium Finisterrae and Casa del Hombre.

The crown jewel? The Tower of Hercules, a Roman lighthouse still in operation. If you’re feeling bold, keep going to San Antón Castle, a 16th-century fortress turned plague quarantine station (true story). Want more? Hardcore runners can loop the entire peninsula from Oza to Bens—a scenic 20 km challenge that puts most race-day routes to shame.

2. Jardín del Turia, Valencia

A sun-drenched green artery through the heart of the city.

Post-storm, Valencia’s pulse is back—and nowhere is it more alive than in the Jardín del Turia, a former riverbed turned 9-km urban oasis. Shaded paths, gardens, and open skies make this the city’s favorite running track.

Try the Valencia Ciudad del Running Circuit (C1)—a 5.7 km route engineered (yes, really) by the Biomechanics Institute of Valencia to reduce joint impact. Short on time? Hit Circuit C2, a 1.9 km run from Parque Gulliver to the futuristic Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. Minimal effort, maximum architectural eye candy.

3. Málaga Seaside Run

Two sun-kissed circuits. One perfect climate. 365 days of excuses to run.

Málaga doesn’t have bad weather. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, its promenade offers one of the most consistent, runner-friendly climates in Europe.

Start at La Farola, the city’s 200-year-old lighthouse, and pick your route:

• The Western Circuit: 7.5 km toward the athletics stadium
  
• The Eastern Circuit: 9.7 km along beach towns and cliff edges

Flat, palm-lined, and dotted with hydration stops and shaded spots, both circuits are a joy. Whether it’s a long morning run or a golden hour jog, this is coastal cardio at its smoothest.

4. Malpaís de Güímar, Tenerife

A lunar trail of lava and light in the Canary Islands.

Looking for something… otherworldly? Try the Malpaís de Güímar, a 6.1 km loop through one of Tenerife’s most surreal landscapes. This isn’t trail running with steep inclines or technical drama—it’s gentle, accessible, and undeniably volcanic.

You’ll run past frozen lava flows, prickly cacti, and Atlantic views so crisp you’ll taste the salt. There are no crowds, no city sounds—just the quiet crunch of sneakers on blackened earth. The Canary Islands’ mild eastern climate means it’s runnable year-round. A true hidden gem.

5. Carretera de les Aigües, Barcelona

Trade beach crowds for mountain silence and a panoramic skyline.

Yes, the Barceloneta-to-Forum run is iconic. Yes, it’s flat and beautiful. But if you’re craving something with a little altitude—something quieter, greener, cooler—point your compass uphill.

The Carretera de les Aigües is a 9+ km forest trail in the Collserola hills, hugging the city’s edge. It’s beloved by locals for its wide, even path and the unbeatable views of Barcelona below. Run at sunrise, and you’ll feel like the city is waking up just for you.

It’s not about chasing records here—it’s about rediscovering your stride, and maybe, seeing your favorite city from a different angle.

First published on revistagq.com