Run Barcelona
I began running in Barcelona four years ago. Coming from Costa Rica, I was used to running alone in the wilderness on narrow, mountain trails. In Barcelona, my initial attempts of lacing up my sneakers and just heading out to run in the city failed because I quickly became frustrated by the crowded sidewalks and traffic lights. After some trial and error, I realized that a route to the beach came closer to my running preferences. In the beginning, I simply found the most direct path to the W hotel in Barceloneta and committed to that route for a long time.
Eventually, I started to get creative and explore different routes, but I often find myself returning to the beach route because there is nothing quite like the sun and fresh breeze from the Med in your face. Running along the beach in Barcelona has become my mental medicine, my never-miss daily therapy session. Whether you’re a new runner in Barcelona or looking to change your routine up, check out my Poblenou running route. Grab your shoes and venga!
Poblenou Running Route
Distance: Approximately 10k loop around the Poblenou neighborhood
Time of Day: 8:00am. It’s more crowded earlier in the morning and later on weekends.
Top Barcelona Sites:
- Placa Tetuan
- Torre Glòries (formerly Torre Agbar or “the bullet building”)
- Design Museum
- Central Park Poblenou
- Platja de Mar Bella / Platja de Bogatell
- Parc de Poblenou
- Mar Bella Skate Park
- Port Olympic / Frank Gehry Fish
- Modern Architecture
- A glorious view of La Sagrada Familia in the distance.
Step One
Start at Placa Tetuan, which is at the crossroads of Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes (“Gran Via”) and Passeig Sant Joan. Run west on Gran Via, then veer to the right and head towards the large bullet, Torre Glòries building. The Design Museum is also located here. This portion of the route is a bit congested because it is the intersection of Gran Via and Avinguda Diagonal intersect. At the intersection, get on Avinguda Diagonal.
Step Two
The beautiful pedestrian promenade on this part of Avinguda Diagonal cuts through Poblenou. Take a few moments to marvel at the modern architecture. I also recommend you check out the Central Park Poblenou. It’s just to your left, so it’s easy to take a quick peek.
Step Three
Turn on Carrer de la Josep and pass Parc Diagonal Mar. At this point, you’ll be greeted by my favorite part of the run — the sea breeze and open beach. Turn right and run along Platja de Mar Bella and Platja de Bogatell. A true runners bliss in my book.
Step Four
Run along the beaches, Platja de Mar Bella and Platja de Bogatell. Eventually, Parc de Poblenou and the Mar Bella Skate Park appear on your right. There are drinking fountains all along this part of the run and, in the summer, there are bathrooms open as well. Turn right when you arrive at Port Olympic and see the casino and Frank Gehry Fish and head up Carrer de la Marina.
Step Five
Carrer de la Marina is a straight shot from the beach to La Sagrada Familia. The middle of the street has a cycling lane, which tends to be mostly empty on weekends. If you have a decent run pace and move aside for cyclists (it’s their space!), the lane can be an inviting place to run. The beach is my favorite part of the run, but this portion is definitely the most inspiring for me and a regular reminder of why I live in this amazing city — in the distance sits La Sagrada Familia in all its semi-constructed glory. Pick up your knees and sprint towards it; you will find the energy! As you approach Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes again, turn left and it will return you to your start at Placa Tetuan.
If you enjoyed this running route as much as I do, stay tuned. I have more to share! In the meantime, check out these other workout options.
