The best seaside running routes in Spain: discover Barcelona, Valencia, and Bilbao at a running pace

The best coastal running routes in Spain

There are workouts you remember for the pace you set and others for the place you ran. Running by the sea combines both: miles on comfortable terrain, a more pleasant temperature thanks to the sea breeze, and views that make even long runs more bearable.

Promenades often offer even surfaces, minimal elevation changes, and continuous routes that allow you to maintain a steady pace for much of your workout. In addition, especially during warmer months, being close to the sea helps to make the perceived temperature more pleasant than in the city center.

If you're looking for new places to train this summer, at Be Urban Running we've selected three of the best urban coastal routes in Spain. Discover which type of runner will most enjoy each route, which workouts are most suitable, and which shoes can help you get the most out of them.

Barcelona Seafront Promenade (Passeig Marítim de Barcelona)

The Passeig Marítim de Barcelona is probably one of the most well-known urban routes for runners. From the W Hotel to Parc del Fòrum, it offers an almost flat itinerary that allows you to rack up miles with hardly any interruptions.

Along the route, you'll pass some of the city's most emblematic beaches while sharing the space with runners, cyclists, and strollers. Early in the morning, the atmosphere is especially pleasant, and it's easy to maintain a steady pace for many miles.

Its uniform surface makes this route an excellent option for preparing for a 10K, a half marathon, or a marathon.

Technical specifications

• Distance: 10-12 km (extendable)
  
• Surface: Asphalt and continuous paving
  
• Elevation gain: Very low (<30 m)
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Ideal for: Easy runs, long runs, and recovery
  
• Best time: Before 9:00 AM or at sunset

Recommended workouts

• Easy runs.
  
• Long runs.
  
• Marathon pace runs.
• Active recovery.

Recommended shoes

• ASICS GEL-Nimbus 28, perfect for those seeking maximum cushioning.
  
• HOKA Clifton 11, light and efficient for maintaining steady paces.
  
• Brooks Ghost 18, one of the most balanced shoes for daily training.

According to our specialists

As Jesús Sepúlcre, a specialist at Be Urban Running, explains: If your goal is a marathon, this route will allow you to easily compare your workouts week after week.

Turia Garden and Malvarrosa Beach (Valencia)

To talk about running in Spain is to talk about Valencia. Its combination of the Turia Garden and the Malvarrosa promenade allows for routes of almost any distance without the need to constantly stop for crossings or changes in terrain.

It is one of the best places in the country to prepare for a half marathon or a marathon thanks to its completely flat profile and the ease of stringing together kilometers while maintaining a uniform pace.

It's no coincidence that thousands of runners choose this city every year to prepare for big goals.

Technical specifications

• Distance: 8-25 km
  
• Surface: Asphalt
  
• Elevation gain: Very low
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Ideal for: Long runs and marathon preparation
  
• Best time: Early morning

Recommended workouts

• Long runs.
  
• Aerobic runs.
  
• Tempo workouts.
  
• Specific marathon paces.

Recommended shoes

• New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v15, for accumulating high training volumes.
  
• Adidas Adizero Boston 13, perfect for quality sessions.
  
• ASICS Superblast 3, one of the most versatile shoes for preparing for long distances.

According to our specialists

Our experts recommend this route for those preparing for a marathon because it allows them to train for many kilometers maintaining a pace very similar to the one they will later aim for in competition.

Abandoibarra Promenade and Bilbao Estuary (Ría de Bilbao)

Bilbao offers a different type of route. Here, the protagonist is not the open sea, but the estuary, which runs through the heart of the city amidst green areas, modern architecture, and wide pedestrian walkways.

It is a very pleasant route for aerobic runs throughout the year. Its gentle profile and quiet atmosphere allow for an enjoyable workout without major technical demands.

During the cooler months, it also becomes an excellent alternative for continuing to accumulate kilometers in a very well-maintained urban environment.

Technical specifications

• Distance: 10-18 km
  
• Surface: Asphalt
  
• Elevation gain: Low
  
• Difficulty: Easy
  
• Ideal for: Aerobic runs and recovery
  
• Best time: Morning or late afternoon

Recommended workouts

• Continuous runs.
  
• Aerobic base training.
  
• Active recovery.
  
• Medium-distance runs.

Recommended shoes

• Saucony Ride 18, very versatile for daily training.
  
• Brooks Glycerin 23, maximum comfort for accumulating miles.

According to our specialists

During wetter months, it is advisable to use shoes with good grip to ensure safety on wet pavements and maintain a stable stride throughout the workout.

Route comparison

Route	Distance	Elevation Gain	Ideal for
Barcelona	10 - 12 km	Very low	Easy runs and long runs
Valencia	8 - 25 km	Very low	Half marathon and marathon
Bilbao	10 - 18 km	Low	Aerobic runs and recovery

 

Tips for running by the sea

Although these routes feature simple profiles, it is advisable to keep some aspects in mind to fully enjoy each workout.

• Run early in the morning or at sunset during the summer.
  
• Hydrate properly before, during (if the workout exceeds one hour), and after exercise.
  
• Take advantage of the minimal elevation gain to work on consistent paces.
  
• Choose road running shoes adapted to your weight, technique, and weekly volume.
  
• Pre-plan the points where you can refill your bottle or hydrate if you are doing a long run.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best route to prepare for a marathon?

The combination of the Turia Garden and Malvarrosa Beach in Valencia is one of the best options due to its almost flat profile and the possibility of accumulating many kilometers without interruptions.

Which route is best for beginner runners?

The Passeig Marítim de Barcelona is an excellent choice due to its uniform surface, minimal elevation gain, and the ease of adapting the training distance.

What shoes are most suitable for running on a promenade?

Road training shoes with good cushioning and stability are usually the best option. The ideal model will depend on your weight, pace, and athletic goals.

Is it advisable to run on the sand?

Sand can be useful for building strength and stability on an occasional basis, but for most workouts, it's more advisable to use the paved promenade, as it offers a more even surface and reduces the risk of overexertion.

Discover new routes and the best equipment at Be Urban Running

Each route has different characteristics and also different needs in terms of footwear. Preparing for a marathon on the asphalt of Barcelona's Passeig Marítim is not the same as accumulating kilometers in the Turia Garden or training during the winter alongside Bilbao's estuary.

At Be Urban Running you will find a wide selection of road running shoes and the advice of our team to help you choose the model that best suits your running style and your goals. You can discover them both in our online store and in any of our physical stores in Elche, Valencia, Murcia, Alcoy, Villena, Cartagena, Yecla and Torrevieja, where we will be delighted to help you prepare for your next run by the sea.