Corrida de São João

Shuuu ! 🫡 Cristiano Ronaldo can leave his camps in the locker room 👟, because you’ll be the one to shine today !

Do you know Porto? You’ll get to know its gentle counterpart: Vila Nova de Gaia. Facing Portugal’s second city 🇵🇹, Vila Nova de Gaia welcomes you in June for its famous Corrida de São João 🏃‍♀️, and this isn’t a tale about bulls... This time, you won’t dance with the animal 🐃, but with the wind of the Atlantic coast ! 🌬️ You can opt for the 10 km 🏃‍♂️, or, if you prefer, swap the clock ⏱️ for hiking boots and head out for 7 km of countryside stroll 🚶. And you won’t find any excuse to skip it 🙂‍↔️. The Corrida de São João from Vila Nova de Gaia takes place around the Saint-Jean ✝️, you can push yourself to the limit in the land of sweet custard 🍮 (birthday pastry), on thepastel de Nata, we joke 😅), while celebrating 🎊.

Yes indeed, our dear Portuguese friends are deeply attached to their traditions, and everything is an excuse to party! Absorb the locals’ good humor and warm encouragement 🫶 during this sporty and cultural experience 🤓. There, the wind whistles and smiles warm... ☀️ Located on the south bank ⬇️ of the Douro River, right by the sea 🌊, Vila Nova de Gaia is a charming town often in Porto’s shadow,Porto. Yet this corner of land hosts one of the country’s oldest races during a traditional cult festival! ⏳ Perfect for your checklist of unusual races 😉. Indeed, the setting is magnífico ! Accessible from the famous Dom Luís I Bridge 🌉, linking the capital to la Vila Nova de Gaia, the race will take you through the pedestrian streets of Canidelo, the Corrida de São João or along the Praia de Miramar ! 🌴 A quick tour of the city, quite pleasant, in just a few kilometers: c’est easy ! 🐓 Plus, the Saint-Jean is the region’s traditional festival... Little culture moment, Jamy : the festival originated from the summer solstice ☀️, and was a pagan tradition celebrating the fertility of the lands 🌾, and the abundance of the long summer months ⛱️. It was only later that the Church transformed this festival into a religious celebration ✝️. Today, it’s a moment when everyone gathers in the streets for grills 🍖, street concerts 🪇, dancing 💃 and... hammer taps! 🔨 No, you read that right, tradition has it that people gently tap others on the head with leeks for the women 👩, and lemongrass for the men 👨. But times have changed, and fruits and vegetables 🥬 were replaced by small plastic hammers! So don’t panic if your head gets a gentle tap to motivate you at the start of your race 🤪.

And after the effort, the reward ! 🙌 Promise us you won’t miss the wonders around you ✨. Just an hour’s drive 🛣️ away, dive into Porto’s bustle... But not only! The region is also famous for its wine cellars 🍷, and the know-how of local viticulturists - (excessive drinking is dangerous for your health, please drink in moderation). For aficionados of art and history, the Monastery of Serra do Pilar will open its doors for tours that are worth a detour! ⛪️ End your country tour with lovely seaside strolls from the fishing village of Afurada 🎣, and follow the pedestrian path to Praia de Lavadores.

Make your sporty escape a true moment of joy, whether solo, as a couple, or with family! 😍