My Favorite 8K Run, With A Beautiful View Of...

El Puerto de Santa Maria, Spain

My favorite 8k run, with a beautiful view of the Bay of Cadiz, begins at Rio Guadalete on the wide paved walkway running northwest along the beach at Playa de la Puntilla. Run up over the Paseo Maritimo (cement boardwalk) along the waterfront piers to Puerto Sherry (popular modern sailing port for regattas). Coming down off of the boardwalk you turn left into the Puerto Sherry security entrance (the guards will wave and say hello to runners). Take an immediate right turn after entering and head to where you see the sailboats and yachts tied up at the piers. Running along the waterfront here you will enjoy a great view of the yachts and sailboats, both inport and underway out in the Bay of Cadiz. All along the waterfront there are numerous refreshment stands, bars and restrooms to stop in should you desire. Continue along the waterfront up the hill located by the lighthouse along the paved walkway on past Playa de la Muralla (a cozy beach, which is protected by an ancient fortress wall). Here you have a great view of picturesque homes purched up on the hill overlooking the Bay of Cadiz. Run up the hill to the sidewalk in front of the beautiful homes taking a left along the pedestrian/bike path to its end where the Vista Hermosa residential subdivision begins. You'll know when you've reached the end because you can no longer stay along the water and must run inland. During this entire run you have a magnificient view of the Bay of Cadiz. It's especially captivating at sunrise and sunset. Loop back here for a pleasant return along the same path for the 8k, or continue running through the Vista Hermosa residential area which has many beautiful homes, a 9-hole golf course, and just some relaxing scenery. The run is really relaxing along the water with the excellent view of the Bay of Cadiz. I run it year-round as I live in El Puerto de Santa Maria and it's just as beautiful in January as it is in July. Highly recommended.