Where to run and cycle in Milan
Milan is flat, but for runners it has well-kept parks and canal towpaths, and for cyclists it is the gateway to the Brianza hills and the lakes. You just need to know which way out to take.
Where to run in Milan
Parco Sempione
The city-centre park, between Sforza Castle and the Arco della Pace: loops on gravel and paved paths. Always busy with runners.
Naviglio Grande towpath
From the Darsena towards the south-west, flat and very long: perfect for marathon long runs and steady-pace sessions.
Idroscalo
The ring around the basin, near Linate, is one of the most used routes for long runs and intervals. Even surface and no traffic lights.
Parco Nord and Monte Stella
Parco Nord is huge and green; Monte Stella (the "little mountain of San Siro") is one of the few places in the city to train hills.
Bike rides from Milan
Naviglio Grande and Martesana
The cycle towpaths lead out of the city on the flat: the Naviglio Grande towards Abbiategrasso and the Ticino, the Martesana towards the Adda. Great for base miles.
Brianza and Madonna del Ghisallo
In a little over an hour you are in the Brianza hills; from there to Lake Como and the Ghisallo climb, the cyclists' sanctuary, tied to the Giro di Lombardia.
Idroscalo
The ring around the basin is also used by cyclists for steady-pace work and by beginners. Watch for runners and pedestrians at the busiest times.
Practical tips
For bike rides avoid the main roads at rush hour and rely on the towpaths: they are the safest way out of the city. For running, the Idroscalo and the towpaths are the best places for long runs.
Races in Milan in 2027
Further reading
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