Best of the Rota Vicentina

The small village of Vila Nova de Milfontes can be reached by bus from Lisbon Airport (2.5h). This historic town, with its impressive 17th-century fortress is a charming place to spend your first night. Enjoy wandering through its narrow jumble of streets lined with delightful cafes and restaurants.

After breakfast, a taxi will pick you up and transfer you to the start of the trail in Porto Covo. Your first day’s walking is all about beaches, sand dunes and deserted coves. From the rough pebbly beaches at Aivados to the golden sand dunes of Farol, you will be amazed at the diversity of coastal landscapes and plant life on this section. Some tougher walking along the dunes is rewarded by fantastic coastal views and the chance to feel the sand between your toes if you feel like casting off your walking boots! Arrive back in Vila Nova de Milfontes for another overnight. 

Ascent: 54m / Descent: 75m 

Enjoy a more relaxed day as you walk via the Mira river to Almograve. The lush vegetation and wildflowers covering the local hillsides in this area mean that it is rich in birdlife, including Alpine, Pallid and Common Swifts. If you wish to take it easy you can also shorten the day by taking a boat across the Mira River. This section of the coast is gloriously undeveloped and apart from some pockets of agriculture, there is scarce evidence of human presence.

Ascent: 117m / Descent: 103m 

Today's walk offers a change of scenery as you walk past ochre sand dunes and high cliffs home to over twenty species of birds, followed by a section through some fragrant pine forests. A highlight is sure to be capturing the sight of the nesting white storks—this coastline is the only place in the world where they nest! Stop off at Cape Sardao Lighthouse and marvel at the fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs as you perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. If you are staying in Herdade do Touril you will finish early and take a slight diversion inland or if not continue down the coast. Entrada da Barca is next, a natural harbour, overflowing with fishing paraphernalia and a collection of wooden fishermen's huts. Finally reach Zambujeira do Mar, a pretty little seaside village.

Ascent: 199m / Descent: 165m 

Almograve to Touril: 15.5km, +159m/-112m

Dipping up and down to the sea on narrow cliffside paths, today’s walk is an invigorating one, with some of the best views on the whole of the Fisherman’s Trail. Pass by several beaches, a natural fishing harbour and the spectacular Ponta em Branco. From this viewpoint, you look over Odeceixe beach with the mountain tops of Foia and Monchique as a backdrop. A taxi will pick you up from here to transfer you into the centre of Odeceixe with its dazzling blue and white windmill (Moinho) occupying a prominent position at the top of the town and offering the perfect viewpoint over the pretty whitewashed village.

Ascent: 259m / Descent: 281m 

Touril to Odeceixe: 20km, +253m/-302m

Start your walk by heading along quiet fishermen’s trails to the beautiful beach at Odeceixe. Spot white and grey herons on your way to the beach at the mouth of the River Seixe before arriving at the impressive sand dunes of Odeceixe. From here the route winds through coastal upland areas and scented groves of pine and eucalyptus trees, passing the pretty village of Rogil. Arriving in Aljezur, you will be ready for a well-deserved rest and a delicious plate of freshly caught seafood.

Ascent: 186m / Descent: 175m

Before setting out for the day it is worth taking a climb up to the Castle of Aljezur, famously represented on the flag of Portugal. Enjoy views over the fertile valley below rich in flora and fauna. Continue along the Amoreira Valley with spectacular views over the beach before heading toward Ponta da Atalaia on the coast. Walk past sand dunes rich in lush vegetation and discover ruins dating back to prehistoric times. You may also spot fishermen harvesting goose barnacles, a must-try local delicacy. The wide sandy bay of Arrifana is wonderfully wild and rugged and a delightful place to end your walk.

As accommodation is limited in Arrifana, we will transfer you back to Aljezur for your overnight accommodation tonight. 

Ascent: 314m / Descent: 259m

Transfer after breakfast back to Arrifana and get ready to enjoy a wonderfully varied day of walking. Begin by walking out of Arrifana with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Enjoy breath-taking views of the coast from rugged cliff-top paths before heading away from the coast into an area of peaceful forests and meadows filled with wildflowers during the springtime. Arrive at the delightful little village of Bordeira, where life moves at a wonderfully slow pace and rural traditions such as goat herding are very much alive. Continue to Carrapateira and enjoy wonderful views as you head towards the coast again.

Ascent: 377m / Descent: 443m

Enjoy an exhilarating coastal walk around the rugged Ponta da Carrapateira today. There are numerous wonderful viewpoints all the way around the peninsula looking down on to glorious sandy beaches such as Bordeira and Amado. Look out for fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs and enjoy lunch whilst breathing in the sea-salt air and taking in the views! Return to Carrapateira for another relaxing night at your Casa.  

Ascent: 100m /Descent: 100m

A short transfer (10mins) takes you to the village of Pedralva this morning, a picturesque little place lined with whitewashed houses featuring painted colourful doors.

Continue along peaceful forest tracks and through scented orchard areas. If you are travelling in spring, this area is home to an array of colourful wildflowers including forget-me-nots, yellow narcissi, hyacinths and purple orchards.  After leaving the forest head to the coast and the rugged beach at Praia da Barriga, deep in the heart of the Costa Vicentina National Park. Continue into a lush forested area before catching a glimpse of the sea again as you arrive in Vila do Bispo.

Ascent: 509m / Descent: 469m

Enjoy a wonderful end to the walk today as you head towards the most southwestern point of Europe, Cabo Sao Vicente. Reaching Telheiro Beach and the Cape, enjoy fantastic views of the wild coastline as the waves crash below. If travelling in the autumn lookout for the soaring seabirds who migrate here including booted eagles, black kites, sparrow hawks and black storks.

Arriving at Cabo Sao Vicente and the iconic lighthouse is a magical experience. Place yourself in the shoes of the pilgrims who used to finish their journey here at the burial place of St Vincent. Or in that of the fishermen who would have set sail from here into the unknown. After taking in the views, a transfer will collect you from the Cape and take you to your hotel in the thriving little coastal town of Sagres.

Ascent: 85m / Descent: 148m

If you have the time, we highly recommend adding a couple of extra nights in Sagres to relax and enjoy the beach. Otherwise, make your way to Faro Airport for onward travel connections.