Best of the Rota Vicentina

The charming village of Vila Nova de Milfontes is just a 2.5-hour bus ride from Lisbon Airport. With its impressive 17th-century fortress, this historic town is the ideal place to spend your first night. Enjoy wandering through its narrow streets lined with delightful cafes and inviting 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 about beaches, dunes, and deserted coves. Some beaches are framed by ancient rocks that have withstood the test of time, while others, like the pebble beach of Aivados, are covered in smooth, round stones polished by the sea. On beaches such as Farol, fossilised dunes reach down to the water, creating fascinating patterns. Each beach has its characteristics, making this quite a unique walk. 

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: +75m / +246ft | Descent: -75m / -246ft

Enjoy a more relaxed walk to Almograve via the Mira River and soak up the picturesque surroundings. From the bridge over the River Mira in Vila Nova de Milfontes, you can enjoy sweeping views of the estuary, the coastal town, and slopes covered in Mediterranean scrub. This dense vegetation is rich in berries and attracts small mammals and birds such as Alpine, Pallid, and Common Swifts.

If you wish to take it easy you can shorten the day by boating 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: +94m / +308ft | Descent: -51m / -167ft

Today's walk offers a change of scenery as you walk past ochre dunes and high cliffs home to over twenty species of birds, followed by a section through fragrant pine forests. A rare natural phenomenon here is the sight of nesting storks on the coastal cliffs, one of the few places in the world where this happens. The towering, jagged cliffs create an ideal nesting spot for over 20 bird species, including peregrine falcons, jackdaws, and white storks. 

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 harbor, overflowing with fishing paraphernalia and a collection of wooden fishermen's huts. Finally, reach Zambujeira do Mar, a pretty little seaside village.

Ascent: +202m / +662ft | Descent: -203m / -666ft

Almograve to Touril: 15.5km/9.5mi (Ascent: +159m / +521ft | Descent: -112m / -367ft)

Dipping up and down to the sea on narrow cliffside paths, today’s walk is invigorating, with some of the best views on the whole of the Fisherman’s Trail. Renowned for its natural beauty, the area provides plenty of opportunities to spot local wildlife. Pass by several beaches, a natural fishing harbor, and the spectacular Ponta em Branco. From this viewpoint, take in the stunning Odeceixe beach, framed by the majestic mountain peaks of Foia and Monchique.  

Ascent: +218m / + 715ft | Descent: -234m / -768ft 

Touril to Odeceixe: 20km/12.5mi (Ascent: +253m/ +830ft | Descent: -302m / -991ft)

The route from Odeceixe to Aljezur combines coastal scenery with rural landscapes, blending beaches and river valleys with farmland. Enjoy peaceful surroundings as you follow the trail through rolling hills and valleys. You’ll be rewarded with sweeping views of the Atlantic. The trail passes through traditional villages and winds along unspoiled beaches and quiet rivers.

Aljezur will captivate you with its historical charm. Visit the Moorish castle and stroll through its narrow, winding streets with shops and restaurants. You will be ready for a well-deserved rest and a delicious plate of freshly caught seafood!

Ascent: +231m / +758ft | Descent: -220m / -722ft

Before setting out for the day it is worth climbing up to the Castle of Aljezur, famously represented on the Portuguese flag. Enjoy views over the fertile valley below, which is rich in flora and fauna. Passing Monte Clérigo Beach and mystical Ponta da Atalaia, you’ll be immersed in a world of legends and Moorish history. The coastal path is rich with fragrant dune vegetation, including thyme, rosemary, and lavender.

Another highlight is the Ribat da Arrifana, a 12th-century Islamic fortress once inhabited by Sufi monks. Along the cliffs, you’ll find famous goose barnacles (perceves), a delicacy collected by perceveiros (the catchers) under challenging conditions. 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 to Aljezur for your overnight stay.

Ascent: +238m / +780ft | Descent: -205m / -672ft

Transfer back to Arrifana after breakfast, and get ready to enjoy a varied day of walking. Begin by walking out of Arrifana with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Enjoy breathtaking 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 wonderfully slow, 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: +230m / +754ft | Descent: -273m / -895ft

Enjoy an exhilarating coastal walk around the rugged Ponta da Carrapateira today. Connecting you to the sea, there are viewpoints with panoramas over cliffs and the nearby beaches. A highlight is Bordeira Beach, where the sea creates intricate patterns in the sand—an enchanting interplay of tides, wind, and sediments from the Monchique Mountains. The dune landscape is lush with fragrant vegetation, including thyme, lavender, beach lavender, and many other plants thriving in the rugged coastal environment. South of the beach, the rock formations change to limestone, revealing a new face of the cliffs. Rain and seawater have shaped arches, caves, and columns in the stone, while red clay layers starkly contrast the brilliant white of the limestone. Return to Carrapateira for another relaxing night at your Casa.  

Ascent: +89m / +292ft | Descent: -106m / -347ft

This stage of the Fishermen’s Trail offers spectacular natural beauty at the beaches of Amado, Murração, and Manteiga. The coastal landscape here captivates its visitors with its unique rock formations. A detour to the fishing harbor of Porto de Pesca do Forno and the archaeological site Ponta do Castelo are well worth it today. Dating back to the 12^th and 13^th centuries, the seasonal Islamic settlement features bread ovens and fish-drying terraces. Artifacts found here, reveal a long history of fishing, such as pottery shards, fishing hooks, and a whalebone.

The route leading to Vila do Bispo is crisscrossed by ravines and streams, including Barranco da Pena Furada which ends at a small beach with striking rock formations. You’ll stumble across rare endemic plant species and birds like the white stork and kestrel. The area’s rich flora and fauna add to the diversity and appeal of this hike.

Ascent: +346m / +1135ft | Descent: -267m / -876ft

Enjoy a wonderful walk today as you head towards the most southwestern point of Europe, Cabo Sao Vicente. Reaching Telheiro Beach and the Cape, enjoy views of the wild coastline as the waves crash below. Arriving at 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 those 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 Sagres, a thriving little coastal town.

Ascent: +93m / +305ft | Descent: -161m / -528ft