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Typical yucca palms above the bay of Bordeira

Rota Vicentina

Along the fisherman's trail, following the wild atlantic coast

New tour
10 Days / 9 Nights
Walking
Typical yucca palms above the bay of Bordeira

Embark on a journey along the renowned Fisherman's Trail, often hailed as one of the "probably finest coastal paths in the world." Here, you'll uncover a vast expanse of the untamed Atlantic coast, stretch your gaze over sprawling nature reserves, and find yourself captivated by the charm of picturesque, time-honored villages. Enter the realm of Rota Vicentina, a true haven for wanderers, celebrated for its stunningly secluded stretches of sandy beaches, vistas of breathtaking, almost untouched coastal landscapes, and a flourishing tapestry of diverse species. Allow yourself to become enchanted by the symphony of unadulterated nature: the rhythmic crescendo of waves crashing against the shore, the intoxicating aroma of fragrant herbs carried on the breeze, the harmonious melody of birdsong weaving through the air, and every now and then, the distant, ethereal chime of bells adorning the necks of grazing goats, cows, and sheep.

You embark on your ten-day hiking adventure from the heart of Vila Nova de Milfontes' historic city center. The initial trail leads you along the captivating Atlantic coast to Almograve, offering a unique and delightful experience. The journey continues through Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, Aljezur in the Algarve region, proceeding to Arrifana and concluding at Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo, and the ultimate destination of Sagres. Throughout your expedition, you'll traverse charming fishing villages, breathe in the fragrance of pine forests, and marvel at the spectacularly shaped cliffs. The exquisite beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados, and Amália beckon, providing a perfect opportunity to cool off in the sparkling Atlantic during or after each day's trek. Take advantage of serene moments along the untamed Atlantic coast, ensuring a guaranteed and rejuvenating break during your tour.

  • Vila Nova de Milfontes: At the beginning of your hiking expedition, seize the chance to explore the historic coastal town—an absolute highlight for culture enthusiasts. Unwind and savor the sunset on the picturesque sandy beach.
  • Picture-perfect Rock Formations: The route repeatedly takes you to the spectacular coastal areas with views of impressive rock formations, such as Vale Figueiras or Cabo de Sao Vicente, the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe.
  • Regional Cuisine: A truly successful hiking vacation includes not only the enjoyment of activity and nature but also the opportunity to try dishes typical of the region. For example, make sure to taste the goose barnacles, Perceves, on the sixth day of your tour.
  • Refreshing Sea Breeze: This hiking getaway is beneficial for both physical and mental well-being. The sea breeze accompanies you throughout the entire tour, making it easy to recharge energy for your everyday life.

Our ten-day hiking vacation is tailored for our walking enthusiasts and takes you on impressive trails and sandy paths through idyllic natural landscapes. With a good basic level of fitness, the stages become a wonderful adventure in the nature of Portugal. The daily walking times are planned for five to seven hours. Find out more about walking with Eurohike.

Find out more about hiking in Portugal.

Itinerary at a glance

Dreamy and untouched beaches, such as Praia da Arrifana or Praia do Amado, await you on the well-signposted long-distance hiking trail tracing the Atlantic coastline. Explore majestic cliffs and rock formations all the way to the "End of the World" at Cabo de Sao Vicente.

This quaint coastal town is renowned for its dreamlike beaches and historic city center.

Hotel (example): HS Milfontes Beach

As you embark on the second day of your hiking journey, prepare to be greeted by stunning vistas over Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira River, gracefully merging with the sea in this enchanting region. Today's hike serves as a perfect introductory excursion, allowing you to relish the magnificent landscape to its fullest.

Hotel (example): Vicentina Rooms

Tiny fishing villages, reddish sand dunes, the fragrance of pine forests, and over 20 species of birds nesting in the rugged cliffs transform this hike into a sensory adventure. In the evening, in the coastal town of Zambujeira do Mar, you'll listen to the melodic symphony of waves crashing high above the rugged Atlantic coastline.

Hotel (example): Rosa dos Ventos

Following fisherman's paths, your journey leads along the shores of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados, and Amália beaches. On your way to Azenha do Mar, you'll come across an untouched fishing harbor. An awe-inspiring vista awaits you from Ponta em Branco, showcasing the beach of Odeceixe and the estuary of the Seixe River meeting the sea.

Hotel (example): Altinho B&B / Casas do Moinho

Along the Seixe River delta, you'll marvel at the biological diversity and relish in the fragrances of countless aromatic shrubs. Subsequently, you'll hike on the old fisherman's path, which is already part of the Algarve region, meandering through wetlands and coastal heathlands en route to Aljezur.

Hotel (example): Vicentina Hotel

The hike leads once again towards the coastline, crossing the sands of Monte Clerigo Beach and passing by the mystical site of Ponta da Atalaia before reaching Arrifana. There, the next picturesque beach eagerly awaits your presence. As a culinary delight, you can savor the local specialty known as "Perceves," also called gooseneck barnacles.

Hotel (example): Vale da Telha

Look forward to the enchanting "Vale Figueiras": towering cliffs rising 100 meters high, and beloved surfers' beaches such as Praia do Canal or the expansive Praia da Bordeira. Inland, the agriculturally cultivated slopes stand in contrast to the rugged coastline.

Hotel (example): Casa Fajara Boutique House & Hotel

During this exceptionally scenic stretch, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas, including the Barranco da Pena Furada gorge, imposing rock formations, and impressive beaches like Praia do Amado. Your journey along the coastal plateau will lead you to your overnight destination, Vila do Bispo.

Hotel (example): Pure Fonte Velha Bed and Breakfast

From Vila do Bispo, your path leads to the southwestern tip of the European mainland, Cabo de Sao Vicente. A unique ambiance awaits you at the cliffside and the renowned lighthouse. Following the cliffs, your journey takes you to the well-known fishing village of Sagres.

Hotel (example): Memmo Baleeira

Day
10
Departure or extension

Other variations of this tour

Route information

Walking

Immerse yourself in the allure of daily hikes featuring subtle elevation shifts, calling for a foundation of good stamina. These paths wind through enchanted hiking trails and sandy tracks, unveiling the secrets of dramatic cliffs and pristine wilderness.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3*** hotels, guesthouses, and country houses

Prices per person in EUR

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefully elaborated route description

  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
  • App for Navigation and GPS-data available
  • Service hotline

Arrival / Departure

  • Lisbon or Faro airport, from there transfer to the train or bus station.
  • From Lisbon (Sete Rios) by bus in approx. 3 hours to Vila Nova de Milfontes (www.rede-expressos.pt). Or by train (www.cp.pt) from Lisbon (Oriente) in about 2 hours, from Faro in about 1.5 hours to Funcheira (Garvão). From there by taxi in approx. 1 hour to Vila Nova de Milfontes, approx. EUR 50 per trip.
  • Return by bus from Sagres to Lisbon in approx. 4 hours. By bus and train in approx. 3.5 hours to Faro.

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price.
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.

From our hiking blog

Christina Hofer

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Christina Hofer
Travel Specialist
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