Tired of the cold, gray winter months in Central Europe? You’re not alone. Eurohike travel specialist Sarah felt the same so set off on her Team on Tour journey to Portugal, exploring the breathtaking coastal stretches of the Rota Vicentina before heading inland into the Alentejo region.
Join Sarah and her father step by step as they share their impressions and experiences after the journey. Enjoy the read!
Late in the evening, my dad and I arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes, the first stop on our journey along Portugal’s southern coast—tired, but happy. This small town quickly reveals itself as a true cat lover’s paradise. The feline residents are clearly cherished, and over breakfast with a view of the sea, we watch as locals lovingly provide them with food and water. Well nourished, we set off for the day and decide to take the small ferry at the start of the stage, walking down the prettily painted steps that lead to the dock by the water. The friendly lady at the ferry booth immediately offers us a coffee and proudly introduces us to her favorite cats, who are lounging in the sun around her.
Each one has a name, with photos and handwritten labels displayed on the wall. She tells us how she not only feeds and waters them but also looks after their medical care and ensures they are spayed and neutered. After our pleasant chat, we take the small boat across to the other side of the Mira River, which flows into the sea here. When we reach the beach, we’re greeted by a stunning rainbow stretching from the sky above the town all the way into the ocean.
For the first few days, we hike with uninterrupted views of the open sea—along dramatic cliffs and across wide sandy beaches—soaking up the warm sun on our faces. Seagulls circle overhead, and waves crash thunderously against the rocks. It’s the perfect place to truly switch off and let your thoughts wander as you walk.
I could gaze at the ocean forever, watching new wave patterns emerge again and again in the turquoise water. The air is filled with the scent of salt and freedom, and I can feel everyday life slowly fade away.
We encounter several storks nesting along the cliffs, their large nests impressively perched on the rocks. These majestic birds are a beautiful sight, and each encounter feels like a small highlight along the way. When we stop at a small café for a break with a cool drink and a coffee, one of the storks circles above our heads. A little later, as we continue on, we spot it again—now perched on a rock. It almost seems to watch us with quiet curiosity as we make our way onward.
Time and again, we spot anglers settled on the rocks, casting their lines, and we wonder how they got to their spot—and how they’ll make it back. Jokingly, we tell ourselves they probably don’t want to leave, enjoying the peace out there.
We also pass several small docks for fishing boats and admire the skill of the captains navigating their tiny vessels safely between rocks jutting out of the choppy water and the waves. The villages where we stay are small, but the people at the accommodations are friendly and welcoming. In the evenings, after a hot shower in our hotel room, we get cozy and recharge for the next stage of our journey.
This journey with my dad is truly special. We don’t see each other very often—everyone has their own routines and responsibilities, and we don’t live in the same household—so being out here together, free from stress and distractions, feels even more precious.
We talk about everything, laugh a lot, and soak in the peaceful surroundings. There’s something wonderful about simply spending time together, experiencing nature, and creating memories that will stay with us for years to come. I can feel just how important these moments are and how deeply they connect us.
At the end of the first thrilling stage, we wander just a few steps from our accommodation to the sea along a wooden path. A charming beach bar clings to the slope above the sand, offering a breathtaking view of the ocean. We sip an Aperol and a cold beer, enjoying something delicious for dinner, while the glowing sun slowly sinks behind the crashing waves.
It’s the perfect way to end a wonderful first day. Soft, relaxed music drifts through the air, and locals and fellow hikers alike linger, soaking in the serene atmosphere. The warmth of the sun, the sound of the surf, and the gentle buzz of the bar make it a moment I’ll never forget.
