Rota Vicentina hiking path | Eurohike Walking Holidays

226,5
Kilometers

Fishermen’s Trail– Atlantic Coast

263
Kilometers

Historical Way – Inland Route

Opened 2012

A joint project by Alentejo & Algarve

Coastal Hiking

along the Fishermen’s Trail on the Atlantic coast

Year-Round-
Destination

Popular from February to November

Route & Itinerary

The Rota Vicentina stretches approximately 230 kilometers from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo region to Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve. The trail network consists of two main routes: the Historical Way inland and the Fishermen’s Trail along the Atlantic coast.

The Fishermen’s Trail follows sandy coastal paths over dunes and cliffs, offering spectacular sea views, while the Historical Way passes through cork oak forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages. Highlights include Porto Covo, Odeceixe, Zambujeira do Mar, and Cabo de São Vicente.

The trails are well marked — blue and green along the coast, red and white inland — and mostly run on natural paths with moderate elevation changes.

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All tours on the Rota Vicentina

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

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Fragen und Antworten zum Wandern an der Rota Vicentina

Where does the Rota Vicentina start?

The Rota Vicentina in southwestern Portugal starts, depending on the route, either in Santiago do Cacém (Historical Way, Caminho Histórico) or in Porto Covo (Fishermen’s Trail, Trilho dos Pescadores) and ends at Cabo de São Vicente near Sagres.

When is the best time to experience the Rota Vicentina?

Our hiking tours on the Rota Vicentina can be booked from February to November.

Who is hiking on the Rota Vicentina suitable for?

Our hiking tours on the Rota Vicentina fall under our category walking. Although the daily stages only have slight differences in altitude, hiking on the sometimes sandy paths and hiking routes requires a good basic level of fitness and stamina.

How long is the Rota Vicentina and how much elevation gain does it include?

The Rota Vicentina consists of the Fishermen’s Trail, which stretches 226.5 kilometers along the coast with a total ascent of approximately 3,000–4,000 meters, and the Historical Way, which covers 263 kilometers through the hilly inland. The hiking experience is further enhanced by 24 circular trails totaling 258 kilometers, offering additional elevation gain and varied stages.

How long are the daily stages on the Rota Vicentina?

The daily stages are 15 to 22 kilometres or 5 to 7.5 hours.

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the Rota Vicentina?

On our hiking tours on the Rota Vicentina, you will stay in beautiful hotels and accommodations.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

Sea view in Martinhal while hiking along Rota Vicentina

Hiker with blue backpack walking on coastal trail overlooking Atlantic Ocean. Green vegetation covers hillsides leading to rocky coastline.

Signpost on the hiking trail of the Rota Vicentina

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Rota Vicentina

Aljezur

Aljezur lies in the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The historic town impresses with its Moorish castle, narrow streets, and traditional architecture. Aljezur offers a deep insight into authentic rural Portugal.

Odeceixe

Odeceixe is a picturesque coastal village on the river of the same name, known for its stunning sandy beach. The combination of beach, river estuary, and dunes makes it a highlight for nature lovers and active travelers.

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes sits at the confluence of river and Atlantic Ocean and captivates with its charming old town, lively promenade, and fresh fish markets. The nearby beaches invite relaxing breaks during your hike.

Carrapateira

Carrapateira is a small coastal village famous for its breathtaking cliffs and the surfer’s paradise at Praia da Bordeira. Here, wild nature, the Atlantic, and traditional fishing houses come together in perfect harmony.

Wooden boardwalk leading to Praia da Bordeira beach with white sand, ocean waves, and green coastal vegetation under blue sky.

Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente

Sagres is known for its historic fortress and spectacular location at the southwesternmost point of Europe, Cabo de São Vicente. From the cliffs, enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic — a place full of magic and history.

Costa Vicentina Beaches

Along the Costa Vicentina, you’ll find numerous secluded beaches and idyllic coves such as Amado, Castelejo, and Zavial. Here, you can fully enjoy unspoiled nature, relax in peace, or ride the Atlantic waves while surfing.

Panoramic view of Praia do Amado beach with golden sand, white waves, and dramatic cliffs. Wooden walkways cross green coastal vegetation.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Rota Vicentina

Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve

15 Kilometers | ↗ 150 Meters | ↘ 130 Meters

At the start of your walking holiday, enjoy stunning views over Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira River, which flows into the sea here. This gentle coastal stage is ideal for discovering the impressive landscape and getting into the rhythm of the days ahead.

Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar

↔ 22 Kilometers | ↗ 200 Meters | ↘ 200 Meters

Explore small fishing villages, reddish sand dunes, and pine forests, while over 20 bird species nest in the rugged cliffs. A walk for all the senses, rewarded in the evening in Zambujeira do Mar by the soothing sound of the waves along the Atlantic coast.

Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe

↔ 18 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘ 300 Meters

Follow ancient fishermen’s paths along breathtaking beaches and pass untouched fishing harbors. A highlight of this stage is the view from Ponta em Branco over Odeceixe Beach and the Seixe River estuary.

Arrifana – Carrapateira

↔ 20 Kilometers | ↗ 300 Meters | ↘ 250 Meters

Look forward to the spectacular Vale Figueiras with its 100 m high cliffs and surfer-favorite beaches like Praia do Canal and Praia da Bordeira. Inland, cultivated slopes offer a charming contrast to the rugged coastline.

Vila do Bispo – Cabo de São Vicente / Sagres

↔ 20,5 Kilometers | ↗ 150 Meters | ↘ 200 Meters

The final stage takes you to the southwesternmost point of continental Europe. At Cabo de São Vicente, dramatic cliffs, a striking lighthouse, and the powerful Atlantic landscape await, before reaching the well-known fishing town of Sagres.

Why choose to Hike the Rota Vicentina?

Traditional trails

through fishing and coastal villages such as Aljezur, Odeceixe and Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Nature’s highlights

the wild cliffs of the western Algarve, the Atlantic Ocean, and untouched beaches.

Sunsets

over the Atlantic — magical moments you’ll never forget.

Wide horizons

panoramic views of the sea, dramatic cliffs and endless trails through pine forests.

Portuguese cuisine

in traditional taverns with fresh fish, seafood, cheese, bread and wine.

Travel Stories on the Rota Vicentina

March 4, 2025

Spring Awakening on a Hiking Adventure in Southern Europe

Enchanting coastal landscapes, a vibrant symphony of spring blossoms, fragrant citrus groves, and breathtaking sea views - spring hiking in Southern Europe is pure magic. From the moment you arrive, the Mediterranean charm embraces you. Majestic volcanic landscapes meet wild, untouched nature, while the sight of turquoise bays feels like a glimpse of paradise. In these southern hiking havens, the warmth of spring arrives early, awakening the land in a flourish of color and life. Do you already long for the warmth of the sun? Then a spring hiking vacation in the south is just what you need.

May 21, 2024

Team on Tour

Hiking on the Fishermen's Trail: Travel story Rota Vicentina

Why not simply bring spring forward a little? And on one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking trails? As a passionate hiker, I get to travel to Portugal at the end of February 2024. Specifically, on the 10-day version of the Rota Vicentina hiking holiday (8-day version also possible). When passion and profession can be combined, the anticipation increases all the more.

May 1, 2019

Team on Tour

Rota Vicentina

Spectacular views, untouched nature and the relaxing sound of the sea. I experienced all this and more on my hiking trip on the Rota Vicentina in April. The 450-kilometer hiking trail in southwest Portugal combines two worlds: steep cliffs and sandy paths along the coast, as well as inland rural trails through endless fields of wildflowers.

Rota Vicentina: Your Benefits with Eurohike

Perfectly organized hiking tours

In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists

Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions

All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor

After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage

With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support

Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App

We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification

We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.