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Hiker on a hiking trail with a view of the coast

Rota Vicentina & Alentejo

Wild Atlantic coast & rural splendour

8 Days / 7 Nights
Walking
181  kg
CO₂-Emissions get compensated
Hiker on a hiking trail with a view of the coast

The Rota Vicentina seamlessly blends the untamed beauty of the Atlantic coast with the historic allure of the Alentejo hinterlands. On the renowned Fishermen's Trail, immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes and pristine, secluded beaches, wander through vast nature reserves, and retreat to charming, picturesque fishing villages. From Vila Nova de Milfontes, follow a stunning coastal route that unveils ever-changing vistas of the rugged Atlantic Ocean. As you journey from Odeceixe, the path leads you inland along ancient trails, weaving through rolling hills, enchanting cork oak forests, and timeless villages that seem suspended in history. Unearth secluded paths once trodden by shepherds and pilgrims, and revel in the unspoiled essence of Portugal.

In Portugal, hiking is a pleasure all year round - when it's still far too cold in Central Europe, you can already lace up your hiking boots in the south. On the Atlantic coasts or on the flower island of Madeira, relaxation and activity go hand in hand on a hiking holiday in Portugal.

Your hiking journey begins along the Portuguese coast, where beautiful sandy beaches await, and the evenings come alive in the charming streets of the towns. During the first stage to Almograve, you'll be treated to stunning views of the Mira River. The following day, you’ll wander through wild and romantic dune landscapes, with spectacular cliffs rising dramatically from the sea. At the top of these cliffs lies your destination for the day, Zambujeira do Mar, offering breathtaking vistas and a cozy atmosphere to unwind after your tour.

Dreamy beaches will accompany you as you head to Azenha do Mar and Odeceixe. On Day 5, you’ll leave the coast behind and venture inland, traversing valleys and hills as you make your way to São Teotónio. From there, your journey continues along riverbanks until you reach Odemira. For the grand finale of your hike, you’ll cross through Ribeira do Torgal, wandering through forests and alongside streams and smaller bodies of water. Your hiking week concludes in the charming village of São Luís, where you can relax and reflect on your memorable adventure.

  • Pristine landscapes teeming with extraordinary wildlife and flora: Alentejo is renowned for its unspoiled beauty—forests of cork oaks, lavender, and thyme thrive in this wild and romantic natural setting. Olive groves and vineyards lay the foundation for exquisite local delicacies, while the beaches invite you to stretch out your feet in the warm sand.
  • Breathtaking views from Zambujeira do Mar: The village enchants with its traditional charm, featuring whitewashed houses and narrow streets. The surrounding area boasts breathtaking coastal landscapes, cliffs, and nature reserves that offer numerous hiking and recreational opportunities. In the lovely local restaurants, you can savor fresh seafood and traditional Portuguese dishes before strolling through the vibrant town center.
  • Odeceixe: This charming village near the Costa Vicentina is part of the municipality of Aljezur and is distinguished by its picturesque location along the Odeceixe River, which flows into the nearby coastline. This area is renowned far beyond Portugal as an exceptional surfing spot—be sure to watch the surfers as they ride the waves in this spectacular setting!

The hiking trails of the Rota Vicentina are excellently marked. At times, you'll trek along sandy sections, but mostly you'll find yourself on well-maintained paths and gravel roads. With a basic level of fitness, you can conquer the stages that stretch up to 25 kilometers, and in the evenings, you can unwind in the charming villages and towns along the route.

Itinerary at a glance

Marvel at the dramatic cliffs of Zambujeira do Mar and unwind on the expansive beach at Odeceixe. The seclusion of the untouched nature in Alentejo, with its endless cork oak forests, and the charming village of São Luís will undoubtably captivate and inspire you.

Spend the day basking on the pristine beaches of the coastal town or indulge in a leisurely stroll through the enchanting, narrow streets of its historic center.

Hotel example: HS Milfontes Beach

At the start of your hiking adventure, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira River cascading into the sea. Today’s hike is the perfect introduction, offering an exquisite opportunity to savor the region's stunning beauty in all its glory.

Hotel example: Vicentina Rooms

You’ll wander through pristine dune landscapes and along dramatic cliffs, where each step reveals breathtaking vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, serenaded by the gentle sea breeze and the rhythmic lullaby of the waves. Your day culminates in the charming village of Zambujeira do Mar, gracefully perched on the cliffs. Here, as the sun dips below the horizon, you can savor the romance of a sunset that bathes the sea in a warm, golden glow.

Hotel example: Rosa dos Ventos

The path meanders along the untouched beaches of Carvalhal, Machados, and Amália, leading past the fishing harbor to Azenha do Mar. From Ponta em Branco, you’ll be treated to a stunning view of Odeceixe Beach and the mouth of the Seixe River as it flows into the sea.

Hotel example: Altinho B&B / Casas do Moinho

On secluded hiking trails enveloped by diverse vegetation, you'll traverse deep valleys and gently ascend rolling hills, all while soaking in breathtaking views of Odeceixe and the shimmering sea. In the evening, unwind in a charming countryside guesthouse near the traditional town of São Teotónio, an ideal retreat for relaxation after a day of adventure.

Hotel example: Monte da Galrixa

Get ready for an exhilarating segment of the historic trail. As you navigate gentle ups and downs, you’ll trace the paths of the São Teotónio and Mira rivers, immersing yourself in the stunning countryside that stretches between rolling hills and the dramatic coastline. This adventure culminates in the vibrant town of Odemira, the bustling heart of the region.

Hotel example: Quinta do Chocalhinho Agroturismo

For the grand finale of your hiking week, you'll be treated to a final splash of water: refreshing streams and tranquil ponds, with a special highlight at Ribeira do Torgal, where lush forests of ash, willow, and alder line the riverbanks. Far from the crowds, you'll immerse yourself in the rich local flora and fauna. In the evening, unwind and reflect on your adventures over a meal in a charming, authentic "Tasca," savoring the essence of the journey.

Hotel example: Naturarte Campo

Day
08
Departure or extension

Difficulty Level

Walking

For the daily treks with modest elevation changes, you'll need solid fitness and stamina. The routes wind through rugged hiking trails and sandy paths, navigating dramatic cliff edges and exploring the serene hinterlands of Alentejo.

Prices & Dates

Prices per person in EUR

Sustainably on the go

Offsetting your carbon footprint

181 kg
CO₂-Emissions get compensated
The total value of all emissions per travel and per person is carefully tracked using the CO2 calculator 'Carmacal,' which was specifically developed for tour operators. The individual components that make up this value are shown in the diagram. The overall impact is contributed to by accommodations, luggage transport, on-site catering, and activities, and it is fully offset through our climate protection projects.
Accommodation (58%)
Meals (18%)
Transport (24%)
100%

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels, guesthouses and country hotels
  • 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

Optional

  • Transfers: Faro airport - Vila Nova de Milfontes EUR 225 per trip (up to 4 people), EUR 239 per trip (up to 8 people). São Luis - Faro airport EUR 219 per trip (up to 4 people) EUR 235 per trip (up to 8 people). Reservation required, payable in advance.

Arrival / Departure

  • Lisbon or Faro airport, from there transfer to the train or bus station.
  • From Lisbon (Sete Rios) by bus (www.rede-expressos.pt) in approx. 3 hours to Vila Nova de Milfontes. Or by train (www.cp.pt) from Lisbon (Oriente) in about 2 hours, from Faro to Amoreiras-Odemira and from there by taxi in approx. 45 minutes to Vila Nova de Milfontes, approx. EUR 65 per journey. From Faro by bus in approx. 5.5 hours to Vila Nova de Milfontes. Or by train in approx. 1.5 hours to Funcheira (Garvão) and from there by taxi in approx. 1 hour to Vila Nova de Milfontes, approx. EUR 75 per journey.
  • Return by bus from São Luís to Lisbon in approx. 2.5 hours. By taxi in approx. 30 minutes to Amoreiras-Odemira, costs approx. EUR 45 and from there by train in approx. 1.5 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.

Travel stories for this tour

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Sarah Manglberger

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Sarah Manglberger
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