Rota Vicentina - Fishermen's trail and the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente

The Portuguese region of Alentejo on the Atlantic coast is a marvellous hiking destination, known for its extensive nature reserves, traditional villages, light sandy beaches, and unspoilt coastal landscapes. As you hike along the Rota Vicentina, immerse yourself in the region’s rich biodiversity—listen to birdsong in the cork oak forests, breathe in the scent of wild herbs, and let the music of the sea accompany your journey.

Your adventure begins in Vila Nova de Milfontes, where you can explore the historic city center before setting off along the Atlantic coast. The route takes you through Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, and Aljezur in the Algarve region, reaching Vila do Bispo and ultimately Sagres. Along the way, traverse picturesque fishing villages, fragrant pine forests, and breathtaking coastal stretches. The dreamy beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados, and Amália offer perfect spots to cool off in the sparkling Atlantic. The journey concludes at the dramatic cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente, home to its iconic lighthouse.

Designed for hiking enthusiasts, this eight-day journey takes you through idyllic natural landscapes on impressive trails and sandy paths. With daily walking times of five to seven hours, a good fitness level ensures an enjoyable and rewarding experience along Portugal’s wild Atlantic coast. Take in the beauty of your surroundings and indulge in a well-deserved hiking break whenever you please; the season is long.

Highlights:
♦ Vila Nova de Milfontes - historic coastal town, a true highlight for all culture enthusiasts
♦ Cabo de Sao Vicente - the light house and the southwesternmost point of mainland Europe
♦ Rock formations and the sea breeze - spectacular coasts with views and a breeze replenishing energy to body and mind

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Itinerary

Day 1. Vila Nova de Milfontes
This quaint coastal town is renowned for its dreamlike beaches, historic city center, and the castle with its views over the Mira estuary/river.
Vila Nova de Milfontes is the original northernmost point of the Fishermen's Trail, from where you will walk through the wide sand dunes of Ilha do Pessegueiro, Aivados and Malhão beaches and along the cliff tops, discovering secluded coves at every turn. Hotel example: HS Milfontes Beach or similar

Day 2. Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve
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.  A relatively short walking day which gives you time to enjoy the area to its full extent, particularly Brejo Largo beach. Hotel example: Vicentina Rooms or similar
Walking: 4,5-5 hrs.; 15 km; ascent/descent: +150/-130m

Day 3. Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar
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 or similar
Walking: 6-7 hrs.; 22 km; ascent/descent: +200/-200m

Day 4. Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe
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. The trail continues along the cliff tops, through the sand dunes to reach the majestic Ponta em Branco, with views over Odeceixe beach and and the estuary of the Seixe River meeting the sea. Hotel example: Altinho B&B / Casas do Moinho or similar.
Walking: 6,5-7 hrs.; 18 km; ascent/descent: +300/-300m

Day 5. Odeceixe - Aljezur
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 or similar.
Walking: 7 hrs.; 22 km; ascent/descent: +150/-150m

Day 6. Aljezur - Vila do Bispo 
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 doBispo. Hotel example: Pure Fonte Velha Bed and Breakfast or similar.
Walking: 6,5 hrs.; 16 km; ascent/descent: +500/-420m
 
Day 7. Vila do Bispo - Cabo de São Vicente/Sagres
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 or similar.
Walking: 7 hrs.; 20,5 km; ascent/descent: +150/-200m

Day 8. Departure from Sagres
It is time to leave the Fishermen's trail after breakfast or enjoy the village with an extra night.

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Practical information:

• ARRIVAL / DEPARTURE by flight:  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 Sagres to Lisbon in approx. 4 hours. By bus and train in approx. 3.5 hours to Faro.
• Travel light: For the luggage transfer we recommend only 1 piece per person, a soft bag and maximum 15 Kg.
• Hotel examples: The hotels mentioned are examples of accommodation during the hike. If the hotel is not available for the requested period, a similar hotel will be confirmed.
• Interested in a longer stay and 2 more nights in Vila Nova de Milfontes and Sagres? Please ask for your personal offer.

Travel Insurance Made Easy with Penguin Travel and IATI

 

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Price Includes:
Accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels/guesthouses and country hotels with breakfast
Luggage transfer
1 Transfer Aljezur - Carrapateira
Roadbook 1x per room (German/English/ French)
App for Navigation and GPS-data available
Service hotline

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Not Included:
Flight to Portugal
Transfer from/to airport
Meals,not mentioned in the program and drinking
Entrance fees
Insurance
Personal expenses

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Additional Services:
Extra nights in Vila Nova de Milfontes or Sagres: Prices depend on season; please request.
Transfer from Faro airport - Vila Nova de Milfontes EUR 250 per trip (up to 4 people) and EUR 265 per trip (up to 8 people). Transfer Sagres - Faro airport EUR 85 per person (min.2 people) - Reservation required (payable in advance)

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