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Walking the Fisherman's Trail - Rota Vicentina

- Fisherman's Trail and the wild Atlantic coastline -

10 Days / 9 Nights
Challenging

Embark on a journey along the famous Fisherman's Trail, often hailed as one of the ‘arguably finest coastal trails in the world’. You'll discover a vast expanse of untamed Atlantic coastline, gaze over vast nature reserves and be captivated by the charm of picturesque old villages.

Enter Rota Vicentina, a true paradise for walkers, famous for impressive secluded stretches of sandy beaches, views of breathtaking, almost untouched coastal landscapes and a thriving carpet of diverse species. Be enchanted by the symphony of unadulterated nature: the rhythmic crescendo of waves crashing against the shore, the intoxicating scent of fragrant herbs carried on the breeze, the harmonious melody of birdsong weaving through the air, and occasionally the distant, ethereal sound of bells gracing the necks of grazing goats, cows and sheep.

On this walking holiday on the Fisherman's Trail you'll start from the historic centre of Vila Nova de Milifontes and walk all the way to Sagres.

See all walking holidays in Portugal.

 

Highlights on this tour

  • The historic town of Vila Nova de Milfontes
  • Unspoilt dream beaches like Praia da Arrifana or Praia do Amado
  • Majestic cliffs and rock formations all the way to the ‘end of the world’ at Cabo de Sao Vicente
  • The Costa Alentejana National Park with its incredible landscapes
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The route

Daily hikes with small elevation changes that require good stamina. The trails wind through enchanted hiking paths and sandy tracks that reveal the secrets of dramatic cliffs and untouched wilderness.

Itinerary

See the day-by-day itinerary below.

You arrive at your first hotel in Vila Nova de Milfontes. This picturesque coastal town is known for its dreamlike beaches and historic city centre.

Hotel (example): HS Milfontes Beach

As you embark on the first day of the walking holiday, you can look forward to being greeted by stunning views of Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira River, gracefully flowing with the sea in this enchanting region. Today's hike is a perfect introduction to the tour, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery to the fullest.

Hotel (example): Almograve Beach Hostel

Small fishing villages, reddish sand dunes, the scent of pine forests and over 20 species of birds nesting in the rugged cliffs turn this hike into a sensory adventure. In the evening, listen to the melodic symphony of the waves in the coastal town of Zambujeira do Mar, perched high above the rugged Atlantic coastline.

Hotel (example): Rosa dos Ventos

Follow the fishermen's paths along the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália. On your way to Azenha do Mar, you'll come across a pristine fishing harbour. An impressive view awaits you from Ponta em Branco, where you'll see Odeceixe beach and the mouth of the Seixe River in the sea.

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

Along the delta of the Seixe River you can admire the biodiversity and savour the scents of countless aromatic shrubs. You'll then follow the old fishing path, already part of the Algarve region, through wetlands and coastal heathlands on your way to Aljezur.

Hotel (example): Vicentina Hotel

The hike heads back towards the coast, crossing the sands of Monte Clerigo Beach and passing the mysterious Ponta da Atalaia before reaching Arrifana. Here the next picturesque beach eagerly awaits your visit. For a culinary delight, try the local speciality known as ‘Perceves’, also known as gooseneck roots.

Hotel (example): Vale da Telha

Look forward to the enchanting ‘Vale Figueiras’: towering cliffs rising 100 metres and beloved surfing beaches like Praia do Canal or the sprawling Praia da Bordeira. Inland, the agricultural slopes contrast with the rugged coastline.

Hotel (example): Casa Fajara Boutique House & Hotel

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

Hotel (example): Mira Sagres

From Vila do Bispo, the road leads to the south-western tip of mainland Europe, Cabo de Sao Vicente. A unique atmosphere awaits you at the cliffside and the famous lighthouse. After the cliffs, head to the well-known fishing village of Sagres.

Hotel (example): Memmo Baleeira

Your hiking holiday on Fisherman's Trail is now over. You will leave the hotel in the morning.

Prices and dates

Prices per person in EUR

Price includes

  • Transport from/to Portugal
  • Handling fee (€20)
  • Tourist tax (if due)

Practical information

Here you can get answers to various questions about the trip
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The price is based upon two people sharing. It is also possible travel alone in a single room. Simply choose "1 person" in the booking form and it will automatically add the single room surcharge.

On this tour you will be on your own supplied with maps, route descriptions and luggage transfers. That means that your time is your own and you have plenty of time to enjoy the stages in your own pace.

Check the price quickly
You can quickly check the price of your desired trip without having to fill in anything. Here's how:

  1. Choose your desired start date
  2. Click on the green button "See price and reserve your holiday" and go to the booking form
  3. Select number of people, add any optional extras and see the price at the bottom of the page (you don't have to fill in anything on the form).

Get a quote
For example, if you want a flight included or changes to the trip, you can order a quote for this using the "Get a quote" button. Remember to describe in detail what, if anything, you want changed.

The process of your booking
When you book, we will start booking hotels and arranging all the practical details of the trip. This process typically takes 2-5 working days, but some bookings may take longer. If you are arranging your own transport, we recommend that you wait until we have confirmed your booking before arranging this.

Dates
If you can select the date in the tour calendar at the top of this page, this is a possible start date. We continually update the tours with sold-out dates, after which those dates will turn red and cannot be selected.

The flights to and from Faro or Lissabon are not included in the price. You can easily find a suitable flight via a flight booking engine such as Momondo or Skyscanner.

Notice: we recommend that you book with us and wait for the confirmation before you book your flights.

It works like this:

  1. You book your chosen holiday with us
  2. We confirm your holiday (usually within 2-5 working days)
  3. You arrange your transportation

For your overnight stays, we have hand-picked family-run hotels and guesthouses based on their character and warm hospitality. The standard is 2-3 star tourist class. The hotels are centrally located in the towns and close to the Pilgrims' Route. In rare cases it may be necessary to book accommodation further from the route, but in those cases transfers will be included so as not to affect the walking programme.

Extra nights
It is possible to book extra nights in Porto or Santiago. This can be selected on the booking form.

The standard package includes daily breakfast. The breakfast offered will depend on the hotel. Continental breakfast is the norm. A usual setup will be a breakfast buffet that includes fruit, bread, pastries, cheese, cold cuts, coffee, tea and juice. If there is a special breakfast product that you are used to having, then we recommend that you bring it or buy it at the local supermarket.

The dinners availble in the hotels will usually be a "pilgrim menu", where you can choose between three starters, three main courses and a dessert. The starters usually include soup, salad or fish. The main courses are usually fish or meat with fries, potatoes and bread. As a rule, there is the possibility of a vegetarian dish. For dessert, for example cheesecake, creme caramel or ice cream.

The food will vary depending on the area, as each area has its own seasonal and local dishes and specialties. For example, fish will be more common in Galicia, the northern coast and the Portuguese coastal regions rather than in the inland areas.

Regarding lunch, we recommend that you either buy it at the local store in your accommodation city or stop in the cities along the route to buy basics like water, snacks, fruit, etc. You can also eat at small cafés along the way.

Your route description will include guides to water posts and eateries.

Luggage transfer is included on this tour. Upon arrival at the first hotel you will be given luggage tags along with the rest of the welcome package. You fill out the luggage tags and put them on your bags where they will remain for the duration of the tour.

Your luggage is picked up from the hotel lobby around 9am every morning and will arrive at your next hotel at 6pm at the latest (often long before that). If there are any special exceptions to the luggage transfer you will be notified upon arrival.

Luggage transfer includes one bag per guest and the bags can weigh 20kg each.

This trip has difficulty level 2-3, which means that most hiking days are level 2, with a few at level 3.

Grade 2
Easier hikes on reasonably good trails. Daily hikes will last 4-6 hours in hilly terrain. Anyone in generally good physical condition can participate. Luggage is transported, and you only carry a light daypack. Requires well-fitting footwear such as trekking shoes or hiking boots.

Grade 3
Hiking in mountainous terrain with longer ascents and descents. You will hike 5-7 hours a day. Requires generally good fitness and health, but no special technical skills or prior experience. Requires good shoes, such as trekking or mountain boots.

Read more about our grading system here.

On this tour, you will receive the following documents:

Upon booking
Immediately after booking this trip, you'll recieve a pre-booking-email where you can get a complete overview of your booking. Once the tour is confirmed you get a confirmation email from us along with practical information about the tour.

One month before departure
You will receive a hotel list and final travel documents.

Upon arrival at the first hotel
You'll receive the welcome pack, which contains everything you need for the trip. There will be route descriptions, maps, luggage tags and specific local vouchers. The documents are in English.
Notice: On some tours it is necessary to either print the documents yourself or to bring them electronically.

We recommend taking out travel insurance that covers at least illness, accident, repatriation, lost holiday, luggage and liability. As a customer, you are responsible for taking out the necessary travel insurance to cover these costs.

Before taking out insurance, you should check whether you are already covered by travel or cancellation insurance through your home insurance company, credit card or similar - please note that there may be differences in insurance coverage.

Starting in 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries will need an ESS or ETIAS authorization to enter EU nations. This system enhances border security while simplifying entry procedures. Ensure compliance by applying online before your trip to avoid delays.
You can read more about it here.

After booking this trip, you get access to various discount schemes.

A hiking holiday on the Fisherman's Trail offers varied temperatures during the spring, summer, and autumn months. In the spring months of February, March, and April, you can expect mild temperatures rising from 12-20 degrees, with moderate rainfall and mild wind conditions. The summer months of June, July, and August bring pleasant temperatures between 22-30 degrees. Rainfall is rare during this time, and wind conditions remain mild. If you choose to hike in the autumn months of September, October, and November, you can expect temperatures between 18-25 degrees, increased rainfall compared to the other periods, and continued mild wind conditions.

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