Rota Vicentina: The Fishermen's Trail

The small village of Porto Covo is located approximately 2 hours from Lisbon Airport and 2.5 hours from Faro Airport. With its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and relaxed coastal atmosphere, it is an ideal starting point for your hike along the Rota Vicentina. The charming 18th-century town is easy to explore on foot, with inviting cafés, local restaurants, and picturesque squares perfect for soaking up the authentic Alentejo charm before setting off on your adventure.

Your first day’s walking is all about beaches, sand dunes and deserted coves. From the rough pebbly beaches at Aivados to the golden sand dunes of Farol, you will be amazed at the diversity of coastal landscapes and plant life on this section. Some tougher walking along the dunes is rewarded by fantastic coastal views and the chance to feel the sand between your toes if you feel like casting off your walking boots!

Ascent: 75m (246ft) / Descent: 75m (246ft)

Enjoy a more relaxed day as you walk via the Mira river to Almograve. The lush vegetation and wildflowers covering the local hillsides in this area mean that it is rich in birdlife, including Alpine, Pallid and Common Swifts. If you wish to take it easy you can also shorten the day by taking a boat across the Mira River. This section of the coast is gloriously undeveloped and apart from some pockets of agriculture, there is scarce evidence of human presence.

*If it is not possible to make a reservation in Almograve, a place with low availability, we would book two nights in Vila Nova de Milfontes and arrange the necessary transfers.

Ascent: 94m (308ft) / Descent: 51m (167ft)

Today's walk offers a change of scenery as you walk past ochre sand dunes and high cliffs home to over twenty species of birds, followed by a section through some fragrant pine forests. A highlight is sure to be capturing the sight of the nesting white storks—this coastline is the only place in the world where they nest! Stop off at Cape Sardao Lighthouse and marvel at the fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs as you perhaps enjoy a picnic lunch. Entrada da Barca is next, a natural harbour, overflowing with fishing paraphernalia and a collection of wooden fishermen's huts. Finally reach Zambujeira do Mar, a pretty little seaside village.

Ascent: 202m (662ft) / Descent: 203m (666ft)

Dipping up and down to the sea on narrow cliffside paths, today’s walk is an invigorating one, with some of the best views on the whole of the Fisherman’s Trail. Pass by several beaches, a natural fishing harbour and the spectacular Ponta em Branco. From this viewpoint, you look over Odeceixe beach with the mountain tops of Foia and Monchique as a backdrop. Continue to the centre of Odeceixe with its dazzling blue and white windmill (Moinho) occupying a prominent position at the top of the town and offering the perfect viewpoint over the pretty whitewashed village.

Ascent: 218m (715ft) / Descent: 234m (767ft)

If you wish, you can take it easy today and relax by the pool at your lovely hotel or soak up the atmosphere of the laidback village of Odeceixe. The main square has plenty of bustling bars and cafes in which to enjoy some refreshments or there are also many craft shops in which to peruse. Alternatively enjoy a short walk to Odeceixe beach which takes you past the Seixe River and agricultural heartlands, where friendly farmers will give you a wave, before following fishermen trails along the coast to the beach at Odeceixe. This broad sandy beach is perfect for swimming!

Ascent: 178m (584ft) / Descent: 178m (584ft)

After breakfast, make your way back to either Faro (1h 30) or Lisbon Airport (2h 30) for onward travel.