Rota Vicentina: The Wild Algarve

Make your way from Faro Airport to Odeceixe (approx 3hrs). This charming whitewashed village is a lovely place for a stroll. Enjoy it’s lively square or take a wander up to it’s famous windmill for wonderful views over the village.

Start your walk by heading along quiet fishermen’s trails to the beautiful beach at Odeceixe. Spot white and grey herons on your way to the beach at the mouth of the River Seixe before arriving at the impressive sand dunes of Odeceixe. From here the route winds through coastal upland areas and scented groves of pine and eucalyptus trees, passing the pretty village of Rogil. Arriving in Aljezur, you will be ready for a well-deserved rest and a delicious plate of freshly caught seafood.

Ascent: 186m

Descent: 175m

Before setting out for the day it is worth taking a climb up to the Castle of Aljezur, famously represented on the flag of Portugal. Enjoy views over the fertile valley below rich in flora and fauna. Continue along the Amoreira Valley with spectacular views over the beach before heading toward Ponta da Atalaia on the coast. Walk past sand dunes rich in lush vegetation and discover ruins dating back to prehistoric times. You may also spot fishermen harvesting goose barnacles, a must-try local delicacy. The wide sandy bay of Arrifana is wonderfully wild and rugged and a delightful place to end your walk.

As accommodation is limited in Arrifana, we will transfer you back to Aljezur for your overnight accommodation tonight.

Ascent: 314m

Descent: 259m

Transfer after breakfast back to Arrifana and get ready to enjoy a wonderfully varied day of walking. Begin by walking out of Arrifana with the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. Enjoy breath-taking views of the coast from rugged cliff-top paths before heading away from the coast into an area of peaceful forests and meadows filled with wildflowers during the springtime. Arrive at the delightful little village of Bordeira, where life moves at a wonderfully slow pace and rural traditions such as goat herding are very much alive. Continue to Carrapateira and enjoy wonderful views as you head towards the coast again.

Ascent: 377m

Decent: 443m

Enjoy an exhilarating coastal walk around the rugged Ponta da Carrapateira today. There are numerous wonderful viewpoints all the way around the peninsula looking down on to glorious sandy beaches such as Bordeira and Amado. Look out for fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs and enjoy lunch whilst breathing in the sea-salt air and taking in the views! Return to Carrapateira for another relaxing night at your Casa.

Ascent/descent: 100m

This stage of the Fishermen’s Trail offers spectacular natural beauty at the beaches of Amado, Murração, and Manteiga. The coastal landscape here captivates its visitors with its unique rock formations. A detour to the fishing harbor of Porto de Pesca do Forno and the archaeological site Ponta do Castelo are well worth it today. Dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries, the seasonal Islamic settlement features bread ovens and fish-drying terraces. Artifacts found here, reveal a long history of fishing, such as pottery shards, fishing hooks, and a whalebone.

The route leading to Vila do Bispo is crisscrossed by ravines and streams, including Barranco da Pena Furada which ends at a small beach with striking rock formations. You’ll stumble across rare endemic plant species and birds like the white stork and kestrel. The area’s rich flora and fauna add to the diversity and appeal of this hike.

Ascent: +346m / +1135ft | Descent: -267m / -876ft

Enjoy a wonderful end to the walk today as you head towards the most southwestern point of Europe, Cabo Sao Vicente.

Reaching Telheiro Beach and the Cape, enjoy fantastic views of the wild coastline as the waves crash below. If travelling in autumn look out for the soaring seabirds who migrate here including booted eagles, black kites, sparrow hawks and black storks.

Arriving at Cabo Sao Vicente and the iconic lighthouse is a magical experience. Place yourself in the shoes of the pilgrims who used to finish their journey here at the burial place of St Vincent. Or in that of the fishermen who would have set sail from here into the unknown. After taking in the views, a transfer will collect you from the Cape and take you to your hotel in the thriving little coastal town of Sagres.

Ascent: 85m

Descent: 148m

If you have the time, we highly recommend adding a couple of extra nights in Sagres to relax and enjoy the beach. Otherwise, make your way back to Faro Airport for onward travel connections.