Portugal
Rota Vicentina: The Fishermen's Trail
Follow some of the best preserved coastline in southwestern Europe through the Alentejo region
- Walking
- 7 days
from$1,505CAD pp
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Rota Vicentina Hiking Tours
Why choose Rota Vicentina
This is the Portugal of fishermen on cliff edges and surfers chasing Atlantic swell, with long beaches you may have to yourself.
Alentejo coast
Walk past enormous caves, shifting sand dunes and sea pillars on the Alentejo coast
Admire the Birdlife
Watch white storks nesting on the cliffs and expect sightings of Alpine, Pallid and Common Swifts
Experience local guesthouses
Sleep in small traditional guesthouses in quaint villages like Zambujeira do Mar
Visit Cabo de São Vicente
Walk out to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of Europe
Waterfall beach
Stop at Praia da Amália, a waterfall beach loved by fado singer Amália Rodrigues
Popular Rota Vicentina tours
PortugalRota Vicentina: The Wild Algarve
Walk the Rota Vicentina to Cabo Sao Vicente, and discover the authentic side of the Algarve
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,350CAD pp
PortugalThe Full Rota Vicentina
Walk the best of the Rota Vicentina along an epic 100 mile stretch of rugged Atlantic Coastline.
- Walking
- 12 days
from$2,760CAD pp
PortugalAlgarve Coastal Trails
Walk the Algarve Coast from Lagos to Cabo Sao Vicente, Portugal's most southwest point.
- Walking
- 7 days
from$2,295CAD pp
PortugalWalking Sintra to Cascais
Walk through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, and discover palaces, castles and monasteries.
- Walking
- 5–7 days
from$1,640CAD pp
Portugal, SpainCamino Portugues Coastal Way
Walk along the Atlantic coast on an interesting variation of the Camino Portuguese central route.
- Walking
- 7–22 days
from$1,670CAD pp
Portugal, SpainCamino Portugués
Walk to Santiago through a lesser travelled side of Portugal, on the Camino Portugués central route.
- Walking
- 8–33 days
from$1,855CAD pp
PortugalPorto & the Douro Valley
Explore vibrant Porto and walk through the golden rolling hills of the Douro River Valley.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$2,825CAD pp
PortugalDouro Valley In Style
Explore a Douro Valley few tourists venture, with included wine tastings and sumptuous cuisine.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$7,215CAD pp
PortugalLisbon & Sintra In Style
Walk through the Sintra-Cascais Natural Park, from Santa Cruz on the Atlantic coast to Cascais.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$5,595CAD pp
PortugalAzores: Island Hopping
Explore the unique archipelago of the Azores on an island hopping adventure.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,100CAD pp
PortugalMadeira: The Flower Island
Explore an island filled with contrasts - colonial towns, rugged coast and a lush green interior.
- Walking
- 8 days
from$3,050CAD pp
Get to know Rota Vicentina
How long is the Rota Vicentina
Rota Vicentina: The Fishermen’s Trail walks 56 miles / 90 km of wild Alentejo coast from Porto Covo to Odeceixe, in 7 days with 5 days of walking. The Wild Algarve carries on for 65 miles / 105 km to Sagres, in 8 days with 6 days of walking, mixing coastal paths with the inland Historical Way. Or combine the two on the Full Rota Vicentina, around 110 miles / 177 km in 12 days with 10 days of walking.
Which is the most beautiful part of the Rota Vicentina
The whole thing, to be honest, but the two halves differ. The north, from Porto Covo to Odeceixe, is the wilder coastal wilderness with the best beaches and views. The south is more about the towns and people, with a few more hikers and classic whitewashed villages.
What's the difference between the Fishermen's Trail and the Historical Way
The Fishermen's Trail hugs the Alentejo clifftops, past huge caves, dunes and sea pillars. On the Wild Algarve, we mix coastal trails with the inland Historical Way, through pine and eucalyptus groves and villages like Bordeira, where time seems to stand still.
How difficult is the Rota Vicentina
A few days run up to about 14 miles, but climbs are minor. The real work is walking on sand and concentrating on narrow, rugged clifftop paths. As our pathfinder Josiah Skeats puts it on the first day from Porto Covo, the path wades over sand dunes and across beaches.
Best time to hike the Rota Vicentina
March to June or September to November. We don't run tours in July and August, when heat and fire risk are high. Wildflowers line the coast in spring. Even in November you can get perfect walking days with beach time at the end.
Find your pace
Easy
Up to 5 miles per day
Flat, well-kept paths; ideal for beginners
Easy - Moderate
6–9 miles per day
Good paths, some gentle climbs; active beginners
Moderate
10–12 miles per day
Mixed trails, regular climbs; for regular hikers
Moderate - Challenging
15–17 miles per day
Remote mountainous terrain; experienced hikers
Challenging
17+ miles per day
Scrambles, big drop-offs; very experienced hikers
Strenuous
19+ miles per day
High passes, sustained ascents; expert, very fit hikers
Get inspired for Rota Vicentina
Everything You Need to Know About Hiking The Rota Vicentina
Product Manager Laura answers FAQ's about walking The Rota Vicentina, a network of routes spreading throughout south-west Portugal covering the beautiful Alentejo and Algarve regions.
Hiking
Walking the Fishermen’s Coast – Where a Forgotten Portugal Meets the Atlantic
The best way to reveal this authentic side to Portugal, is on foot. Our path-finder Jo takes a look at the strong fishing culture of this remote region of Portugal.
Hiking
Best hikes in Portugal
Discover the best hiking routes through Portugal’s diverse landscapes & rich culture. Explore the coastal trails of the Algarve & the lush forests of Madeira.
Know before you go
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