8 Days & 7 Nights

4.4

Rota Vicentina: The Wild Algarve

Walk the Rota Vicentina to Cabo Sao Vicente
Experience an unspoiled, wilder side of the Algarve
Breath in the fresh sea-salt air as you cross wild and rugged beaches
Explore the authentic whitewashed villages of Odeceixe and Bordeira
Spot varied birdlife abundant in this area such as the Alpine Swift and Peregrine Falcon

Walk the Rota Vicentina to Europe’s most south-westerly point, Cabo Sao Vicente, and discover an unspoiled and wilder side of the Algarve. Starting in the whitewashed fishing village of Odeceixe, follow well-marked trails along rugged clifftop coast paths and through lush green valleys and forests. Explore authentic Portuguese villages steeped in tradition, spot plentiful birdlife nesting on the cliffs and enjoy views over pristine sandy beaches. At the end of each day enjoy overnight stays in charming “casas” and small boutique hotels and feast on delicious freshly caught seafood.

From $1,635.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive Odeceixe

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.

Overnight Odeceixe

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

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Casas do Moinho | 4 Star | Hotel

Casas du Moinho is a lovely collection of restored village houses spread out amongst the village. Relax at the outdoor swimming pool with a view over the windmill of Odeceixe. You can choose to dine at the on-site Altinho – Tapas & Petiscos – Bistrô restaurant, or visit the restaurants and bars in Odeceixe, which are within a 10-minute walk.

Al Odeceixe Verde | Hotel

Located in the heart of Odeceixe, Alojamento Local-Odeceixe Verde is the ideal place to enjoy moments of peace and relaxation in a family-friendly and restful environment.

Casa Hospedes Celeste

A charming little guesthouse right in the centre of Odeceixe run by the lovely Celeste. Rooms are simple but very cosy and comfortable. The property's staff and service support, the breakfast provided and the host all stand out.

Day 2: Walk to Aljezur via Odeceixe Beach 14 miles / 23 km

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

Overnight Aljezur

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Vicentina | Hotel

The 4* Vicentina Hotel is a lovely modern hotel offering a warm, friendly welcome. Enjoy relaxing in the outdoor pool or perhaps even a massage to soothe those tired legs.

Day 3: Walk to Arrifana, transfer to Aljezur 11 miles / 18 km

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

Overnight Aljezur

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Vicentina | Hotel

The 4* Vicentina Hotel is a lovely modern hotel offering a warm, friendly welcome. Enjoy relaxing in the outdoor pool or perhaps even a massage to soothe those tired legs.

Day 4: Walk to Carrapateira 14 miles / 23 km

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

Overnight Carrapateira

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pensao das Dunas | Guest House

Authentic guest house in the heart of the nature park, offering a range of colourful rooms and apartments. Sit in the common room to have breakfast, read a book or enjoy a drink. Or relax in the courtyard with several tables, comfortable chairs and a large barbecue.

Day 5: Loop Walk from Carrapateira 6 miles / 10 km

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

Overnight Carrapateira

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pensao das Dunas | Guest House

Day 6: Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo 9.5 miles / 15.5 km

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 12^th and 13^th 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

Overnight Vila do Bispo

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Pure Fonte Velha

A delightful boutique B&B where you can relax on the sun terrace or in the garden. Facilities also include a lounge, coffee shop and games room.

Hotel Mira Sagres | Hotel

Located facing the Mother Church of the 16th century. Just 5km away from several wonderful and calm beaches, surrounded by the beach and the countryside and within the Vicentina/Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, this hotel offers a nice and family-like stay. The hotel has 21 rooms. All equipped with private bathroom, satellite and cable TV, mini-bar, air conditioning, hairdryer, and safe.

Day 7: Walk to Cabo Sao Vicente, transfer to Sagres 9 miles / 14 km

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

Overnight Sagres

Accommodations

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Mareta View Boutique Bed & Breakfast | Guest House

Located in the centre of Sagres, Mareta View is a small boutique bed and breakfast set overlooking the sands of Mareta Beach. Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the tropical garden which also features a jacuzzi and in the evening it is just a short walk to several fantastic local restaurants.

Mareta Beach Boutique Bed & Breakfast | Bed and breakfast

A boutique bed and breakfast with panoramic sea views over Mareta Beach in Sagres. Enjoy comfortable modern rooms and perhaps a nice strong coffee in their Italian style coffee bar. Guests can enjoy homemade pastries, sandwiches, and cakes at Café Espresso. The Ocean Bar offers light snacks and refreshing drinks. Breakfast with a set menu is served daily. The Sagress Fortress is 1 km from Mareta Beach.

Day 8 Onward Travel

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 19kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 19kg is equivalent to 1 pair of men’s jeans. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

Perfect for those who would like a varied walk exploring a more unspoiled and authentic side of the ever popular Algarve, using both coastal and inland trails. The walking is moderate with a few steep ascents and descents from cliff-top paths although the sea views make up for the effort! Stay in a mix of boutique B&B’s and casa-style guesthouses offering warm Portuguese hospitality.

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Ideal if you have an interest in:

Coastal Walking

Activity Level & Terrain

This trip is graded moderate overall, with the average daily distance being 14 - 17 km (9 - 11 miles) and a couple of longer days of around 22km (14 miles). You will be walking for between 3 to 7 hours a day on undulating terrain, with some short ascents and descents, and sometimes on quite rugged clifftop paths and across sand which can be a little tiring but is more than made up for with the fantastic views!

Note: We do not recommend this trip for anyone with vertigo since many of the clifftop paths have steep drop-offs.

Accommodation & Meals Navigation What's Included

Included

1 Nights accommodation in a 4* hotel, 6 nights in boutique casa-style guesthouses and small hotels
7 Breakfasts
Luggage transfers
Transfers as per itinerary
Maps, route notes, GPX tracks, access to our smartphone app & info pack
24/7 emergency telephone support

Excluded

Travel insurance (required)
Travel to Odeceixe and from Sagres
Lunches
Dinners
Drinks and snacks

Extras

Additional nights before, during and after the walk

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example. proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your Trip Info section in your Macs App has detailed advice and a packling list. This includes good waterproof gear, hiking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful items.

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for trip cancellation, the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.