The Fishermen’s Trail

8 Days / 7 Nights

Duration

75 km

Distance

Demanding

Grade

The Rota Vicentina is a vast network of walking trails in southwest Portugal, covering one of the most beautiful and best preserved coastal regions of Southern Europe. The trail connects Cape St Vincent, Portugal’s most southerly point, with the village of Odeceixe, where it splits into two paths: The Historical Way, which weaves its way inland, and the Fishermen’s Trail, which traces the coast to Porto Covo. The Fishermen’s trail is a magnificent pathway traditionally taken by local fishermen to get to the best fishing spots along the coast. Follow this little-known track in the remote Alentejo region, encountering spectacular cliffs, pristine beaches and charming fishing villages as you go along. Our itinerary combines wonderful daily walks with a free day in Lisbon, where you can relax and enjoy the many sights of this vibrant and historic city.

The Fishermen’s Trail presents a notable degree of difficulty and is not recommended for people with vertigo or fear of heights. Caution is advised on some of the erosion-threatened cliff sections.

STAGES	Odeceixe – Zambujeira do Mar (18 km) Zambujeira do Mar – Almograve (22 km) Almograve – Vilanova de Milfontes (15 km) Vilanova de Milfontes – Porto Covo (20 km)
INCLUDES	En suite hotel accommodation Breakfast Daily luggage transfer Airport Transfers Pilgrim’s kit (passport and shell) Detailed information prior to start 24/7 support telephone number Flights not included
HIGHLIGHTS	Hiking through the stunning coastal landscape of the Alentejo region Staying in comfortable family-run accommodation in pretty coastal towns Swimming in remote beaches away from the busy resorts Escaping from the crowds on newly developed tranquil walking paths Exploring the marvelous city of Lisbon during your free day

JuanChat with one of our Camino experts

DonalChat with one of our Camino experts

Day 1. Arrival in Faro Airport. Transfer to Odeicexe

Odeceixe is an attractive hillside village situated amid the steep topography marking the border between the Algarve and Alentejo regions of southwest Portugal. Visiting the beautiful local beach or relaxing in one of the bars or cafes in the village’s main street are perfect ways to charge up for the walking days ahead.

Overnight: Odeceixe

Day 2. Odeceixe–Zambujeira do Mar (18 km)

Today you pass the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália on the way to Azenha do Mar, where you will discover a lovely natural fishing harbour. You also get to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in the entire region: Odeceixe Beach seen from the beautiful Ponta em Branco headland.

Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar

Day 3. Zambujeira do Mar—Almograve (22 km)

Fishing coves, sand dunes and pine forests accompany you on your walk today. A wide variety of bird species nest in this area, including white storks and peregrine falcons.

Overnight: Almograve

Day 4. Almograve—Vilanova de Milfontes (15 km)

A short and accessible hiking day characterised by picturesque beaches and more superb Atlantic scenes. Crossing the bridge into Vila Nova de Milfontes provides great views of the mouth of the River Mira and the natural vegetation that covers the local hillsides.

Overnight: Vilanova de Milfontes

Day 5. Vilanova de Milfontes—Porto Corvo (20 km)

Today you walk along vast sand dunes spanning the Ilha do Pessegueiro, Aivados and Malhão beaches. These sand dunes stand out for their remarkable biodiversity and plant life. Discover small secluded inlets as you trek across endless sandy terrain.

Overnight: Porto Covo

Day 6. Free Morning in Porto Covo. Transfer to Lisbon after lunch

Take the morning to explore the picturesque fishing village of Porto Covo. Strolling through the streets, drinking a coffee in the main square, feeling the breeze blowing in from the Atlantic—all great ways to recover from walking the Fishermen’s Trail. After lunch you will be transferred to wonderful Lisbon.

Day 7. Free Day in Lisbon

Portugal’s beautiful capital city appeals to various tastes and senses. Influenced by many diverse cultures over time, it is a fascinating mix of historic neighborhoods, each with a village feel to them. Stroll through the Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district or follow the river Tagus to discover some of the city’s most beautiful districts: the monumental area of Belém with its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the city’s mazy medieval quarter or the trendy contemporary Parque das Nações.