Fisherman Trail
5 stages of ◆Fisherman Trail◆ on the south-west coast of Portugal & an optional day in Lisbon | Accommodation & luggage | Difficulty: ▲▲▲△△
Fisherman Trail ▸Rota Vicentina
5 stages | 7 days
Fisherman Trail
▸ 6 nights in hotels and apartments included, bed and breakfast basis.
▸ 5 walking stages from point to point, luggage transfers.
breakfast included
luggages transfers
stages between 15~21 Km. day
from February, 1st to November, 30th
full itinerary: 94,2 Km
total ascent: 1087 mts
total descent: 1094 mts
Customised app
Offline GPS navigation
Relevant information
STAGES | ACCOMMODATION:
arrival in Lisbon ↦ transfer to Porto Covo
- Optional private transfer from Lisbon to Porto Covo
- …or transfer on your own with
- 1st night in Porto Covo ▸Hotel Zé Inácio (or similar)
Porto Covo ▸ Vila Nova de Milfontes
Vila Nova de Milfontes ▸ Almograve
Almograve ▸ Zambujeira do Mar
Zambujeira do Mar ▸ Odeceixe
Odeceixe ▸ Aljezur
departure day or Extra OPTIONAL day in Lisbon
DEPARTURE
- Optional private departure transfer to Faro or Lisbon
- …or transfer on your own with from Aljezur to Lisbon
OPTIONAL EXTRA DAY
- A day for a self-guided cultural tour of Lisbon
- Hotel Bacalhoeiros 125 (or similar)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This programme is for you if you are in good physical condition; if you can cover steep slopes and have no vertigo or health problems; if you regularly do long walks and consider yourself a good sportsman, love nature and are respectful of the environment.
See more details at:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMME: you can rearrange the stages in order to fit days off in between them. We adapt it to your wishes.
ATTENTION: The route in stages along the Fisherman Trail in Portugal requires good physical condition and walking safety. Only suitable for regular walkers.
Well-signposted trails & GPX tracks
luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
point to point walks
luggage transfers
we move your luggage from one accommodation to next so that you can walk lightly
accommodations
small charming hotels, with breakfast (more information in Hotels tab)
stages
5 stages of approx. 14 - 21 Km. each, to walk the best of Fisherman Trail
FISHERMAN TRAIL: HISTORY
The southwestern region of Portugal, known as the Alentejo and Algarve, especially the Costa Vicentina, has historically been a sparsely populated area, mainly dedicated to agriculture, fishing and livestock farming. The coast remained relatively isolated for centuries, allowing it to preserve its unique biodiversity and almost untouched natural landscape.
For centuries, rural roads and fishermen’s trails connected small villages, cliffs and beaches, used by locals to access the sea, graze livestock or trade between villages. These trails, many of ancient origin, formed the basis of what would later become the Fisherman Trail.
At the beginning of the 21st century, the tourist and ecological value of this region began to be recognised. In 1995, with the creation of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, conservation measures were established that limited urbanisation and promoted sustainable tourism.
However, it was in the 2000s that the idea emerged to create an official hiking trail that would take advantage of the old local paths, combining nature tourism, sustainable development and the economic revitalisation of rural communities.
The initiative came from the non-profit association Rota Vicentina Associação (founded in 2010), which brought together local actors: municipalities, rural tourism companies, environmental NGOs and local communities.
In 2012, the Rota Vicentina was officially inaugurated, with two main itineraries:
▸Trilho dos Pescadores (Fisherman Trail): following the coastline, along paths traditionally used by local fishermen.
▸Caminho Histórico (Historic Trail): an inland route connecting historic villages, rural and agricultural paths.
Both routes totalled more than 350 km of signposted trails, crossing the Alentejo and Algarve regions, from Santiago do Cacém to Cabo de São Vicente in Sagres.
Highlights of the trip:
Fisherman Trail: along the southwestern Portuguese coast
Fishing villages and hamlets with an Atlantic flavour
Stunning landscapes on a beautiful and unforgettable hiking trail
Fisherman Trail ▸ Rota Vicentina
In the southwestern corner of Europe, where the Portuguese land plunges into cliffs overlooking the Atlantic, a labyrinth of trails lay dormant among dunes, pine forests and fields of rockrose. These were the humble Fisherman Trail and shepherds, traced by centuries of anonymous footsteps, embroidering a rugged and luminous landscape marked by the salty wind and the constant murmur of the ocean. For generations, these fisherman trail served as secret threads linking small villages, hidden orchards and inaccessible coves, invisible to the outside world but vital to those who lived on the margins of land and sea.
With the arrival of the new millennium, winds of change blew. The Costa Vicentina, protected by its natural park since 1995, was already a sanctuary of biodiversity, but also a forgotten land, where young people were leaving and the roads were overgrown with weeds. It was then that a vision emerged: what if those humble trails, in their simplicity and wild beauty, could be the veins of a renaissance? A group of dreamers — farmers, rural hoteliers, nature guides, cultural managers — came together, not just to look out to sea, but to open their land to the world. Thus was born the idea of the Rota Vicentina, not as a simple fisherman trail, but as a living tapestry of memories, landscapes and hopes.
In 2012, after years of planning, signposting and dialogue with local communities, the route was inaugurated. It was not a road, but a return to the slow pace of walking, to a journey that breathes with the earth. Two main paths unfolded: the Fisherman Trail, which winds along the cliffs, skimming the waves and seagulls; and the Caminho Histórico, which heads inland, crossing fertile valleys, whitewashed houses and Roman ruins. Each step offered not only a landscape, but a story: that of the man who goes down every day to fish for barnacles on the rocks, that of the old woman who still harvests figs under the scorching sun, that of the mills that whisper legends to the wind.
The Fisherman Trail quickly attracted walkers from all corners of the world. They came in search of the authenticity of an unspoilt landscape, where the silence is broken only by the song of the curlews and the echo of the sea. But more than tourists, they were guests in a land that was learning to reveal itself without betraying its essence. With every hiker who walked its paths, new initiatives flourished: family accommodation, taverns serving fresh fish, basket weaving and pottery workshops. The route became a bridge between tradition and the future, between man and nature.
Today, more than ten years later, the Fisherman Trail continues to grow, not only in kilometres, but also in significance. It is a song to the simple land, a tribute to the paths that, when travelled, bring life back. And with every step, a reminder: that walking is not just about moving forward, but also about listening, contemplating, and belonging again.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this walking holiday cover?
Five stages along the Fishermen’s Trail of the Rota Vicentina, from Porto Covo to Aljezur: 94.2 km in total, with 1,087 m of ascent and 1,094 m of descent. It is 7 days and 6 nights, walking point to point between Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe and Aljezur.
How far do I walk each day, and how fit do I need to be?
The stages are 19.2 km (Porto Covo–Vila Nova de Milfontes), 15.1 km (Vila Nova de Milfontes–Almograve), 18.8 km (Almograve–Zambujeira do Mar), 21.5 km (Zambujeira do Mar–Odeceixe) and 19.6 km (Odeceixe–Aljezur). The fourth is the longest and the hilliest, with 338 m of ascent. The programme is level 3 out of 5: you need good fitness and some regular walking experience.
What will I see along the way?
Beaches and small coves, cliff sections and dunes, Pessegueiro Island, São Clemente Fortress in Vila Nova de Milfontes, the Cabo Sardão lighthouse, wooden boardwalks by the sea, the mouth of the Seixe river with Odeceixe beach and, at the end, the Aljezur valley, known for its sweet potatoes.
Where do I stay each night?
In selected accommodation with breakfast, subject to availability and always with similar alternatives: Hotel Zé Inácio in Porto Covo, The Blue Bamboo Hotel in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Fishermans House in Almograve, Casa Azul in Zambujeira do Mar, Casa Dorita in Odeceixe and Hotel Vicentina in Aljezur.
What is included and what is not?
Included: 6 nights’ accommodation with breakfast, luggage transfers between accommodations, stage descriptions and GPX tracks through our offline GPS navigation app, an informative video call on arrival day (if you wish) and 24-hour assistance throughout your trip. Not included: flights, the transfers on the first and last day, the optional day in Lisbon, and lunches and dinners.
How do I get to Porto Covo and back to the airport?
The usual way is to fly into Lisbon and reach Porto Covo by bus from Lisbon Sete Rios or with an optional private transfer. At the end you can return to Lisbon or Faro airport by bus, or with an optional private transfer. The transfers on the first and last day are up to you.
How do I cross the Mira river on the second stage?
In Vila Nova de Milfontes you cross the river by ferry from its landing stage, right at the start of the stage. It is a short crossing, but it has its own fare, paid separately; you will find it noted in the stage description.
How do I find my way on the trail?
The Rota Vicentina is a network of waymarked trails approved to European standards. You also get access to our app with GPS navigation that works without signal, including the description and GPX track of each stage. Download it before you leave and follow it on your phone offline.
When is the best time to go?
We operate from 1 February to 30 November; bookings are not available in December or January. Spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant months for walking. Portugal’s high tourist season runs from 1 June to 30 September: it is hotter and busier, accommodation costs more and early-booking discounts do not apply.
How do I book, and what is the cancellation policy?
A deposit per person secures the booking, and the balance is due 30 days before arrival. We confirm within 24 hours and, if there is no availability, we refund your payment or suggest alternative dates. Up to 21 days before arrival you get a 100% refund (except the initial deposit); after that the refund decreases in steps. Full details are in the Prices section.
What is the optional day in Lisbon?
You can add an extra night and day in Lisbon at the end of the trip, staying at Hotel Bacalhoeiros 125 or similar. It is a cultural day that usually covers Belém, Alfama and São Jorge Castle. It is not included in the base price and is requested when booking.
Is there a shorter or longer version of this walk?
Yes. We have a 10-stage, 12-day version, and a shorter 4-stage, 6-day programme in the Algarve, between Lagos and the São Vicente Lighthouse. This 5-stage, 7-day trip is the middle option.
Can I travel alone or adapt the programme to my pace?
Yes. It is a self-guided programme with no group and no fixed departures: you choose your dates, and there is a specific rate for solo travellers in the Prices section. The programme is flexible: you can reorder the stages to fit in rest days, add nights before or after, or extend your stay in Portugal. Tell us what you have in mind and we will adapt it.
What should I pack, and how does luggage transfer work?
Sturdy walking shoes and suitable hiking clothes, sun protection, a cap, a light windproof jacket, enough food and water for the day and, in winter, warm layers; hiking poles are highly recommended. We move your suitcase from one accommodation to the next, so you only carry a daypack with the essentials. We recommend one suitcase per person, no more than 20 kg.
What is the Fishermen’s Trail?
The Rota Vicentina was officially inaugurated in 2012 with two main routes: the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores), which follows the coast along paths traditionally used by local fishermen, and the Historical Way (Caminho Histórico), an inland route linking historic villages. This programme walks part of the Fishermen’s Trail, from Porto Covo to Aljezur.
If you have any further questions that haven’t been covered here, please have a look at the general FAQs section or get in touch with our team. We have extensive knowledge of Portugal and the many opportunities they offer for hiking at your own pace.
Rota Vicentina – Fishermen’s Trail
5 stages of the Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail, from Porto Covo to Aljezur, with accommodation and luggage transfers. A walk of about 94 km along beaches, dunes and cliffs of south-west Portugal, with an optional day in Lisbon.
Product Currency: EUR
Product Price: 695.00
Product In-Stock: InStock
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Destination
Our gallery
Pictures from the stages
Day 1
Arrival in Lisbon
Optional private transfer to Porto Covo, or transfer by bus on your own with (Lisbon Sete Rios).
Day 2
1st stage: Porto Covo ▸ Vila Nova de Milfontes
We start our first stage in Porto Covo. Today, we will pass countless beaches and small bays, but also some cliffs along the way. The sea, which will be our companion for the next few days, presents itself in all its beauty and power.
19,2 km | ↗ 163 m | ↘ 164 m
Day 3
2nd stage: Vila Nova de Milfontes ▸ Almograve
Today's stage will be a little more relaxed. We start directly at the ferry pier and cross the River Mira (€5/person). On the other side of the river, we first walk through some fields and meadows until we reach the sea again and continue our way parallel to the coast.
15,1 km | ↗ 162 m | ↘ 161 m
Day 4
3rd stage: Almograve ▸ Zambujeira do Mar
On today's stage, we will once again enjoy magnificent views. A beautiful dune landscape awaits us and we may even have the opportunity to see a few stork nests on the cliffs and high rocks. We first circle around the village of Almograve before heading towards the sea and south along the coastline.
18,8 km | ↗ 198 m | ↘ 197 m
Day 5
4th stage: Zambujeira do Mar ▸ Odeceixe
Today's stage takes us to Odeceixe and along a very beautiful path to Odeceixe beach. We pass some impressive bays, walk through a dune landscape and a small forest, cross wooden walkways directly by the sea and pass an animal enclosure.
21,5 km | ↗ 338 m | ↘ 336 m
Day 6
5th stage: Odeceixe ▸ Aljezur
Today's stage takes us along the Algarve coast. We start in the pretty village and walk along the River Seixe until we reach the coast and head south.
19,6 km | ↗ 226 m | ↘ 236 m
Day 7
Departure or extension
Optional private transfer with
or transfer on your own with 
to Faro or Lisbon with (Sete Rios).
...or OPTIONAL extra day
Cultural tour on Lisbon
Lisbon offers a packed day of culture and history. Start in the Belém district, home to the Jerónimos Monastery—a jewel of Manueline architecture—and the Belém Tower, situated beside the River Tagus. Nearby, the Monument to the Discoveries pays tribute to the Portuguese navigators.
TOUR LOCATION
Explore the best of Fisherman Trail in 5 stages (1 week)
ACCOMMODATION
Subject to availability:
PORTO COVO ▸ Hotel Zé Inácio (or similar)
VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES ▸ The Blue Bamboo Hotel (or similar)
ALMOGRAVE ▸ Fishermans House (or similar)
ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR ▸ CasaAzul (or similar)
ODECEIXE ▸ Casa Dorita (or similar)
ALJEZUR ▸ Hotel Vicentina (or similar)
LISBON ▸ Hotel Bacalhoeiros 125 (or similar)
Additional overnights
It is also possible to book some additional days, before or after the hiking week, or an additional week to relax.
Difficulty
To successfully achieve the 5 stages of Fisherman Trail it is necessary an good physical condition and steady walk. According to the year season, temperatures can be extreme (hot and/or cold). Therefore, it is necessary to have suitable warm clothes permanently, to be removed as layers if necessary. Some parts of this trail include passages with slippery loose stone. Although most of this trail is roomy enough, certain sections are quite aerial and require caution. Using hiking poles is highly recommended.
Trails
The Rota Vicentina is a well signposted network of trails. All sections where from our tours are perfectly marked. You will get from us precise indications of each route and assistance from the hotline on your walks.
We recommend
Appropriate hiking clothing and sturdy footwear. During the tours, it is necessary to have food and drink enough, as well as sun protection, a cap, wind jacket and, in the winter months, warm clothing.
Luggage transfer
We move your luggage from one accommodation to next, so on your hikes you should only carry a backpack with the essentials of the day. For the whole trip, it is recommendable to use a single suitcase, not bigger than 20 kg.
NOT bookable between December and January
However, bear in mind that in the middle months of summer the heat can be intense.
FLY TO LISBON
...RETURN FROM FARO
Other options to consider
The Portuguese airline TAP also connects some UK airports with LISBOA o FARO. It is worth comparing prices and analysing all the possibilities 😉
FLY TO LISBON
...RETURN FROM FARO
Other options to consider
The Portuguese airline TAP also connects some UK airports with LISBOA o FARO. It is worth comparing prices and analysing all the possibilities 😉
...or search directly among airlines
Alberto
Travel organisation
Do you have any questions? I am happy to help you. I will answer any questions you may have!
Book early! ...and get a 6% discount for bookings more than 90 days in advance, for your trip between September 15th and June 15th
PRICES, valid until 31 October 2027
(NOT bookable between December and January)
737 € ▸ 695 € per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 365 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1205 € ▸ 1135 €
◆ OPTIONAL last night in Lisbon
90 € ▸ 85 € per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
Solo Traveller (1 person): 143 € ▸135 €
Peak Tourist Season does not only mean high temperatures, crowded beaches and expensive flights. Accommodation prices also increase substantially. Therefore, during this period we are unable to offer early booking discounts and the price of the entire package may be higher than indicated. Portugal's peak tourist season begins on June, 1st and ends on September, 30th.
Any arrival date is possible - You decide your travel dates and when to start. However, we must first request availability to the accommodations.
Booking: With an initial payment of 150 € (per person), book now, guarantee your trip and pay the balance 21 days before arrival. We will confirm your reserve within 24 hours. But in the case of accommodations unavailability, we will refund the paid amount or propose alternative dates.
What does this programme include?
Accommodations - 6 nights in different small charming hotels or apartments, B&B basis
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
Descriptions & GPX Tracks - to follow the walks on your mobile device
Luggage transfers - we move your luggage from accommodation to accommodation while you walk
Support 24h - we keep permanently in touch with you throughout your stay to solve any problem or enquiry you may have
What is NOT included?
▸Flights to and from your home city to Portugal are not included
▸Transfer on arrival day to the starting point and transfer to the airport on departure day: see bus timetables at or with or private transfer with
▸Optional day in Lisbon
▸Lunches & Dinners
Cancellation Policy
call us on +34 922 433 001 or text us at
