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
walking distance: 19,1 Km
ascent: ↗ 323 m
descent: ↘ 316 m
2nd night in Vila Nova de Milfontes ▸ The Blue Bamboo Hotel (or similar)
Vila Nova de Milfontes ▸ Almograve
walking distance: 14,8 Km
ascent: ↗ 267 m
descent: ↘ 252 m
3rd night in Almograve ▸ Fishermans House (or similar)
Almograve ▸ Zambujeira do Mar
walking distance: 21,6 Km
ascent: ↗ 468 m
descent: ↘ 467 m
4th night in Zambujeira do Mar▸ Monte Soalheiro (or similar)
Zambujeira do Mar ▸ Odeceixe
walking distance: 18,9 Km
ascent: ↗ 554 m
descent: ↘ 565 m
5th night in Odeceixe ▸ Hostal Sol Mar (or similar)
Odeceixe ▸ Aljezur
walking distance: 22,1 Km
ascent: ↗ 375 m
descent: ↘ 360 m
6th night in Aljezur ▸ Hotel Vicentina (or similar)
Aljezur ▸ Praia da Arrifana
walking distance: 16,7 Km
ascent: ↗ 441 m
descent: ↘ 412 m
7th night in Praia da Arrifana▸ Hotel Utopia (or similar)
Praia da Arrifana ▸ Carrapateira
walking distance: 19,5 Km
ascent: ↗ 366 m
descent: ↘ 397 m
8th night in Carrapateira▸ Hotel Casa Fajara (or similar)
Carrapateira ▸ Vila do Bispo
walking distance: 15,3 Km
ascent: ↗ 403 m
descent: ↘ 334 m
9th night in Vila do Bispo▸ Hotel Mira Sagres (or similar)
Vila do Bispo ▸ Sagres
walking distance: 20,2 Km
ascent: ↗ 317 m
descent: ↘ 381 m
10th night in Sagres ▸ Mareta Beach B&B (or similar)
Sagres ▸ Salema
walking distance: 19,2 Km
ascent: ↗ 464 m
descent: ↘ 488 m
11th night in Salema ▸ Hotel Residencial Salema (or similar)
departure day ↦ transfer to Faro or Lisbon
Optional private departure transfer to Faro or Lisbon
…or transfer on your own with or
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
This programme is for you if you are in excellent 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.
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
traslados de equipajes
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
10 stages of approx. 14 - 22 Km. each, to walk the best of Fishermans Trail Portugal
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
Fishermans Trail Portugal ▸ 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 Trailquickly 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.
Optional private transfer to Porto Covo, or transfer by bus on your own with (Lisbon Sete Rios).
Informative call to explain all the details of each stage.
+ Hotel Zé Inácio (...or similar - Porto Covo)
2
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.
We hike along the coast, enjoying the view of the offshore island of Pesseguero and walking across the sandy beaches. When we reach Angra de Cerva beach, we can already see the first houses of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
We head for the harbour and continue until we reach the village centre and the fortress of Sao Clemente.
19,1 km | ↗ 323 m | ↘ 316 m
+ The Blue Bamboo Hotel (or similar - Vila Nova de Milfontes)
3
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.
We come to Ponta de Carreiro Manso, a beautiful viewpoint, before reaching Almograve, the end of today's stage.
The stage ends here, but it is a good opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine in one of its restaurants, where Portuguese dishes are prepared in the traditional way over a low heat.
14,8 km | ↗ 267 m | ↘ 252 m
+ Fishermans House (or similar - Almograve)
4
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.
After the fishing harbour of Pesca da Lapa das Pombas, we will walk along the cliffs and later even through a small pine forest. When we see the Cabo Sardao lighthouse, we will be more than halfway there.
At the cape, we will once again enjoy the impressive views. We reach Zambujeira do Mar, a slightly larger and livelier town where we will have a choice of places to stop for refreshments and enjoy the specialities of the region.
21,6 km | ↗ 468 m | ↘ 467 m
+ Monte Soalheiro (or similar - Zambujeira do Mar)
5
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.
There is even a place to stop for a bite to eat along the way. From the cliffs, we have a breathtaking view of the river mouth and Odeceixe beach. After passing a few greenhouses, we reach our next destination after a few ups and downs. The stage ends in Odeceixe, where the local cuisine takes centre stage once again and puts an excellent end to the day.
18,9 km | ↗ 554 m | ↘ 565 m
+ Hostal Sol Mar (or similar - Odeceixe)
6
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.
From Baia dos Thiros, our route turns inland and leads through a rural landscape with dirt tracks and small woods.After returning to the sea, we walk over cliffs and past viewing platforms until we reach Alejezur.
Aljezur is located in a fertile valley known for its production of Batata Doce (sweet potato), an excellent accompaniment for your next dinner.
22,1 km | ↗ 375 m | ↘ 360 m
+ Hotel Vicentina (or similar - Aljezur)
7
Day 7
6th stage: Aljezur ▸ Praia da Arrifana
The next stage of the Trilho dos Pescadores crosses the historic centre of Aljezur, descending towards the agricultural valley where small vegetable gardens follow one another until reaching the coastal area.
From the valley, the first distant views of the sea gradually disappear as the route crosses rural paths, dirt tracks and sections surrounded by Atlantic vegetation.
After reaching the coast, the trail follows the line of medium-high cliffs, with impressive views over the Atlantic. The stage ends by descending to Praia da Arrifana, a beach surrounded by rocky escarpments, very popular with surfers.
.
16,7 km | ↗ 441 m | ↘ 412 m
+ Hotel Utopia (or similar - Praia da Arrifana)
8
Day 8
7th stage: Praia da Arrifana ▸ Carrapateira
On today's stage, the cliffs reach heights of up to 100 metres in places. We start in the village and hike inland through diverse vegetation. The trail leads through fertile valleys where all kinds of vegetables used to be grown, fertilised with seaweed collected from the sea.
On the slopes, the lush vegetation serves as food for livestock and also provides a habitat for bees that produce a delicate honey. We hike through pine forests, past eucalyptus trees and rockroses. Our path then turns back towards the coast, where we enjoy magnificent views and pass the large, long beach of da Bordeira before reaching our next destination, the village of Carrapateira.
19,5 km | ↗ 366 m | ↘ 397 m
+ Hotel Casa Fajara (or similar - Carrapateira)
9
Day 9
8th stage: Carrapateira ▸ Vila do Bispo
Today you can look forward to breathtaking views and spectacular rock formations alongside secluded beaches with pristine sand. A journey through the true jewel of Atlantic nature.
We start our stage in Carrapateira, which initially runs towards the coast, where we come across an old Islamic settlement from the 12th century, the Povoado Islamico de Pescadores. This old settlement was only uncovered by researchers in 2001. We hike above the long Amado beach and enter a hilly landscape.
The Barranco da Pena Furada gorge winds its way down to a small beach. Now the route mainly follows the plateau, up and down, to Vila do Bispo.
15,3 km | ↗ 403 m | ↘ 334 m
+ Hotel Mira Sagres (or similar - Vila do Bispo)
10
Day 10
9th stage: Vila do Bispo ▸ Sagres
Today's tour takes us to Sagres, back to the coast and on to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost point of Europe. First, we pass the Torre de Aspa and a little later the headland Ponta do Telheiro and the beach of the same name.
Here we come across a unique rock formation that is a magnificent geological treasure. From the lighthouse, the trail continues eastwards along the coast with small cliffs to Sagres, whose name comes from Latin and means ‘sacred place’.
Along the way, we have the opportunity to observe seabirds such as cormorants and gannets during our hike. And when the sea is calm, you can even see dolphins from land. We pass the Beliche Fortress before we can already see Sagres in the distance.
20,2 km | ↗ 317 m | ↘ 381 m
+ Mareta Beach B&B (or similar - Sagres)
11
Day 11
10th stage: Sagres ▸ Salema
The last stage of the Trilho dos Pescadores runs along the coast, up and down, past impressive limestone cliffs with unique shapes, and ends in Salema, a fishing village that takes its name from a tasty fish native to these waters: the salema.
Our route first takes us to Ingrina Bay and Beach and continues to the Ponta de Torre headland. It passes through meadows and repeatedly runs directly along the sea, where we can see the beautiful long sandy beaches of Salema further on.
Before reaching Salema, the route passes an old military fortress, the Forte de Vera Cruz de Figueira, dating from the 18th century, which was destroyed by the earthquake of 1775.
19,2 km | ↗ 464 m | ↘ 488 m
+ Hotel Residencial Salema (or similar - Salema)
12
Day 12
Departure or extension
Optional private transfer with or transfer on your own with to Faro or Lisbon airport, or possible extension of your stay in Portugal.
TOUR LOCATION
Explore the best of the Fishermans Trail Portugal in 10 stages (12 days)
VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES ▸ The Blue Bamboo Hotel (or similar)
ALMOGRAVE ▸ Fishermans House (or similar)
ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR ▸ Monte Soalheiro (or similar)
ODECEIXE ▸ Hostal Sol Mar (or similar)
ALJEZUR ▸ Hotel Vicentina (or similar)
PRAIA DA ARRIFANA ▸ Hotel Utopia (or similar)
CARRAPATEIRA ▸ Hotel Casa Fajarda (or similar)
VILA DO BISPO ▸ Hotel Mira Sagres (or similar)
SAGRES ▸ Mareta Beach B&B (or similar)
SALEMA ▸Hotel Residencial Salema (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 10 stages of Fisherman Trail it is necessary an excellent 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. In addition to the detailed map of the island, 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.
You can book at any date!
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 15thand June 15th
(NOT bookable between December and January)
1045 € ▸ 985€ per person in double/twin room (2 persons)
| Single Suplement (room for single use)
(...and 3rd person): + 495 €
Solo Traveller (1 person): 1898 € ▸ 1785 €
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 - 11 nights in different small charming hotels or apartments, B&B basis
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival
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
▸Lunches & Dinners
Cancellation Policy
▸ Up to 21 days before the date of arrival, 100% refund.
▸Between 15 and 7 days before the arrival date, 50% refund, or free of charge dates change.
▸ Between 6 and 3 days before the arrival date, 25% refund, no date changes permitted.
▸48 hours before the arrival date, 0% refund, no date changes permitted.
or 
2nd stage: Vila Nova de Milfontes ▸ Almograve
3rd stage: Almograve ▸ Zambujeira do Mar
4th stage: Zambujeira do Mar ▸ Odeceixe
5th stage: Odeceixe ▸ Aljezur
6th stage: Aljezur ▸ Praia da Arrifana
7th stage: Praia da Arrifana ▸ Carrapateira
8th stage: Carrapateira ▸ Vila do Bispo
9th stage: Vila do Bispo ▸ Sagres
10th stage: Sagres ▸ Salema
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.
Accommodations - 11 nights in different small charming hotels or apartments, B&B basis 
Informations - personalised information by video-talk (if desired) on your arrival day 
informative material - maps to be picked up at the hotel reception, upon arrival 
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
