We cover many possible holidays and tours here on Mild Rover but it’s not often that we can say “been there, done that”. However, the Fishermen’s Trail Highlights on Rota Vincentina in Portugal was one of the first self-guided hikes that my friend Kieran Prendiville and I tackled together.
As you will read in my detailed (and surprisingly amusing) reports, it had its ups and downs but the scenery was spectacular, if the tramping through sand dunes was in the first couple of days was a challenge.
However, if you have some experience with hiking and a couple of trusty walking poles to get you up the sandhills and down the rocky traverses, we’d recommend it,
British tour company Natural Adventure is offering an almost identical six-day, self-guided adventure, taking in the “saltiest and most sumptuous” parts of one of Portugal’s most celebrated long-distance walking routes, starting at $950pp.
Starting in Porto Côvo and finishing in Odeceixe, this holiday covers 74km in total, with some transfer shortcuts to all the hot highlights of the main trail along the coast.
Explore the cliffs and coves, fishing villages and cultural traditions in a region protected by Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Stay in small, locally-owned hotels and guesthouses, with luggage transfers.
The best times to travel are February to June and September to November, as the national park surrounding the route is closed through the height of summer.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival – Porto Côvo/Vila Nova de Milfontes
Check in and find the tour materials at your accommodation.
- Accommodation: Porto Covo, Mil Réis or similar
Day 2: Porto Côvo – Vila Nova de Milfontes | 8-20km
If you are staying in Vila Nova de Milfontes, you have a 25mins transfer to Porto Côvo (included), where you can stock up on supplies as your first day of walking is in a fantastically remote area.
This is a moderate-to-strenuous walk, crossing several sandy stretches, with some superb coastal views en route. If you want to get off to a gentle start, there are options for shorter walks today, of either 14km or 8km.
- Walking for the day: 20km, 6h ,↑160m ↓150m (or 14km / 8km alternative walks)
- Accommodation: Mil Réis or similar
Day 3: Milfontes – Almograve / Longuerira | 15km
Today’s walk is an easy one, starting off by crossing the river by ferry, or via the footbridge, then continuing across fields and along cliffs, with access to several beaches, one of which is in Almograve, a perfect lunch spot. In the afternoon, walk to the village of Longueira, around 35mins inland.
- Walking for the day: 15km, 5h, ↑90m ↓115m (full walk)
- Accommodation: Vicentina Rooms or similar
Day 4: Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar | 21km
Continue along the trail from Almograve through the unspoilt seascapes of Alentejo, Zambujeira fishing village and onto the small village of Cavaleiro, with more superb coastal views en route.
Stop in Cavaleiro for supplies or treat yourself to some fine local seafood, before heading west to Cabo Sardão lighthouse. Your walk finishes in Zambujeira do Mar, considered by many to be one of the most extraordinary beaches in Portugal.
- Walking for the day: 21km, 6h, ↑200m ↓200m
- Accommodation: Rosa dos Ventos or similar
Day 5: Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe | 18km
This is one of the most spectacular sections of the Fishermen’s Trail, taking you to Odeceixe, the first village in the Algarve region. Walk past the stunning Praia do Carvalhal, then on to the clifftop village of Azenha do Mar and harbour.
After recharging your batteries at Azenha do Mar’s seafood restaurant, or perhaps just taking a swim in their famous natural seawater pool, continue on to Odeceixe, where the bridge over the river sets the border between Alentejo and Algarve regions.
Day 6: Departure
Departure or extend your stay.
