Rota Vicentina Coastal from Porto Covo to Sagres

You arrive in Porto Covo.

On the first day walking the Rota Vicentina Coastal route: the Fishermen’s Trail, you will set off from the main square in Porto Covo and take in the magnificent coastal path all the way to Vila Nova de Milfontes. Walkers will be amazed by number of pretty beaches along the way, such as Aivados and Malhão; as well as the sand dunes of Ilha do Pessegueiro. Be ready for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, waves crashing against the rugged coast and cliffs; as well as hidden coves. On the way, you will also encounter the iconic Pessegueiro fort. Your stop for the night is the lively town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, where the River Mira meets the Atlantic Ocean.

Today you have another walking day packed with breath taking scenery but a shorter distance, so you can take your time, walk at a more leisurely pace and take in the superb ocean views. From Vila Nova de Milfontes you will kick start the day crossing the bridge over the Mira River, enjoying great views of the river marsh. Those into bird watching should remember to bring their binoculars! A variety of bird species breed and nest in this area.

The Fishermen’s Trail, the Rota Vicentina coastal route, takes walkers today to pretty fishing harbours, pine forests and along even more dramatic and spectacular cliffs of red sand; always with the sound of the waves and the magnificent Atlantic Ocean in sight. The cliffs are home to many bird species, including the peregrine falcon, the common kestrel, white storks and the ‘pure’ rock dove. Also on the way today is the Cabo Sardão lighthouse. Your destination for today is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar (Our Lady of the Sea) in Zambujeira do Mar.

Today, you will set off from the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar on your way to the village beach and then continue on the Rota Vicentina trail. As well as enjoying another fantastic day walking along coastal cliffs you will also reach the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália; perfect for a picnic, a rest or a swim. In Azenha do Mar you will find a pretty natural harbour and from Ponta em Branco you will enjoy some of the best views of the whole trip: over the Odeceixe Beach and also the Monchique mountain range in the background. Ponta em Branco (White Headland) marks the border between the Alentejo and the Algarve regions.

Today you have the option to walk the Rota Vicentina straight from Odexeice to Aljezur (all inland for 18kms – 6h walk approximately) following the historic path or take a detour to reach the coast of Odeceixe (adding 6kms to the day – 2 more hours). From Odeceixe, you will be following the Seixe River all the way to the beach, then continue on coastal paths before heading back inland to join the traditional Rota Vicentina trail. Towards the end the day (after the village of Rogil), you will also have the option to take another coastal detour and follow the Amoreira Beach trail (adding 5kms – 2 more hours) before heading back inland and continue to your stop for the night: Aljezur. We recommend you take one of the detours at least, to enjoy the fantastic coastal views and the beach.

Today we suggest you visit the castle before leaving Aljezur, which is one of the seven castles featuring in the flag of Portugal. Instead of taking the historic trail all the way to Arrifana (12kms inland) we recommend you follow the coastal trail to Ponta da Atalaia for more superb views. The path is lined with aromatic herbs and other unique native vegetation. You will be passing valleys and farms (Aljezur is famous for its sweet potato!) along the way. This area is also known for its goose neck barnacles (perceves), harvested from exposed cliffs by intrepid fishermen, called ‘perceveiros’. Your stop for the night is the town of Arrifana.

The terrain of the Rota Vicentina trail for today, from Arrifana to Carrapateira, is varied and takes walkers to impressive cliffs and Atlantic coastline but also through peaceful forests of cork and native Portuguese oak, hills and valleys. This is another wonderful section and as you arrive to your destination for the day, you will enjoy fantastic views of the sand dunes of Bordeira beach.

Today you will continue your Rota Vicentina walking adventure setting off from the main square in Carrapateira. From there you will be heading inland towards Vila do Bispo, through peaceful forest tracks and sleepy villages. The route today will reward you with fantastic views of the mountains stretching all the way to the sea. This is a region with rich wild life and great biodiversity.

Today you will set off from the church at Vila do Bispo on your last day walking the Rota Vicentina coastal route, the Fishermen’s Trail. We recommend you follow the Telheiro Beach path, which adds a couple of kms to the route but takes you to closer to the shore so you can admire the spectacular views of the cliffs and the ocean. Your highlight and destination is the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente) and the Vale Santo (the Sacred Valley), site of pilgrimage for devotees of St Vincent but also other religions for many centuries. The cape is Europe’s most southwestern point. This spectacular area is also a privileged location for bird watchers looking to spot migrating birds in the Autumn. From the lighthouse, you will continue to the laid-back seaside resort of Sagres (5kms away), your stop for the night.

Your Rota Vicentina adventure comes to an end in Sagres, make sure you explore this relaxed coastal town and taste the delicious seafood and shellfish on offer. The name of Sagres might have an origin in the word ‘sacred’, as the area (particularly St Vincent’s Cape, Cabo de São Vicente) has been a place of pilgrimage for believers of many different religions for centuries.