Rota Vicentina South Portugal

Rota Vicentina Coastal from Porto Covo to Sagres

Rate:
Price: 995€
  • Activity Walking
  • Distance 192 km
  • Duration Up to 10 nights
  • Difficulty Difficult
  • Tour Type Self-Guided Caminos
  • Time To Go March, April, May, Sept, Oct & November

Rota Vicentina Coastal from Porto Covo to Sagres

The Rota Vicentina Coastal from Porto Covo to Sagres, also known as ‘the Fishermen’s Trail’, is a magnificent coastal trail taking walkers along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean in a region of spectacular beauty in Southern Portugal.

Walkers will be amazed by the breathtaking landscapes of this off-the-beaten-track area in the Alentejo and the Algarve. You will be following in the footsteps of local fishermen who have used these tracks to reach the best fishing spots along the coast for many generations.

This is certainly a more challenging walking trail in parts with rugged cliffs and sandy beaches, making it quite exerting. We would therefore recommend a certain level of fitness for walkers embarking on this route.

Spectacular cliffs, superb beaches, and quaint fishing villages make this trail simply unmissable. Enjoying balmy temperatures throughout the year, the Rota Vicentina Coastal from Porto Covo to Sagres is ideal to travel in the Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September, October, and even November). This makes it the perfect route for winter walking getaways in the sun.

While the Rota Vicentina Fishermen’s Trail is not part of the Camino de Santiago route network, the trail takes walkers to the Cape St Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), a traditional place of pilgrimage for centuries.

For more things you probably didn’t know about this Portuguese trail, we have compiled this list of 7 Things to expect on the Rota Vicentina.

If you would like to read a more detailed account of what it is like to walk on the Rota Vicentina, please read “A Coastal trail to remember” by Jim Gallagher.

You can choose to walk the trail from Porto Covo (10 nights) or from Odexeice (6 nights). Click below to create your trip. This route is available for walking only.

Map of the Rota Vicentina: The Fishermen's Trail

Itinerary of the Rota Vicentina: The Fishermen's Trail

Porto Covo

Stage: Porto Covo

You arrive in Porto Covo.

19 km

Vila Nova de Milfontes

Stage: Vila Nova de Milfontes

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.

15 km

Almograve

Stage: Almograve

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.

22 km

Zambujeira do Mar

Stage: Zambujeira do Mar

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.

18 km

Odeceixe

Stage: Odeceixe

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.

26 km

Aljezur

Stage: Aljezur

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.

17 km

Arrifana

Stage: Arrifana

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.

24 km

Carrapateira

Stage: Carrapateira

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.

21 km

Vila do Bispo

Stage: Vila do Bispo

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.

20 km

Sagres

Stage: Sagres

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.

Accommodation

Standard Hotels

We have hand-picked hotels and guesthouses along the Camino for their character and warm hospitality. Up to 3-stars, you will be staying in the centre of town and close to your Camino trail. All rooms are en-suite with bathroom. For our family packages, we have hand-picked establishments with outdoor space and swimming pools where possible. Where accommodation with private outdoor space is not available, we have selected comfortable hotels with spacious common areas as well as a convenient location close to recreational areas and sights. As your comfort is our priority, we try to book hotels located within walking distance of the Camino. Despite our effort, on rare occasions your accommodation can be located a few kilometers away from the trail, so we organise transportation to/from your accommodation.

Standard Hotel & Guesthouse

Access

How to Get There

Live information on Rome2Rio. We can also arrange private transfers if you prefer, just ask us.

Porto Covo

Lisbon Airport 170km: From Lisbon airport you can take the metro to Jardim Zoologico metro station, to reach Sete Rios bus station. There is only one bus a day from Lisbon (from Sete Rios bus station) to Porto Covo operated by Rede Expressos and the journey takes 2h30 approximately. Tickets can be pre-booked online up to 30 days in advance. See: https://rede-expressos.pt/pt for details. Bear in mind this is a seasonal bus service. Another alternative is to take the bus to Vila Nova de Milfontes and then take a taxi (20km). The bus to Vila Nova departs from Sete Rios also and is operated by Rede Expressos. It is also seasonal but it is more regular than the bus to Porto Covo.

If you are starting in Odexeice you will have to take a bus from Faro to Lagos and then a bus from Lagos to Odexeice (twice a day).

Sagres

Faro Airport 115km: From Sagres you can take a bus to Lagos and from Lagos to Faro central station (see www.eva-bus.com). Once in Faro central station you can take a shuttle bus to the airport.

Whats Included

  • Included: Selected accommodation with private bathrooms, Holiday Pack on your mobile phone (Route ebook and Google Maps) and a 24/7 support number providing assistance during your trip, for instance organising a support vehicle if needed.
  • Not included: Flights, drinks, city tax, Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Optional: Luggage transfers (On by default. One bag up to 20kg per person), dinners (On by default, where available), bike rental (On by default) and airport transfers, etc…

Note on Accommodation: We aim to book you into each of the towns listed on the itinerary, however in case of low availability we may book you 2 nights in the same town with provided transfers. If you are booking Superior collection or Country cottages, please note it is subject to availability and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Superior/Country cottage accommodation may be away from the route with included transfers. More details.

Have questions? Read our FAQ pages.

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