Rota Vicentina - the Fishermen's Trail

Hiking the Rota Vicentina trail in Portugal

Walk along many traditional fishing villages & natural coves on the Rota Vicentina | John Millen

Walking the Rota Vicentina trail in Portugal

Get away from the crowds on the Rota Vicentina long-distance walking path | John Millen

Wildflowers & cliffs along Portugal's Rota Vicentina | John Millen

Walk the Rota Vicentina between Porto Covo and Odeceixe | John Millen

Churches on the Rota Vicentina | John Millen

Hiker on the Rota Vicentina in western Portugal

Hiking the Rota Vicentina trail in Portugal

Walk along many traditional fishing villages & natural coves on the Rota Vicentina | John Millen

Walking the Rota Vicentina trail in Portugal

Get away from the crowds on the Rota Vicentina long-distance walking path | John Millen

Wildflowers & cliffs along Portugal's Rota Vicentina | John Millen

Walk the Rota Vicentina between Porto Covo and Odeceixe | John Millen

Hiker on the Rota Vicentina in western Portugal

moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

Activities

self guided walk

Accommodation

6 nights in rural B&Bs and 3 star hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

7 Days£690GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: RVC

Trip highlights

Hike through the impressive coastal scenery of the Alentejo region
Stay in comfortable family run accommodation in pretty coastal towns
Swim at remote beaches away from the busy resorts
Get away from the crowds on this new long-distance walking path

The Rota Vicentina is a long-distance footpath which opened in 2013 and represents a successful eco-tourism initiative to develop low impact tourism in a relatively untouched region of Portugal. The trail connects Cape St Vincent, Portugal's most south-westerly point, to the village of Odeceixe, where it splits into two trails; the Historical Way which heads inland and the Fishermen's Trail which follows the coast to Porto Covo. This trip follows the Fishermen's Trail from Porto Covo to Odeceixe. To the south of the bustling capital of Lisbon awaits a contrasting landscape of wild beauty, where tourists rarely visit despite endless beaches and authentic fishing villages. This is the Alentejo region, covering a third of Portugal's land mass but just 4% of its population. Following this dramatic coast where wildflowers and butterflies keep company with just a handful of hikers, there is ample opportunity to take a swim or a rest break overlooking the endless ocean. In the evening, enjoy carefully handpicked accommodation where your hosts take pride in the cuisine and culture of the region and where delicious seafood and delectable wine is standard.

Countries:

Portugal

Starting Point:

Porto Covo

Finishing Point:

Odeceixe

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Day 1
Arrive in the fishing town of Porto Covo

Make your own way to the first hotel in Porto Covo, or we can assist with a transfer from Lisbon on request (ask for our rates). Porto Covo is a beautiful beach resort town located on the western Alentejo coastline. The small town is surrounded by some of the finest beaches of central Portugal.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Walk to Vila Nova de Milfontes along white sand beaches (6-7hrs)

On your first day's walk you will follow the coast, along the vast sand dunes area of Ilha do Pessegueiro, Aivados and Malhão beaches. You'll discover small deserted coves. The terrain today is constantly sandy, but the diversity of the beaches you pass will surprise you. Overnight at Vila Nova de Milfontes. Distance: 19km/11.8mi

Meals: B

Day 3
Continue along rugged cliffs to Almograve (5hrs)

During today's walk you will marvel at the views over Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira river and the point where it meets the ocean. Leaving Vila Nova de Milfontes you can walk or avoid the first few kilometres and cross the river by boat (not included). The natural vegetation that covers the hillsides attracts many different bird and small mammal species. At low tide you will be able to see the marshes on the river bends, which are partially submerged and covered with reeds. Continue along rugged cliffs to Almograve, where you will stay overnight. Distance: 15km/9.3mi

Meals: B

Day 4
Walk to the white village of Zambujeira do Mar (6-7hrs)

Today you will walk past small fishing harbours and reddish sand dunes, all while delighting in the scent of pine tree forests and the sight, seen nowhere else in the world, of storks nesting on the cliffs. The cliffs you will see during this part of the journey, despite being exposed to the salty ocean winds, are the nesting site for over twenty species of bird! These include Jackdaw, Shag, Common Kestrel, Rock Dove, White Stork, Peregrine Falcon and Black Redstart. This afternoon you will arrive in the white village of Zambujeira do Mar - your destination for today. Distance: 20km/12.4mi

Meals: B

Day 5
Continue on foot to Odeceixe (6hrs)

Today is another interesting walk along the clifftops. Along the way you will pass the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália. You'll find a natural fishing harbour at Azenha do Mar. A real highlight of today is the stunning views of Odeceixe beach seen from the majestic Ponta em Branco. Overnight in Odeceixe. Distance: 18km/11.2mi

Meals: B

Day 6
Day at leisure to relax at the beach or optional walk (3-4hrs)

Today you have the choice of spending the day at leisure, relaxing on the beach, or taking a short walk along the Odeceixe beach circuit. The circuit takes you along the coast on fishermen's trails. You'll walk among the dunes, passing the Seixe river and enjoying views of yesterday's walk. Overnight in Odeceixe. Optional walk distance: 9km/5.6mi A picnic lunch can be ordered from the hotel if you choose to do the optional walk. Allow EUR10 per person, payable locally. Ask for details on arrival at the hotel.

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes

The trip concludes after breakfast in Odeceixe.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

6 breakfasts
6 nights in rural B&Bs and 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Digital information pack including walking notes, maps and GPS tracks
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Porto Covo and from Odeceixe
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self guided walking holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed as included
Transfers not listed as included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Excess luggage
Hotel taxes if applicable - payable directly to the hotel
Items of a personal nature

Suitability

moderate to challenging

GRADE 4 This trip involves walking between 3 and 7 hours per day over undulating terrain, often on the beach and on sand, with some short steep ascents and descents. Daily distances range from 9-20km. We do not recommend this trip for anyone who suffers from vertigo. The trip is graded moderate to challenging and is considered suitable for active people who have a good level of fitness.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Feb to 15 Dec

Notes

High Season

DN1

High season is from 7 to 21 Apr and 1 Jun to 30 Sep. Supplement applies to high season departures.

Note:

Public holidays, special events and festivals may attract further supplements.

Note:

It is not possible to do this trip in December due to hotel closures.

Priceper person from

£690GBP

Options & Supplements*

Single supplement - low seasonGBP£360
Solo Traveller Supplement - low seasonGBP£430
Single supplement - high seasonGBP£510
Solo Traveller Supplement - high seasonGBP£580

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Personal Experience

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Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

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We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.