9-Day / 8-Night Moderate

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Porto Covo.

This delightful hike connects the Historical Way to the Fishermen’s Trail in the northern part of the Rota Vicentina. After a morning transfer, you start in the old town of Cercal to Alentejo. From here you initially head west through farmland and then climb through some low hills covered by eucalyptus and cork oak. The trail then drops to the coast plain and veers north towards the Atlantic Ocean and the picturesque fishing village of Porto Covo.

Sao Torpes is the official start of the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) and this is probably the shortest and most gentle hike the entire Rota Vicentina. You should therefore have some time to relax at the beaches. As you leave the industry of Sines, after a short morning transfer, you enter a natural park that protects this vast coastline with its stunning beaches, pristine dunes and initially low cliffs. These increase in magnitude and get more dramatic as you travel south over the following days.

A spectacular day along vast areas of sand dunes with inviting beaches, dramatic cliffs, remote, little coves, bright wildflowers and hardy seabirds. At Pessegueiro, you can explore a historic fort or stop at the welcoming café. Allow time for a swim, if you like. But please keep in mind that this is a long and also more strenuous stage, due to longer sections with soft sand.

The first 2.5km of this short section is mainly on roads before following a woodland path above the River Mira. This can easily be avoided by taking a ferry across the river. From the lovely beach at Furnas, the route follows a relaxing inland stretch through farmland and along shady shrubs. The trail returns to the coast at the beautiful Brejo Largo Beach before eventually turning inland towards the small village of Almograve.

A wonderful, varied section with red sand dunes, cliffs, the smell of pine forests, little fishing villages, a lighthouse and the unique sight of storks nesting and resting on precipitous cliff edges and sea stacks – one of the highlights of the Rota Vicentina. The day concludes with the beautiful bay and beachfront at Zambujeira do Mar.

An excellent hike with some variety that spends almost the whole day close to the ocean with dramatic views. You pass the beautiful beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália before a short detour inland. The route then continues to Azenha do Mar, where you will find a natural fishing harbour with some inviting restaurants. Follow the coast to one of the most outstanding views along the trail: Odeceixe Beach and the river seen from the majestic cliffs at Ponta em Branco.

This circular route combines the richness of the river Seixe floodplain, a beautiful stretch of the Fishermen’s Trail and a view at the rural life of the inhabitants of the plains of Maria Vinagre, before finishing with the best views of Odeceixe, from the washhouse and the mill. While you pass Praia de Odeceixe early into the hike, it is an excellent opportunity for one last dip into the waves or a relaxing coffee by the seaside.

There are frequent bus connections from Odeceixe to Lagos and towards Faro Airport or directly to Lisbon. Alternatively, it is possible to get taxi transfers from Odeceixe to the airports at Faro or Lisbon. Please ask your host or the reception staff at your hotel for further information for onwards travel.