As with all clifftop trails great care should be taken in proximity to the edge at certain spots. The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) is a coastal trail that often runs directly beside the sea. As there are places where the paths are close to the cliffs, we do not recommend these tours for hikers with vertigo or a fear of heights.

When is the best time to walk the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail)?

While Portugal enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, it’s essential to note seasonal variations. The peak season for walking the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) aligns with the warmer and drier months, typically from April to September. During this time, you can expect more daylight hours and favorable hiking conditions, ideal for exploring the rugged coastline and picturesque villages.

However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and relish a quieter journey, consider walking during the shoulder seasons of March-May or September-October. While these months might bring slightly cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall, they offer distinct advantages. It is also important to note that the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal, while offering stunning landscapes and cultural experiences, can become bustling tourist hubs during peak seasons, drawing crowds eager to soak up the sun, indulge in local cuisine, and explore the region’s historical sites and natural wonders.

Ultimately, the best time to walk the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) depends on your preferences for weather, crowd levels and scenery. Whether you choose the bustling energy of summer or the serene charm of shoulder season, each season brings its own distinct charm to this glorious coastal trail. The hiking season is from February to November on this trail with bookings closed during July and August due to the likely peak summer heat during those times.

How long does it take to hike the Rota Vicentina?

Hiking the full Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail), covering both the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail, typically takes around 10 to 14 days, depending on your pace, starting point, and the specific trails you choose to explore. The entire route spans approximately 400 kilometers (about 250 miles), offering a diverse and rewarding hiking experience through Portugal’s stunning coastal landscapes and rural countryside.

At Hillwalk Tours, our Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) hiking tours focus on the most popular section of this beautiful coastal trail, beginning at the official start at São Torpes Beach, near Porto Covo and Sines in the Alentejo region of Portugal, and ending in the picturesque town of Odeceixe in the Algarve region. This 85 km / 53 miles long section of the Fishermen’s Trail typically takes around 4 to 6 days to hike, depending on your pace and the number of stops you make to admire the coastal scenery, relax on beaches, and explore the small villages along the route. It offers some of the best coastal walking in Europe and passes through charming seaside towns and villages such as Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar before finishing at Odeceixe. On our longer itineraries, a short transfer inland also brings you to the town of Cercal do Alentejo, from where you will follow the ‘Historical Trail’ through fields and low hills back to the coast.

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Tour Route

Types of Trails

Choosing the right hiking tour for you can be, at times, tricky. It is always important to consider your own physical capability and comfort levels.

For example, at Hillwalk Tours, we have grouped each trail route we offer into three categories depending on personal preference and fitness levels. These are – gentle, moderate, and challenging. Each of these categories, depending on the destination, will include anything from 4 to 13-day itineraries, with customers given the option to add rest days where they see fit.

Our gentle hikes are perfectly suited for those who would consider themselves as a part-time hiker who enjoys taking photos and meeting locals while taking in the spectacular scenery. Our moderate hikes will suit people who are used to regular exercise and appreciate the opportunity of covering plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits. Finally, our challenging hikes are for hikers who look to set off early in the morning and not stop until they have reached their destination.

With regards to our Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) tours, we offer gentle, moderate and challenging hikes. Each of these hiking categories cover the following average hiking distance and time each day:

Gentle: 10-14km or 6-9 miles and between 3-5 hours per day

Moderate: 17-20km or 11-12 miles and between 5-7 hours per day

Challenging: 23-29km or 14-18 miles and between 6-9 hours per day

Hillwalk Tours Guide Notes

If you decide to walk the trail with Hillwalk Tours, you will receive a detailed walking pack once you have fully booked your hiking holiday. This walking pack will include detailed Ordnance Survey (OS) maps and unique route notes and walking directions written and constantly updated by our route development team. By personally walking each trail and creating our own detailed route notes, it allows us to provide more itineraries, route options and alternatives than what you will typically find across generic guidebooks. It also includes GPS tracks meaning you will never have to worry about getting lost.

Starting and Finishing Point

The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail – Trilho dos Pescadores) itself begins at Sao Torpes, which is the official start of the trail. The 10km (6 miles) stage from here to Porto Covo is probably the shortest and most gentle hike of the entire Rota Vicentina. You should therefore have some time to relax on one of the many easily accessible beaches along this section. There, the route also enters the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park that protects this vast coastline with its stunning beaches, pristine dunes and initially low cliffs. These cliffs will increase in magnitude and get more impressive as you travel south over the following days.

From the charming little fishing village of Porto Covo the route passes the island of Pessegueiro with its ancient ruins and nearby 16th century fort on the mainland built to protect the coast from pirates. A landscape of endless beaches and extensive dune systems eventually rises to dramatic cliffs that lead you past hidden coves to a small fishing port. From there the route guides you through fields and meadows to the charming riverside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, located near the coast with many beautiful beaches.

Cross the river Mira on a little ferry or follow the trail over a road bridge. From the lovely beach at Furnas, the route follows a relaxing inland stretch through farmland and along shady shrubs before it returns to the coast at the beautiful Brejo Largo Beach. It eventually turns inland towards the small village of Almograve. From Almograve you follow a wonderful, varied section with red sand dunes, cliffs, the smell of pine forests, little fishing villages, a lighthouse near Cavaleiro and of course the unique sight of storks nesting and resting on precipitous cliff edges and sea stacks – one of the highlights of the Rota Vicentina.

Next is Zambujeira do Mar, a laid back seaside village that sits on top of steep cliffs and overlooks a lovely bay and beach. The trail continues with an excellent hike 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.

At Odeceixe the Fishermen’s Trail leaves the Alentejo and enters the Algarve. A circular 15km (9.5 miles) walk from Odeceixe first follows the Fishermen’s Trail along a river back to the fabulous Odeceixe Beach and then along the first cliffs of the Algarve before turning inland through fields and pastures to return to Odeceixe.

Sample Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Itineraries

The following are examples of Hillwalk Tours Gentle, Moderate and Challenging itineraries of hiking Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail).

Gentle 6-Day

Day 1: Arrival in Porto Covo

Day 2: Pessegueiro Island Beach – Vila Nova de Milfontes (16km or 10 miles)

Day 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (or Longueira) (15km or 9.5 miles)

Day 4: Almograve – Cavaleiro (13.5km or 10 miles)

Day 5: Cavaleiro – Zambujeira do Mar (12km or 7.5 miles)

Day 6: Departure from Zambujeira do Mar

Challenging 7-Day

Day 1: Arrival in Porto Covo

Day 2: Cercal to Alentejo – Porto Covo (16km or 10 miles)

Day 3: Sao Torpes – Vila Nova de Milfontes (30km or 18.5 miles)

Day 4: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Cavaleiro (25km or 15.5 miles)

Day 5: Cavaleiro – Odeceixe (30km or 18.5 miles)

Day 6: Odeceixe to the Sea (Circular Walk) (15km or 9.5 miles)

Day 7: Departure from Odeceixe

Gentle 8-Day

Day 1: Arrival in Port Covo

Day 2: Sao Torpes – Pessegueiro Island Beach (13km or 8 miles)

Day 3: Pessegueiro Island Beach – Vila Nova de Milfontes (16km or 10 miles)

Day 4: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (or Longueira) (15km or 9.5 miles)

Day 5: Almograve – Cavaleiro (13.5km or 10 miles)

Day 6: Cavaleiro – Zambujeira do Mar (12km or 7.5 miles)

Day 7: Quinta da Azenha (Brejão) – Odeceixe (11km or 7 miles)

Day 8: Departure from Odeceixe

Moderate 9-Day

Day 1: Arrival in Porto Covo

Day 2: Cercal do Alentejo – Porto Covo (16km or 10 miles)

Day 3: Sao Torpes – Porto Covo (10.5km or 6.5 miles)

Day 4: Porto Covo – Vila Nova de Milfontes (20km or 12.5 miles)

Day 5: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (or Longueira) (15km or 9.5 miles)

Day 6: Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar (22km or 13.5 miles)

Day 7: Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe (19km or 12 miles)

Day 8: Odeceixe to the Sea (Circular Walk) (15km or 9.5 miles)

Day 9: Departure from Odeceixe

Gentle 10-Day

Day 1: Arrival in Porto Covo

Day 2: Cercal to Alentejo – Porto Covo (16km or 10 miles)

Day 3: Cercal to Alentejo – Porto Covo (13km or 8 miles)

Day 4: Sao Torpes – Pessegueiro Island Beach (13km or 8 miles)

Day 5: Pessegueiro Island Beach – Vila Nova de Milfontes (16km or 10 miles)

Day 6: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (or Longueira) (15km or 9.5 miles)

Day 7: Almograve – Cavaleiro (13.5km or 10 miles)

Day 8: Cavaleiro – Zambujeira do Mar (12km or 7.5 miles)

Day 9: Quinta da Azenha farm (Brejão) – Odeceixe (11km or 7 miles)

Day 10: Departure from Odeceixe

Hillwalk Tours Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Map

The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Path Terrain

Waymarking

The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) is well-marked and regularly checked by volunteers. You’ll see green and blue painted stripes to guide you while walking the trail. When the trail changes direction, the stripes do too. If you see crossed stripes, it means you’re going the wrong way. These markers are found on poles, rocks, trees, buildings, and fences.

Difficulty

The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) is a coastal trail that often runs directly beside the sea. As there are places where the paths are close to the cliffs, we do not recommend these tours for hikers with vertigo or a fear of heights. As always we offer three different grade of trail routes: Gentle, Moderate and Challenging so there is something for hikers of all abilities.

Sights & Attractions

1. Porto Covo

Porto Covo, a traditional Portuguese fishing village, centers around the charming Praça Marquês de Pombal. Historically a bustling fishing hub, its small harbour now caters to both fishing and tourist boat trips to Ilha do Pessegueiro. The village is also renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and secluded coves along the cliffs.

2. São Torpes Beach (Praia de São Torpes)

Praia de São Torpes near Sines and at the start of the Rota Vicentina, is a Blue Flag beach with sandy shores extending into the Southwest Alentejo Natural Park. Despite the nearby retired power plant and port of Sines, the beach is a popular surf spot known for its excellent waves, attracting surfers and kite surfers of all levels. The beach also caters to swimmers and visitors with surf schools, café-restaurants and facilities like bars and restrooms.

3. Samoqueira Beach (Praia da Samoqueira)

Samoqueira Beach, located 1km north of Porto Covo is a 460m long rugged stretch of sand featuring rocky outcrops, caves, a waterfall, and natural pools at low tide. The beach is divided into a more open northern area and a southern area filled with rock formations. It is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

4. Pessegueiro Island Beach & Forts

Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro, the largest beach near Porto Covo at over 1km long is a must-visit destination. The beach features stunning water interspersed with rocks and inlets, creating natural pools and a picturesque setting. Pessegueiro Island, located south of Porto Covo has historical significance dating back to Carthaginian navigators and a Roman-era fishing community. In the 16th century, construction began on the Santo Alberto Fort on the island to prevent pirate footholds and support the mainland’s Nossa Senhora da Queimada Fort though the island fort was never completed. The mainland fort, completed in the late 17th century, is open to visitors Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and in summer, boats offer trips to the island, retracing routes used since ancient times.

5. Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes, meaning “the village of the thousand springs,” is one of the oldest and most charming settlements on this coast, founded in 1485 by King John II as an economic and defensive center in the Alentejo region. Known as the “Princess of the Alentejo,” it boasts a picturesque, whitewashed center and a laid-back population. The area is also home to several beautiful beaches.

6. Aivados Beach (Praia dos Aivados)

Aivados Beach, part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, is a long stretch of untamed natural beauty. The area features diverse vegetation, including species unique to this habitat. Known for its waves, the uncrowded sand and pebble beach is popular among surfers and frequently hosts surfing events and competitions.

7. Odeceixe

Odeceixe (pronounced ‘Oh-de-sesh-ee’) is a cosy, friendly river town marking the point where the Rota Vicentina transitions from the Alentejo region to the Algarve. Its name derives from the Old Portuguese word ‘Odi,’ meaning ‘river,’ and the local river Seixe. The village, with its winding streets and hidden stairways, appears compact but is actually quite long, extending up to the windmill 80m (260ft) above the center, adding a picturesque charm to the landscape. A few kilometers west, where the Seixe river meets the Atlantic Ocean, lies Praia de Odeceixe, known for its vast beaches and imposing cliffs.

8. Storks Nests

Along the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail), the world’s only colony of white storks nesting on sea cliffs thrives, with over 40 occupied nests notably near Cabo Sardão. Nesting on cliffs offers protection from terrestrial predators, though the exposed nests endure harsh spring weather. Many stork couples remain migratory, returning at winter’s end to find their nests damaged, requiring extensive repairs. These silent birds (they have no voice boxes and clap their beaks in a mating ritual) have thrived since being officially protected in the 1980’s. Their population has grown since and because of this you may see storks nesting on telegraph poles. A unique behaviour to this region is the storks staying all year round and nesting on the cliff edges. This is not seen anywhere else in the world.

Wildlife

Along the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail), a diverse array of wildlife awaits discovery amidst the coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, and rural countryside of the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal. Birdwatchers will delight in sightings of various avian species such as seagulls, cormorants, herons, falcons and of course the iconic storks. Storks are revered symbols of fertility, good luck, and prosperity in Portuguese culture. Their massive nests can be spotted atop chimneys, poles, church steeples and other structures throughout the countryside, adding to the picturesque charm of the landscape. In addition to avian residents, marine life such as dolphins, sea otters and seals can often be observed offshore while mammals like rabbits, foxes, and wild boar inhabit the rural areas. Vibrant wildflowers, lizards basking in the sun and a myriad of insects and butterflies further enrich the rich natural tapestry of the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail).

History of The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail)

The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) was set up in the early 2000s. Local people wanted to highlight the region’s beautiful coastline and countryside by attracting tourism to benefit what was traditionally a relatively poor area while at the same time protecting the environment. The Fishermen’s Trail follows old paths used by local fishermen who would perch precariously over the waves on rocky outcrops. Officially launched in 2012 to great fanfare and expectation, it has been a great success extending the season for the coastal economy. Thousands come each year to enjoy the scenery and marvel at the vibrancy of the wild Atlantic coastline. 

Did you know?

The red sand found along the Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) derives from the local geology of the region. The Alentejo region, where the Rota Vicentina is located, is known for its unique geological formations, including cliffs, dunes and beaches with varying colors of sand. The red sand contain minerals like iron oxide which give it its distinctive color.

Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Pop Culture

Film and TV

While the Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal are known for their stunning landscapes, they haven’t been as widely featured in major films compared to other locations such as Lisbon.

The Boys from Brasil

When you get a cast such as Gregory Peck, Laurence Olivier, James Mason, Denholm Elliott, and Steve Guttenberg (pre Police Academy days) you know you are in for an interesting film. The film deals with how a Nazi hunter in Paraguay discovers a sinister and bizarre plot to rekindle the Third Reich. Although the bulk of the film is set in South America filming there was “logistically impossible” so the decision was made to shoot it in Lisbon

The Ninth Gate (1999)

The Ninth Gate is a 1999 neo-noir horror thriller film directed, produced, and co-written by Roman Polanski. An international co-production between the United States, Portugal, France, and Spain, the film is loosely based upon Arturo Pérez-Reverte’s 1993 novel The Club Dumas. Some scenes were shot in the Chalet Biester (above).

The House of the Dragon

This Game of Thrones prequel had a number of exotic locations one of which was Monsanto, once voted the most Portuguese village in Portugal.

Books

Baltasar and Blimunda by Jose Saramago

From the recipient of the 1998 Nobel Prize in Literature, a “brilliant…enchanting novel” (New York Times Book Review) of romance, deceit, religion, and magic set in eighteenth-century Portugal at the height of the Inquisition.

Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

In this captivating Lisbon-set mystery, Swiss classics teacher Raimund Gregorious embarks on an unexpected journey. A chance encounter with a Portuguese woman inspires him to leave his life behind.

Alentejo Blue by Monica Ali

A collection of short stories set in the Alentejo province of Portugal features a range of colorful characters, linked by a vivid sense of place and time

Emily’s Algarve Escape by DCR Bond

Escape to the Algarve with this gripping family drama. Set in the exclusive area of the Algarve known as the “Golden Triangle”, this fast paced novel follows a family of expats fleeing the UK to live alongside some of Portugal’s most magnificent luxury holiday resorts.

Food and Drink

Pasta del Nata

Pastel de Nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart pastry with a flaky crust and creamy filling, often sprinkled with cinnamon or powdered sugar. Its origins trace back to the 18th century in Lisbon, where it remains a beloved dessert enjoyed throughout Portugal and beyond.

Caldo Verde

Caldo Verde is a traditional Portuguese soup made with thinly sliced kale, potatoes, onions, and garlic, simmered in a tasty broth typically seasoned with olive oil and salt. It’s often served with slices of chouriço, a smoked or spicy Portuguese sausage, added for extra depth of flavor.

Caldeirada

Caldeirada is a traditional Portuguese fish stew made with a variety of fish and shellfish, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all simmered together in a fragrant broth seasoned with herbs and spices. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish often enjoyed along the coast, with variations featuring local seafood catch.

Carne de porco a Alentejana

Carne de porco à Alentejana is a traditional Portuguese dish originating from the Alentejo region, featuring tender chunks of marinated pork, cooked with clams, potatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish with a unique combination of land and sea flavors, making it a beloved staple of Portuguese cuisine.

Pastéis de bacalhau

Pastéis de bacalhau are traditional Portuguese codfish cakes made from salted cod, potatoes, onions, eggs, and parsley, mixed together into a dough and deep-fried until golden and crispy. They are a popular snack or appetizer in Portugal, loved for their savory flavor and crispy texture, often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon or accompanied by a dipping sauce.

Azeitonas

As with almost all cultures associated with the Mediterranean, Azeitonas or olives, are a a cherished part of Portuguese culinary tradition and staple in local cuisine. Enjoyed both as a snack and as a key ingredient in various dishes, these small, flavorful fruits come in a variety of types, from briny green to rich black, and are often marinated in olive oil, herbs, and spices to enhance their taste. They are served as part of a tapas spread, added to salads, added as a topping in pizzas or enjoyed on their own.

Coffee

Coffee holds a special place in Portuguese culture with espresso being the most popular choice. 80% of coffee consumed in the country is done in cafés so coffee plays a vital role in the social lives of the Portuguese people.  Local cafés are bustling hubs where people gather to enjoy their bica (espresso) or galão (milky coffee), often accompanied by a pastel de nata or other sweet treat. The Portuguese take their coffee seriously, with a strong preference for quality and flavor.

Wine

In southern Iberian Peninsula, some archeological finds attest that the consumption of wine occurred around the 7th to the 6th century B.C. and production started in the 5th to the 4th century B.C. Romans did much to expand and promote viticulture in their settlements especially in Estremadura and the south of Portugal. From the famous Port wines of the Douro Valley to the crisp Vinho Verde (green wine) from the Minho region, Portugal offers a diverse array of wines to suit every palate. Once better known for its cork production than its wines Alentejo’s voluptuous red and aromatic white wines are being recognized around the world for their distinctive character, versatility, and excellent aging potential. Whether enjoyed as a fine accompaniment to a meal or savored during a leisurely afternoon, Portuguese wine is world class reflecting the country’s unique terroir and dedication to craftsmanship making it a cherished aspect of both everyday life and special occasions.

Wine Produced in Clay Amphorae or Talhas

In the south of Alentejo an ancient tradition first started by the Romans and Greeks continues to this day where large clay amphorae are used to store and distribute wine. Traditionally these can be found in farms but now increasingly restaurants are using them. The traditions particularly strong in Georgia but since 2018 a revival in the practice has seen an increasing amount of producers offering their wine in these huge vessels which can be taller than a fully grown adult. You may be lucky enough to find a restaurant where a set fee is charged for your wine which enables you to refill your glass from the talha as many times as you wish. Essentially this is the Portuguese version of all you can eat but with wine!

St Martins Day (November 11) marks the official first tasting of current vintage wines from Alentejo’s talha clay pots. Traditionally, villagers moved from house to house and between small tabernas or adegas (wineries) sharing food, tasting each other’s wines, and celebrating the fresh vintage

Cork Production

Portugal is the world’s second largest exporter of Cork and its largest producer. The Alentejo region which covers about one third of Portugal’s land mass is famous for its cork trees whose aging bark is carefully harvested every 9 years to produce stoppers for wine as well as fabric, flooring products, health and industrial material. Once the tree’s interior is exposed the cork bark no longer grows on it so harvesting is special skill which has of late has resulted in a reduced number of workers due to the lack of young people taking up the profession. A skilled cork harvester can reputedly earn €120 per day! Demand for cork is growing as it is a fully renewable product which also acts as a carbon sink. Each tree captures 73kg of CO2.

Is The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Vegan Friendly

The vegan diet has become more and more popular throughout Europe in recent years, and you will find that there are plenty of vegan options available in most eateries. Each of the accommodation we work with at Hillwalk Tours have given us their guarantee that vegan breakfasts will be catered for once they have been informed. That being said, some of the more rural locations of the trail may have limited options so we advise bringing certain items such as plant-based milk, nut butters or protein powders if you so choose.

In addition, the following apps show restaurants which offer vegetarian and/or vegan opions:

• Happy Cow (€0.99)
• Vanilla Bean (free)

Nearby Trails

There are various other trails available to you once you have completed Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail). Here are other Hillwalk Tours self-guided hiking tours we offer:

• Camino Frances (Spain)
• West Highland Way (Scotland)
• Dingle Way (Ireland)

Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Tips and FAQs

 

Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) Image Gallery

Hillwalk Tours

About Us

Hillwalk Tours is an award-winning walking tour operator which specialise in self-guided walking holidays in Ireland, Scotland, England, Wales and along the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Our goal is to create happy experiences for all of our customers, suppliers & staff.

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Leave No Trace

We like to walk in nature and since you are reading this – we believe you do too! It is important to ensure that our impact on the environment is limited so that hikers can enjoy the same view after us. The rule applies: when you leave, make sure that nature looks the same as when you arrived or simply put “leave no trace.” As more and more people take to the great outdoors, our collective mark on the environment increases.

What does this mean in reality? Of course, do not leave any rubbish or waste behind. Do not collect stones, flowers, or other “souvenirs”. Don’t carve your name on a tree or break branches… I think you get the drift. It is imperative for walkers to play their part in making sure litter, damage to vegetation and all forms of pollution are limited.

Noise can also be a form of pollution. Whoever walks through a forest talking and laughing loudly, for example, ruins the peace and quiet of other walkers, who can no longer hear the birds. The same goes for cell phones that suddenly start ringing. Keep the volume down and respect your surroundings. Ultimately, the point is to ensure that as many people as possible can enjoy walking through nature. So that applies to you, but also to those who tread the path after you.

Hillwalk Tours proudly supports sustainable tourism and loves the countryside as it is – wild, peaceful and clean. We are proud to support the “Leave No Trace” initiative that aims to preserve the natural beauty of each nations countryside where we offer hiking holidays. We try to create happy experiences for our accommodation too, and the restaurants, shops and taxi companies that serve our walkers. These are often small businesses located in isolated areas that have been left behind by urban migration and a lack of investment in rural regions. Their warm hospitality and friendly welcomes epitomise the magic of a Hillwalk Tour and we’re dedicated to helping keep these rural communities alive.

The Benefits of Hiking

In recent years, walking and hiking outdoors has been widely reported to have numerous physical and mental health benefits. The following are examples of some of these benefits:

Improve strength and fitness

• Weight loss
• Muscle gain
• Improve metabolism
• Improve digestion
• Better quality sleep
• Increase in Vitamin D
• Improve discipline
• Sense of achievement
• Living in the present moment

Hiking Equipment List

For a more in-depth list of recommended hiking equipment list, click here.