Duration
8 days/7 nights/6 stages
Trip type
Hiking
Accomodation
Selected
Premium
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Accommodations offering top-tier comfort, distinctive character, and unique charm. Includes 5-star hotels, the finest rooms in 4-star hotels when 5-star options are unavailable, historic properties, and intimate boutique hotels with a refined atmosphere.
Selected
Comfortable and hand-picked accommodations in central locations, offering a mix of quality and local charm. Features 4-star hotels, 3-star hotels when 4-star options are unavailable, charming guesthouses, and small traditional accommodations that reflect local culture and hospitality.
Casual
Comfortable and practical accommodations for relaxed travelers. Includes 3-star hotels, 2-star hotels when 3-star options are unavailable, and small, simple lodgings that provide an essential but pleasant stay.
Glamping
A unique and stylish outdoor experience blending nature with comfort. Encompasses luxury tents, elegant bungalows, barrel bungalows, and treehouses, offering an adventurous yet refined retreat.
Levels
Easy to Moderate
We categorize our trips based on a range of activity levels from leisurely (1) to avid (5) with plenty of options in between.
Route
From 114 km/71 mi to 117 km/73 mi
Recommended airport
Lisbon Airport and Faro Airport
Recommended season
March to July & September to November
Overview
Experience the beauty of Portugal's southwest coast on a journey where the wild meets the serene. The Costa Vicentina combines the romance of the Alentejo with the Algarve's most unspoilt coastline - nature, authenticity and over 300 days of sunshine make it a haven for nature lovers. Step onto the Fishermen's Trail and experience the Atlantic breeze, golden sands and rugged cliffs. This ancient path, carved by time and the tides, takes you close to the sea. Your journey begins in Porto Covo, a charming Alentejo village where life moves to the steady beat of tradition. Follow the coastline to Arrifana Beach, a famous Algarve destination framed by dramatic cliffs and sapphire waters. Along the way, discover the soul of the region: stories of fishermen and sailors, flavours of sea and land, and the warmth of people whose lives are intertwined with the coast. Legends, folklore and traditions await you. Choose your route—shorter for ease or longer for a challenge. Feeling strong on your calves? Take the longer path and uncover more of this extraordinary region. After all, it’s your way!
Itinerary & tour plan
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Your journey begins in Vila Nova de Milfontes, often referred to as the "Princess of the Alentejo". This coastal village offers a unique blend of sea and river landscapes, with golden beaches sheltered by cliffs and freshwater springs flowing from the mountains. Stroll through the heart of the village with its whitewashed houses and historic fortress. Discover the beauty of the Mira River and the scenic Praia das Furnas, where nature's artistry takes centre stage. A perfect starting point for your adventure along the Costa Vicentina.
Take a transfer to Porto Covo, a fishing village where whitewashed houses with bright red doors line the charming streets. Rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, this town is the perfect introduction to the Costa Vicentina. As you head out, the trail reveals beaches and hidden coves framed by the beauty of the Atlantic. The diversity of the coastline is a constant surprise, with each beach offering its own unique character. The dunes here are alive with colour and scent and are home to rare plant species found only on this stretch of the Portuguese coast. Walking through this natural tapestry, you'll feel the harmony of land and sea that defines this unforgettable route.
Enjoy the views of Vila Nova de Milfontes and the River Mira, where its calm waters meet the vast Atlantic. Choose between crossing the river by boat (ticket not included) or the bridge, both of which offer views of the estuary, the town and the slopes covered in Mediterranean scrub - a habitat teeming with berries, birds and small animals. As you walk, the landscape tells stories of human connection to this coastline. From the quiet persistence of artisanal fishing to ancient flint mills hidden in the dunes, traces of Stone Age life blend seamlessly with the natural beauty around you.
When you reach Almograve, you'll discover a village framed by cliffside beaches and expansive sands like Praia das Furnas. Slow and feel the rhythm of the Alentejo coast.
When you reach Almograve, you'll discover a village framed by cliffside beaches and expansive sands like Praia das Furnas. Slow and feel the rhythm of the Alentejo coast.
Follow the Fishermen's Trail to Zambujeira do Mar, a journey full of dramatic scenery and authentic encounters. The route reveals wild beaches, red dunes and small fishing harbours, each scene painting a picture of the region's raw beauty.
A highlight of the day is Cabo Sardão, where the cliffs stand sentinel over the Atlantic. Along the way, experience the warmth of the local people and their traditions. When you reach Zambujeira do Mar, you'll be greeted by sea views and cliff-top beaches. The charming chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar, set in a square, adds a touch of tranquillity to this idyllic village.
A highlight of the day is Cabo Sardão, where the cliffs stand sentinel over the Atlantic. Along the way, experience the warmth of the local people and their traditions. When you reach Zambujeira do Mar, you'll be greeted by sea views and cliff-top beaches. The charming chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar, set in a square, adds a touch of tranquillity to this idyllic village.
This stage takes you through steep climbs and descents, revealing some of Portugal's most stunning beaches. Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and the famous Praia de Amália - named in honour of Portugal's beloved Fado singer - each offer their own unique charm and beauty. Your destination, Odeceixe, is home to one of Portugal's 7 Wonders: its spectacular beach, a paradise where the river meets the sea. The village itself has a timeless rural charm, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. Be sure to visit the Odeceixe Mill at Serro da Igreja, where traditional grain milling still takes place, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, a place for reflection overlooking this town.
Leaving the cliffs behind, this stage guides you inland through the countryside of the Algarve’s west coast, within the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The landscape shifts to reveal a blend of rolling hills and verdant fields, offering a contrast to the rugged coastline. Experience Aljezur, a town steeped in history and surrounded by distinguished scenery. Founded in the 10th century by the Moors, Aljezur retains its rich cultural heritage, from enduring traditions to the iconic Castle of Aljezur. Perched above the town, the castle provides views of this timeless meeting point of mountain and sea.
This route takes you back to the coast, winding through fragrant valleys and small farms. Monte do Clérigo beach welcomes you with its charm, and the Atalaia Bridge reveals the ruins of Ribat da Arrifana, Portugal's only known monastic fortress - a place steeped in mystery and history. As you approach your destination, the horizon opens up to the vast expanse of the sea. Sparse scrubland gives way to the bay of Arrifana, a true gem of the Western Algarve. Its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters make it a haven for divers, surfers and nature lovers. Stop near the Arrifana Fortress for panoramic views of the Costa Vicentina - a fitting end to a day of history and beauty on the Algarve coastline.
At the end of your tour, we will arrange your transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.
What is included?
What you get on this adventure
- Accommodation 7 nights BB, in double standard room
- Daily luggage transfer (one piece per person up to 23kg)
- City taxes
- Daily post-walk messages
- Access to the Ride With GPS app on your smartphone
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Transfers from/to airport
- Meals and wine tastings (optional)
- Guide and support vehicle (price on request)
- Personal expenses and other items not mentioned
Special Dates
The Sudoeste Festival, Zambujeira do Mar, 6th to 9th August 2025
The Odeceixe Folar and Sweets Fair, Odeceixe, March 2025r
- The ultimate Portuguese festival: electronic, indie, rock, hip-hop and more, plus unforgettable moments on the beach at Zambujeira and Herdade da Casa Branca.
- https://festivalsudoeste.com/
The Odeceixe Folar and Sweets Fair, Odeceixe, March 2025r
- Celebrate Easter with delicious traditional treats, local products, live music and family entertainment.
Aljezur Sweet Potato Festival, Aljezur, end of November
- You will be able to enjoy cultural activities, exhibitions and the tasting of countless sweet potato recipes.
- https://festival-batatadoce.cm-aljezur.pt/
Tour facts
- Discover the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a haven of protected ecosystems and wild beauty.
- Admire the 17th-century Vila Nova de Milfontes Fort and enjoy a relaxing river cruise with panoramic views.
- Almograve wild beaches and impressive coastal dunes.
- Visit Odeceixe Beach, a cliffside gem and one of Portugal's 7 Natural Wonders.
- Explore Aljezur's historic castle and vibrant market, filled with regional delicacies.
- Savor the flavors of the region with fresh fish, seafood, and traditional dishes.
- Dive into stories and legends that bring the cultural fabric of the region to life.
- Browse vibrant markets full of regional delicacies and handicrafts.
- See the dramatic cliffs and unforgettable sunsets at Praia da Arrifana.
- See rare stork nests perched on rugged coastal cliffs.
- Discover artisan traditions in ceramic, textile and cork workshops.
- Savour the freshest seafood and traditional dishes that celebrate local flavours.
- Visit farmers' markets selling fresh produce and regional specialities.
- Appreciate the unique flora and fauna, including migratory birds and endemic species along the trails.