Fishermen’s Way / Rota Vicentina (short)
€630
per person
Portugal’s Rota Vicentina (or Fishermen’s Way) is one of the most famous long-distance self-guided hiking trails in Europe. It is an exciting coastal trail along beautiful cliffs and dunes which can only be followed on foot. Enjoy the wild seaside natural landscape as the ocean winds encourage you to advance from one charming village to the next. You will walk through beautiful beaches, climb the neighboring cliffs and enjoy magnificent views. As this is a coastal trail, some sections depend on the tide levels, so you might have to spend some time walking inland. Your overnights will be in various family-owned guest houses and small hotels where you will experience the hospitality of the locals first-hand.
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Destination
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Duration6 Days I Level: 3 (of 5)
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What is included5 nights in en-suite rooms (hotels/pensions) incl. breakfast, luggage transfers during tour (1 piece per person, up to 20kg), walk information pack (1 set per room - route notes, maps, GPS tracks etc.), emergency support phone line
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What is not includedAirport transfers (unless requested), drinks and other meals.
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Best periodFebruary, March, April, May, June, mid-September, October, November
FROM OUR GALLERY
Self-guided hiking tour along the Rota Vicentina (Fishermens' Way), Portugal
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Day 1. Arrival in the Alentejo (Porto Covo)
Your first overnight will be in a family-run hotel in the coastal village of Porto Covo. *Easiest arrival via Lisbon or Faro airports: Lisbon - 2,15-3hrs bus ride (depending on the bus service; check the timetable of Rede Expressos appr. 30-40 days before the tour starts); Faro - train to Funcheira and taxi from there (70-80EUR) or bus to Lagos and there change for local bus service to Porto Covo. We offer private transfers from/to Lisbon and Faro airport in connection with the tour (check details with us).
N.B. In shoulder season it is not always easy to arrive in Porto Covo using public means of transportation. If this is the case, we can provide the tour with 2 nights in Vila Nova de Milfontes on Day 1 and Day 2 (arrival in Vila Nova de Milfontes on Day 1 is easy, while on Day 2 you get a morning transfer to Porto Covo to start the walk to Vila Nova de Milfontes (where you stay on Day 2 too).
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Day 2. Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes (20km, 6-7hrs, +170m/-150m; options to make the hike shorter)
A representative of our local partners will greet you at your guest house after breakfast and answer any questions you might have about your independent walking tour. Porto Covo is the northernmost point of Fishermen's Trail. Today you start following the trail south to Vila Nova de Milfontes. The terrain is relatively strenuous as you will be walking on loose sand. You will reach the Forte da Ilha de Dentro overlooking the island of Pessegueiro along the beach. Then follow the path through the dunes behind the marvelous surf beaches Aivados and Malhгo until you get to the cliff tops, a favorite spot for sea anglers. The last highlight is the small fishing port of Vila Nova de Milfontes' before you reach the historic center of the village passing the Forte Clemente and reaching your accommodation.
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Day 3. Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve (18km, 5hrs, +260m/-280m)
Today's section of the independent walking route is relatively easy. You will follow the Fishermen's Trail along the coast and through pine forests, sand dunes and cliff tops with beautiful panoramas. Enjoy the magnificent view of Vila Nova de Milfontes from one of the most famous beaches in Portugal - Furnas beach. You will walk along more secluded beaches until you reach the small village of Almograve where your next overnight will be.
4
Day 4. Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar (21km, 6-7hrs, +210m/-200m)
Head south from Almograve walking above the beach and make a short detour to the charming fishing harbour, Lapa das Pombas. Follow the trail along cliffs offering spectacular views of the surrounding dunes. It is quite common to spot storks nesting on the neighboring cliffs along the route. You will pass the village of Cavaleiro and the historic lighthouse of Cabo Sardão. This section of the trail ends in Zambujeira do Mar where your next overnight will be.
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Day 5. Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe (18km, 5-6hrs, +270m/-290m)
The last day of your self-guided hiking route is spent along a beautiful coastal path leading into Carvalhal bay through cliffs and above sandy beaches. Continue through the dunes and pass farmland and woodland to the Praia da Amalia. On this spot, the stream cascades down onto the beach which is a truly marvelous sight. Enjoy some seafood at Azenha do Mar before you continue towards the Ceixe river estuary and finally to Odeceixe (the first village of the Algarve region).
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Day 6. Departure day
Your tour and our services end after breakfast.
TOUR LOCATION
Price
630 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (01/02-28/05; 27/09-30/11)
665 Euro per person in twin/dbl room (29/05-23/06; 22-26/09)
*No departures between 24/06 and 21/09 (incl.).
Single room & Solo Traveler supplement
Single room supplement: 270 Euro
Solo Traveler supplement (already includes the sgl. room supplement): 360 Euro
Tips
Daily departures between the beginning of February and mid-June, and then from mid-September till the end of November (summer months of July and August can be extremely hot, making the walking rather uncomfortable, and the coastline can get quite crowded with tourists). April and May are especially beautiful for flowers. In case of bad weather conditions you can use the luggage transfer vehicle to get to your next accommodation (subject to space). We offer private transfers from/to Lisbon and Faro (check with us for rates). Mind that parts of the trails are walked on loose sand, so be prepared with the right shoes for that and the fact that walking will be harder along these stretches (to avoid getting sand in your shoes, wear long hiking pants with elastic ankles that wrap over high-cut hiking boots).
Accommodation
Family-run pensions and guesthouses with en-suite rooms incl. breakfast. Samples of the inns we would normally book (subject to availability), or similar category: Day 1: Porto Covo - Hotel Porto Côvo; Day 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Hotel Mil Reis; Day 3: Almograve/Longueira - Monte Novo da Longueira; Day 4: Zambujeira do Mar - Hotel Ondazul; Day 5: Odeceixe - Casa Celeste;
Send an enquiry about this tour
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