Portugal Self Guided Hiking Tour – The Fisherman’s Trail
The best of the Rota Vicentina’s Fishermen’s Trail in Alentejo
Walk and eat like a Portuguese fisherman on the coast. What does it mean to be on the coastline of Alentejo? Discover a wild, scrubby expanse of low hills and wave-pounded cliffs. There is a stillness to the landscape, but that stillness ends abruptly as the land meets the Atlantic Ocean. This tour will take you through a remarkable trail along the southwest coast of Portugal, where you will discover unspoiled nature, fishing villages, and wonderful beaches. Traveling in this region is similar to stepping back in time forty or fifty years. Life rolls along at an easy pace. The simplicity and quietness of the lifestyle make us want to stay here forever.
Tour Difficulty
Moderately hilly tour Average daily distance 15 – 20 km with elevation gain of 100 – 300 meters
Tour Highlights
- Coastal architecture
- National wonder beaches
- Stork nests along the way
- Seaside Villages and Gastronomy
2025 Tour Price: €1600 Euros pp double occupancy
Price Includes:
- Pre departure information pack. (travel check list, general travel information about portugal)
- 6 nights lodging (breakfast included)
- Arrival transfer from Lisbon or Faro to first hotel
- Welcome briefing
- Dinners: included at the hotel on days 4 & 5 – set menu, drinks excluded
- Digital information book made available before tour start (daily information, daily maps, restaurant recommendations, etc.)
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel on every day of the tour
- Departure transfer from last hotel to Lisbon or Faro
- Local support number
- Navigation app
Price Does Not Include:
Lunches & dinners except on days 4 & 5, drinks, tips, boat river boat crossing on day 3, city taxes – at some locations there might be a tax (0-5€ per person / night) payable only locally in cash
Itinerary
Day 1- Arrival at Vila Nova de Milfontes
Welcome to Portugal!
On the day of your arrival, the guide will welcome and drive you from Lisbon or Faro towards Vila Nova de Milfontes, where you will have a welcome briefing. We are certain you will enjoy your accommodation for the next two nights. Today, you might enjoy a perfect sunset by the beach, a delicious fresh fish dish, or a night drink at the pub! The landscapes are endless, the weather is warm, and the silence never sounded better. Welcome to Alentejo!
Day 2 – Hike from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes Distance: 20 km | 15 km, Elevation Gain: +200 m | +100
Get ready for your first day because it’s going to be a long one!
Unless you choose the short option. However, it will bring you a rewarding experience. Your first step of the day will be a short transfer to the picturesque village of Porto Covo. You will then immerse into scenic coastal routes stretching out parallel to the Atlantic. Make sure to take a look and appreciate Pessegueiro island from the beach, where there is a fortress in the ruins. The highlight of the day will be hiking through Aivados and Malhão beach. Feel free to take those shoes off and feel the warmth of the sand on your bare feet!
Optional transfer to Porto Covo to shorten the day (30 min)
Day 3 – Hike from Vila Nova de Milfontes Distance: 14 km, Elevation Gain: +200 m
Today the adventure starts heading South, crossing the Mira River on a small traditional boat, which will take you further through agricultural areas.
On this day we invite you to experience the natural surroundings with your deepest senses. Smell it, breathe it, feel it! As you keep moving on this sensory experience, the river will meet the ocean creating a magnificent display of all sorts of Mediterranean plants and herbs. Take note of the sky as well, as this is an area known for its variety of bird species. Count dozens of stork nests on the rocks and finally arrive at Longueira beach! Enjoy your rest for the night. (River crossing by boat is not included in tour cost.
Day 4 – Hike Almograve to Touril Distance: 21 km | 10 km Elevation Gain: +300 m | 100 m
Today’s hike will take you to the old lighthouse of Cape Sardão, which has been illuminating sailors’ adventures since 1915.
Apart from its history, it is also a place of immense beauty, as the ocean and land meet in perfect union. Along the way, you will pass through some beautiful places, such as the fishing port of Lapa das Pombas, where traditional techniques are still in use to this
day! You will also pass by the beach of Almograve, which is absolutely stunning. As the day comes to an end, it is time for some rest and relaxation at the lovely Touril Guest House. This day has a short option as well. Optional transfer to Almograve (15 min)
Dinner at the hotel (drinks excluded)
Day 5 – Hike from Touril to Brejão Distance: 14 km Elevation Gain: +200 m
After a delicious breakfast, another brilliant day of shaped cliffs, deserted beaches, and unforgettable golden colors will commence!
First, you will head to the town of Zambujeira do Mar, and you will not be disappointed with the track. Travel back in time when you arrive at Entrada da Barca, a local fishing port, and be delighted with the empty coast that leads you to deserted places which have nearly no access. Explore and have some fun! At the end of the day, make sure to enjoy a delicious dish of fresh local fish, such as sea bass, sea bream, or grey bream, at Brejão’s place.
Dinner at the hotel (drinks excluded)
Day 6 – Hike from Brejão to Odeceixe Distance: 13 km Elevation Gain: +200 m
Today will be a journey through time, local culture, and nature trails!
The sound of the ocean is magic. The smell of the air is fresh. The rocks are engraved with the writings of the time, and the birds won’t let you forget how simple life can be. As you reach Odeceixe, you will cross the river that separates the two southernmost regions of Portugal, Alentejo, and Algarve. This place will mark the end of the hike, and it is time to celebrate with a great dinner in the village. Enjoy!
Day 7 – Departure That’s it! This incredible journey comes to an end…
According to your schedule and preferences, your transfer to Lisbon or Faro is included and will be arranged.