Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal

8 Days | A scenic journey along Portugal’s southwest coast

4.8 out of 5 based on 48 reviews submitted.
Walking & trekking
From
EUR €1,492
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Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, also known as the Fisherman’s Trail, may not be Europe’s most famous walk, but it’s certainly one of its most spectacular. A world away from the bustle of Lisbon and the sunbathers of the south, you may often find you and your group are the only ones around as you cross the most scenic sections of this ancient coastal path, passing through the sunny Alentejo and Algarve regions. Join a local leader to marvel at jagged cliffs, traverse sand dunes brimming with unique wildlife, relax on heavenly beaches and feast on fresh seafood – the beauty of this corner of Portugal will stay stamped on your memory.

Trip overview

Map of Hike The Rota Vicentina In Portugal including Portugal
Start
Lisbon, Portugal
Finish
Sagres, Portugal
Theme
Walking & trekking
Destinations
Portugal
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
ZMXV
This trip generates 15 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Follow the most scenic and interesting section of the coastal Fisherman’s Trail, taking in awe-inspiring views of Portugal’s cliffs, beaches and ocean.
  • Delight in Portugal’s bountiful coastline and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch in the village of Almograve with ingredients from the local fish market.
  • Walk to Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar, a delightful chapel overlooking the ocean, and enjoy a spectacular sunset you won’t soon forget.
  • Take a load off – literally! Your luggage will be transferred between your accommodation each day, meaning you’ll only have to carry a day pack, and your luggage will be waiting at your hotel.
  • Rest your legs or keep the momentum going during a day at leisure in Aljezur, a mecca for surfing, hiking, stand up paddleboarding (or chilling on the beach!)
  • Hike to Cabo de de Sao Vicente, mainland Europe’s southwesternmost point, as your local leader shares stories of its maritime, Phoenician and Roman past.

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip involves plenty of walking over varied and sometimes steep terrain and is best suited to travellers with a good level of mobility. Good footwear and clothing for all types of weather is recommended. Details on physical activities can be found in the itinerary.
  • You will be passing through remote and undeveloped parts of Portugal on your journey so you must bring a day pack to carry enough water and snacks for each day.
  • On this trip you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg / 33lb. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps to accommodate the cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, stairs and steps you are likely to encounter while carrying your luggage. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Itinerary

This itinerary is valid for departures from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2023 - 31 December 2024

Map of Hike The Rota Vicentina In Portugal including Portugal

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

Transport

On foot, Private vehicle, Boat

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (4 nights)

Activities
  • Malhao to Vila Nova de Milfontes guided walk
  • Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve guided walk
  • Boat ride through Mira River
  • Typical seafood lunch in Almograve
  • Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar guided walk
  • Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar evening walk
  • Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe guided walk
  • Vila do Bispo to Sagres guided walk

Dates and availability

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Important notes

1. FIRST DAY: Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1 in Lisbon. Please see Joining Point Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
2. This trip ends on Day 8 after breakfast and you are free to leave at any time.
3. The weather in south west Portugal can get very hot in the July & August, and hikes may either start very early in the morning or be curtailed in case of extreme weather.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 based on 48 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

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Yvan · Traveled September 2024
One of the most beautiful trek in Europe. Great way to learn about Portugal culture. Our guide Mathéo was absolutely the best and went way beyond his duty to make sure we had a great trip.
Review submitted 14 Sep 2024

Stewart · Traveled May 2024
Excellent trip and amazing scenery. Oswaldo (Guide) was great fun and very knowledgeable.
Review submitted 25 May 2024

Douglas · Traveled May 2024
An outstanding coastal hike! Our guide Oswaldo was absolutely amazing. Would definitely recommend especially if you could confirm this guide!
Review submitted 25 May 2024

Domonee · Traveled May 2024
Oswaldo is an amazing guide. You will definitely love this trip. Lots of walking on sand so hiking shoes without ankle support is best in my opinion. Don’t need hiking poles. Bring snacks like trail mix, lollies etc from home if you’d like them. There are supermarkets along the way near accomodation.
Review submitted 25 May 2024

William · Traveled April 2024
Intrepid tours are well laid out and usually have great guides. This trip was sensational and was definitely helped by having a group that easily bonded. The guides can make or break a good tour and thankfully ours was excellent
Review submitted 15 May 2024
Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal
From
EUR €1,492