Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal

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

4.8 out of 5 based on 31 reviews submitted.
Walking & Trekking
From
USD $2,010
View dates and book

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 11.91 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 Zambujeira do Mar 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 between 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

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
  • Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar guided walk
  • Typical seafood lunch in Zambujeira do Mar
  • 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

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

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 31 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.

Filter by rating

Sibylle · Traveled September 2023
I enjoyed the whole trip very much, I was not aware of how unpopulated and beautiful the area was! It was such a pleasant surprise and had a positive & calming effect! Oswaldo - BEST tourguide ever! He has a great knowledge of the area that he is always happy to share with his amazing ability to make everyone smile! He was able to deal with unexpected situations with great competence. Beautiful landscape and delicious seafood! Thank you Oswaldo & Intrepid :-) for an amazing week!
Review submitted 12 Sep 2023

Sonya · Traveled September 2023
As many have already said, the Rota Vicentina is indeed beautiful! Really, really beautiful. We were hiking the first week of September. The weather was great. We saw very few other hikers. I was worried before going that it might be too difficult for me, but it wasn’t. Walking on sand turns out to be kinder on your knees than pavement. Oswaldo is an enthusiastic and energetic guide; he’s interested in everyone enjoying themselves.
Review submitted 12 Sep 2023

Kimberly · Traveled May 2023
Beautiful hike and a good guide. Much of the walk is on the loose sand making 20 km feel more like 30. 20°C felt more like 30 because the sand reflected the sun's heat. I recommend doing the hike when the temperatures are well below 20°C. Also, bring a good pair of sunglasses. The glare from the sand starts to hurt after a few hours of walking.
Review submitted 09 Jun 2023

Jenny · Traveled May 2023
Had an amazing time trekking the Rota Vicentina! So many beautiful beaches and unspoilt coastline! Our trip leader, Oswaldo, was fantastic sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm for the trail and looked after us well. Trying the seafood in the local restaurants along the way was a highlight. Highly recommend!
Review submitted 10 Jun 2023

Charlotte · Traveled May 2023
Fantastic trip. Definitely worth it. Beautiful scenery. First day had loose sand for most of the walk that day, but it got better. I would say walking poles are not necessary unless you are just generally more comfortable with them. While we stopped in cafes for a coffee or cold drink and to use the bathroom, most days we ate food we brought (something to be aware of as I don't think that is mentioned). Highly recommend this trip :)
Review submitted 06 Jul 2023
Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal
From
USD $2,010