Self-Guided Fishermen’s Trail Portugal – 14-Day Coastal Hiking

The day you will learn all about the adventure we’ve prepared for you.

Before your journey begins we encourage you to enjoy an authentic Portuguese meal and famed Portuguese wine and then relax.

This will be the first experience with Portuguese gastronomy, so take your time.

This is the lap dedicated to the beaches. Almost 20km of sand make this one of the most challenging stages of this two week trek. But it is worth every aching muscle!

While hiking side by side the Atlantic, you’ll encounter pebble-lined beaches such as Aviados followed by fossil dunes that lead you down to the ocean – such is the case in Malhão’s beach. A thousand underground freshwater springs run to the shore and lend their name to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

And although they each have unique features to marvel at they share the giant dark rocks that seem to be their guardians throughout the ages.

Every once in a while remember to stop, take a deep breath and appreciate the steps already taken while feeling the salty mist in your skin.

Nothing can quite live up to waking up and start hiking whilst watching Mira river disembogue into the Atlantic Ocean.

This route is a feast to the eyes, with an array of contrasting colors. Green farming fields, the blue shades from the sky meeting the ocean and then the gold yellow sands nestled between chalk tainted cliffs.

Soon you’ll be noticing the first stork’s nests and the intoxicating scents from the herbs and shrubs outlining the trails.

If trekking during spring you’ll also have the opportunity to observe the many different bird species that choose this garden by the see to nest and breed.

We can’t say it enough, but do take your time to pause and soak up the views!

Once your eyes start getting used to the technicolor landscape it is time to pay closer attention to details that give in the geological history of this region.

You’ll notice that the steep cliffs draw lines on the shore slopes telling the story of how the rocks moved up and down through the ages to form mountains.

You’ll notice huge rocks that raised from ancient dunes, in an age when the beaches lay below over 100 meters and the ocean line was drawn 60 kilometers away from its current placement.

And you know anything about birds you’ll amazed to see the storks nesting by the shore, a one of kind phenomenon in the world.

So when you reach Cabo Sardão take your time to once again enjoy the view.

Sitting by the lighthouse over the small harbor you’ll watch traditional fishing boats come and go over the surge. If you’re lucky enough to be there as a boat returns full from an early catch be sure to go and meet the fishermen – he might be delighted to tell you all about his adventures at sea and you might be able to by your lunch for the day right there!

Now this is a breathtaking trail!

You’ll be leaving Alentejo and reaching Algarve as you find yourself in Odeceixe.

The view from Ponta Branca, in Odeceixe, will leave you in awe – but we’ll give you some time to recover before telling us all about what you felt in that moment.

But before Odeceixe you still have many beaches to tread.

From Zambujeira do Mar to Alteirinhos, through Praia do Carvalhal and Praia da Amália, you are in for a treat.

If you’re not trekking on the clock we encourage you to stop at Azenha do Mar, a beautiful natural harbor, and have a taste of local cuisine.

Soon enough will catch sight of Ribeira de Seixe, the creek that disembogues in Odeceixe and separates Alentejo and Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal.

Enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding villages, taste the food, drink the wine and replenish your energies because you’re halfway through.

You might feel tempted to linger in Odeceixe – the welcoming village, the beach – but you will not want to miss out on what is yet to come.

Following the next trail by the see take a moment to say goodbye to Alentejo before heading further dow towards Algarve.

The blue ocean line might be the same but be open to new gastronomic experiences. Here the goose neck barnacle is king and the sweet potato is queen!

In Aljezur you’ll visit its picturesque old moorish castle and village and watch Ribeira de Aljezur drain to Carreagem and Amoreira beaches.

The river mouth at Amoreira beach is a birdwatcher’s paradise so if that’s a favorite hobby of yours don’t miss this opportunity and we strongly suggest you bring your binoculars with you.

And just like that seven unforgettable days have gone by, with thrilling adventures and breathtaking views in the mix.

Each step takes you closer to Cabo de São Vicente, the southwesternmost tip of Portugal – and of mainland Europe!

But until then many experiences have yet to be lived.

And today is full of new amazing views. The day begins with a short transfer to Monte Clérigo beach where a new trail by the shore begins.

Your footsteps will lead you through salty ocean mists and imposing cliffs to Ponta da Atalaia. Here the Portuguese gained their land from the Moorish and you can still find evidences of an old moorish fortress.

When you reach Arrifana, let yourself be taken aghast by the beautiful Pedra da Agulha beach, the crystalline water at the bay crowded with surf enthusiasts.

If you can stay for the sunset – it will leave you speechless.

If you enjoyed the view over Praia da Agulha as you arrived to Arrifana now it is time to mesmerize at this same beach after hiking around to Praia do Canal.

Get your cameras ready and shoot away. There you’ll be offered a summit view over Bordeira’s sand dunes and the creek running towards the ocean.

After breakfast you’ll feel energized to start the day walking by the shoreline.

This trail is punctuated by a handful of elevated viewpoints that will make you feel like you can step and walk over the waters below.

These verandas by the Atlantic will make it possible for you to pinpoint some of the beaches you have already visited and to better view the cliffs outlining Bordeira and Amado beaches.

Beware – the wind gusts may sweep you off your feet and make you touch the clouds above!

Today you’ll still be able to meet the picturesque village of Pedralva, a treasure locked in time.

Recent works have restored this village to its original soul so it is worth letting yourself get lost on this shrine dedicated to quiet.

We say times flies when you’re having fun and this sure is the case.

Today you’ll take a turn left and head inland to the dry slopes and woods of oaks, pine trees and their queen, the olive tree from which we press our famed olive oil.

As you approach Vila do Bispo be mindful of the many bird species that linger around – for the bird lovers now is the time to reach for the binoculars.

Once in the village, settle down for the day – tomorrow you’ll be served the tip of Europe.

After ten days walking the shores of our beautiful and unforgettable Costa Vicentina you’ll finally meet the cape it borrows the name from.

You surely still remember the herbed-scented air from Zambujeira do Mar and the breathtaking view over Arrifana’s bay so add those memories to those you’ll collect by the time the sun sets beyond the lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente.

You will first glance at the Cape while trekking Telheiros beach, following the same footsteps that Saint Vincent’s devotees used to walk.

For many centuries a monastery dedicated to Saint Vincent was placed on the very spot the lighthouse now stands, before being destroyed by an earthquake in 1755.

Once again, take in the views, and why not take the opportunity to write down what emotions and feeling this amazing place and experience brings up in you.

You have a more challenging trail to follow today as you head up through the cliffs.

For the first time on this journey you will feel closer to the skies above rather than the ocean below.

As you reach Samoqueira beach you will notice the sand has more golden hues than before and the waters feel warmer and more crystalline.

Take advantage of this beach paradise and dive into the Atlantic or linger a little longer in the sand, soaking up the say and watching the seabirds nest on the cliffs.

The locals say that here you can get a whiff of Algarve.

The last day will wrap up the adventure and bring you to the Algarve city of Lagos.

It all started in Porto Covo, glancing at Ilha do Pessegueiro, and after 12 days treading the most beautiful shoreline of Portugal – even the World, as the case may be – we truly hope you had the time of your life.

You still have time to check Ponta da Piedade and admire the sandy cliffs that nature carved throughout the millennial.

When in Lagos allow yourself to get lost in its maze of streets and alleys leading to the fort, before taking a dip at Praia Dona Ana.

It is time to say goodbye to Costa Vicentina and you must be feeling amazing!

You trailed the trails and tasted the food, and you have been swept away by the views and the odors.

You have felt the freedom of walking the cliffs and spreading your arms to the wind.

You have met a warm and welcoming people and it feels appropriate that you falter when time comes to leave this place.

Now that you have experienced this great adventure by the Atlantic shoreline you can leave with a full heart knowing we’ll be here to welcome you when you return.

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