Self-Guided Fishermen’s Trail Portugal – 8-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.

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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