Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) 9-Day Gentle Tour (Hillwalk Tours)

Considered one of the most stunning coastal trails in the world, the Rota Vicentina, specifically the Fishermen’s Trail, is a hiking trail that stretches over 226 km / 140 miles along the breathtaking Atlantic coastline in the Southwest of Portugal – from São Torpes in the Alentejo region to Lagos on the south coast of the Algarve. The Fishermen’s Trail was established in 2012 as part of the Rota Vicentina project to promote sustainable tourism in the region and traverses through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of the most preserved coastal areas of Europe.

Our Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) hiking tours focus on the most popular section of this beautiful coastal trail, beginning at the official start at São Torpes Beach, near Porto Covo and Sines in the Alentejo region of Portugal, and ending in the picturesque town of Odeceixe, in the Algarve region. This 85 km / 53 miles long section of the Fishermen’s Trail offers some of the best coastal walking in Portugal and passes through charming seaside towns and villages such as Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, and Zambujeira do Mar, before finishing at Odeceixe. On our longer itineraries, a short transfer inland also brings you to the town of Cercal do Alentejo, from where you will follow the ‘Historical Trail’ through fields and low hills back to the coast.

Perhaps one of the most iconic attractions along the Fishermen’s Trail are the white storks who display a unique behaviour, which cannot be observed elsewhere in the world. These birds build their nests into the cliffs, perched on top of towering sea stacks, in places no one has ever dreamed it was possible to build such big nests! However, it’s not just the beautiful beaches and wildlife that draws people to walk this incredible trail – along the route you can find many great cafes and restaurants to indulge in the local delicacies, and picturesque towns and villages with fascinating stories to tell. From monuments of the celebrated explorer, Vasco da Gama (who hailed from the region), to stories of pirates and corsairs at Vila Nova de Milfontes, to old 16th century ruins of a defensive fort on Pessegueiro Island – the trail is steeped in history.

Please Note: The Rota Vicentina (Fishermen’s Trail) is a coastal trail that often runs directly beside the sea. As there are places where the paths are close to the cliffs, we do not recommend these tours for hikers with vertigo or a fear of heights.