If you like walking and the sea, you really must try the Fishermen's Trail, which crosses two Portuguese regions: the Alentejo and the Algarve.
The route that connects São Torpes to Lagos passes through a vast expanse of wild beaches, cliffs and beautiful fishing villages, and is regarded as one of the best European destinations for trail and hiking enthusiasts.
The Fishermen's Trail runs along the coast and can only be done on foot: a total of 226 kilometres, split into 13 stages.
Each stage is meant to be done over the course of one day. However, you can go at your own pace and choose the daily distance you want to cover, depending on your fitness level. Even though there are no steep climbs along the route, there are plenty of physical challenges, including sandy sections and windy areas with little shade and high sun exposure.
Whichever way you choose to experience this adventure in nature, set aside some time to visit traditional towns and villages, relax on the beach and enjoy the region's cuisine.
Visit traditional fishing villages
The unspoilt nature of this region in the southwest of Portugal offers unique and stunning scenery. As you walk along the rugged cliffs that loom over the golden sandy beaches, let the scent of aromatic shrubs such as juniper, shrubby everlasting, camphor thyme, French lavender or rosemary delight your senses, and try to spot birds such as storks, ospreys, peregrine falcons, snipe, amongst many other species that inhabit the region.
Here people live in harmony with the local fauna and flora. In the region's picturesque fishing villages and towns, fishermen leave at night in their boats and return in the morning to sell their catch to market traders and local restaurants.
Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Zambujeira do Mar, Aljezur, Carrapateira, Sagres, or Vila do Bispo are just some of the charming villages where you will find friendly people, a warm atmosphere and good food.
From sea to table
After a day's walking, there's nothing better than sitting on a terrace watching the sunset and enjoying a plate of clams or goose barnacles with a glass of fresh local wine.
If you enjoy homemade, genuine, healthy food, then this is the place for you. You will be amazed by the flavours that the Vicentine Coast has to offer.
Fish features heavily in the region's cuisine. Some of the most common species in this part of the country are sardines, mackerel, skate, goose barnacles, monkfish, lobster, horse mackerel, octopus, sargo and sea bass. In any local restaurant or tavern, you can enjoy these types of fish and seafood, simply grilled over charcoal, or prepared in a more elaborate way; for example, in a delicious soup or fish stew.
At the end of each stage of the Fishermen's Trail, you will find countless farm stays and typical rural accommodations of the Alentejo and Algarve coast, where you will always be welcomed with a smile. The list of places is long and varied, and you can choose from simple campsites to luxurious hotels and spas: true oases reserved just for you.
To enjoy the Fishermen's Trail with full comfort and convenience, there are several agencies and tour operators that organise and take care of all the arrangements for you, including the transport of your luggage along the way.
Everything is ready to welcome you on this true adventure through nature. Happy hiking!
The 13 stages of the Fishermen's Trail
(Advised season: September to June)
1. São Torpes - Porto Covo
Level of difficulty: Easy
Length: 10 km
Duration: 3 hours
2. Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Length: 20 km
Duration: 8 hours
3. Vila Nova de Mil Fontes - Almograve
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Length: 15.5 km
Duration: 5 hours 50 minutes
4. Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length: 22 km
Duration: 7 hours
5. Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Length: 18.5 km
Duration: 7 hours
6. Odeceixe - Aljezur
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length: 22.5 km
Duration: 7 hours
7. Aljezur - Arrifana
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length: 17.5 km
Duration: 6 hours
8. Arrifana - Carrapateira
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length: 21.5 km
Duration: 7 hours 30 minutes
9. Carrapateira - Vila do Bispo
Level of difficulty: Difficult
Length: 16 km
Duration: 6 hours 30 minutes
10. Vila do Bispo - Sagres
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length: 20.5 km
Duration: 7 hours
11. Sagres - Salema
Level of difficulty: Very Difficult
Length: 19.5 km
Duration: 8 hours
12. Salema - Luz
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Length: 12 km
Duration: 5 hours
13. Luz - Lagos
Level of difficulty: Easy
Length: 11 km
Duration: 4 hours
