Cliffs and lighthouse at Cabo de São Vicente on the Fisherman’s Trail, Portugal.

Rota Vicentina

Walk the full length of Portugal’s most famous coastal path, Fisherman’s Trail, ranked among Europe’s best multi-day hikes.

Crossing the Mira River on the Fisherman’s Trail in South Portugal.

Mira River Crossing

Experience one of the trail’s iconic moments, a small boat ride across the Mira River in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Zambujeira do Mar

Dramatic Atlantic cliffs teeming with rare storks, and a laid-back clifftop village famed for Portugal’s most stunning ocean sunsets

Fisherman’s Trail path between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal.

Cape St. Vincent (Sagres)

Europe’s southwestern tip crowned by a lone lighthouse, where towering cliffs crash into the Atlantic at the Rota Vicentina

12 Days
From October to May
Self-guided
Active Thrills ★★
Start at Cercal
Min Age : 12+

Embark on the ultimate Portugal hiking adventure along the Rota Vicentina, combining the best of the Fisherman’s Trail and the Historical Way. This extended self-guided walking tour in Portugal links Alentejo and Algarve, offering days of coastal cliffs, golden beaches, and traditional villages. You’ll follow paths shaped by fishermen, farmers, and pilgrims, discovering wild landscapes and authentic culture at every stage.

The journey crosses the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, one of Europe’s most pristine coastal reserves. Here you’ll walk through cork oak forests, valleys rich in wildlife, and endless Atlantic views. From the sandy beaches near Porto Covo to the dramatic cliffs at Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s most southwestern point, this trek is both a natural and cultural highlight. With luggage transfers and 24/7 support, it’s an ideal choice for independent travelers seeking a true self-guided Portugal walking tour.

Price Includes

✔ 11 nights of accommodation in hotels (2-3* or similar) with breakfasts

✔ Luggage transfers between stages (1 bag per person, up to 15 kg)

✔ Official Rota Vicentina kit: 1 guidebook and 1 trail map on arrival

✔ Daily audio guide in English with cultural and historical insights along the Fisherman’s Trail

✔ Comprehensive info-guide about the region

✔ GPS maps for offline navigation through our app

✔ Pre-departure information package with travel details

✔ Personal Accident Insurance during your self-guided Portugal walking tour

✔ 24/7 customer support via WhatsApp

What to bring

► Comfortable hiking shoes suitable for long coastal walks on sand and rocky paths

► A daily backpack for water, snacks, and essentials during each stage

► Money for lunches, dinners, groceries, souvenirs, or other personal expenses

What to know

► The tour starts in Cercal and ends in Sagres, but private transfers can be arranged to or from Lisbon, Faro, and Funcheira Station on request.

► Breakfast is included daily, but lunches and dinners are not, local restaurants are available in towns and along the trail.

► Extra hikes to Salema and Lagos can be booked on request to extend your Portugal hiking trip.

► Flights, museum fees, and tourist taxes are not included in the price.

► The route is not recommended for children under 12 years old.

► Self-guided prices are based on a minimum of 2 people; a solo traveler supplement applies.

Reach Us

Camp Caucasus team is thoroughly committed to excellence.
Your happy trip with no hassle is our job.

FlexibilityChoose your own dates and explore at your own pace

Hassle-freeWell-planned and organized tours for you to have a hassle-free holidays.

Zero CancellationBe confident as all our tours are guaranteed, even for one guest.

24/7 AssistanceGet advice and tips about your tour and travel in Portugal. We cover all your concerns.

Program

Day 1Arrival in Lisbon and Transfer to Cercal do Alentejo

Arrival day to Cercal do Alentejo, the starting point of your walking trip on the Fisherman’s Trail. You can take a train from Lisbon to Funcheira Station and continue with a transfer to Cercal do Alentejo, or travel by bus directly from Lisbon to Cercal. Optional private transfers can also be arranged for comfort and flexibility.

Overnight in Cercal

Day 2Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo

Begin your trek with a varied stage that crosses farmland and cork oak forests before reaching the Atlantic coast. End the day in Porto Covo, a charming whitewashed fishing village that marks the beginning of the Fisherman’s Trail Portugal.

Distance: 16.6 km. Duration: 5-6 hrs. Overnight in Porto Covo

Day 3Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes

Walk along endless stretches of sand and dunes past Ilha do Pessegueiro, Aivados, and Malhão beaches. Your stage ends in Vila Nova de Milfontes, one of the most popular towns on the Rota Vicentina, where the Mira River flows into the ocean.

Distance: 19.5 km. Duration: 6-7 hrs. Overnight in Vila Nova de Milfontes

Day 4 Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

Start with a boat ride across the Mira River, then continue on coastal paths overlooking rugged cliffs and hidden coves. This is a shorter, more relaxing stage ending in the peaceful village of Almograve.

Distance: 16.6 km. Duration: 5 hrs. Overnight in Almograve

Day 5Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar

Hike one of the most scenic stretches of the Rota Vicentina Coast, passing Almograve’s beach, dramatic rock formations, and a series of picturesque coves. Arrive in Zambujeira do Mar, a vibrant seaside town perfect for sunsets and fresh seafood.

Distance: 20.4 km. Duration: 6-7 hrs. Overnight in Zambujeira do Mar

Day 6Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe

Today’s walk takes you past Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados, and Amália Beach, named after Portugal’s most beloved Fado singer. Continue through Azenha do Mar, a traditional fishing harbor, before reaching Odeceixe, where the Alentejo meets the Algarve.

Distance: 18 km. Duration: 6 hrs. Overnight in Odeceixe

Day 7Free Day in Odeceixe

Take a rest day to relax on Odeceixe Beach or explore the charming village. This is a perfect place to recharge before continuing south into the Algarve.

Overnight in Odeceixe

Day 8Espartal to Arrifana

After a transfer to Espartal, follow the trail south through sandy landscapes and coastal views. Pass Monte Clérigo Beach and the legendary Ponta da Atalaia, linked with tales from Portugal’s Moorish past, before finishing in the surf town of Arrifana.

Distance: 10 km. Duration: 3-4 hrs. Overnight in Arrifana

Day 9Arrifana to Carrapateira

This is one of the longest stages, following the Historical Way with a mix of hills, valleys, and dramatic coastline. Highlights include the striking Pedra da Agulha rock, the vast sands of Vale Figueira, and the dunes of Bordeira Beach, before arriving in Carrapateira.

Distance: 24 km. Duration: 7-8 hrs. Overnight in Carrapateira

Day 10Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo

Leave Carrapateira behind and pass quiet valleys, traditional farms, and villages such as Vilarinha and Pedralva. The stage finishes in Vila do Bispo, surrounded by forests where birdwatching is common.

Distance: 22 km. Duration: 6-7 hrs. Overnight in Vila do Bispo

Day 11Vila do Bispo to Sagres via Cape St. Vincent

The final stage leads you past Telheiro Beach and its unique geological formations before reaching the dramatic cliffs of Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), the southwestern tip of Europe. Conclude your hike in Sagres, a town known for its maritime history and windswept beauty.

Distance: 19 km. Duration: 6 hrs. Overnight in Sagres

Day 12Departure

After breakfast, your Portugal hiking adventure ends.

Take a bus from Sagres to Lagos, then hop on a train to Faro or Lisbon. Optional private transfers are available to Lisbon and Faro too.

If you wish to complete the full length of the Fisherman’s Trail, it’s possible to prolong your journey:

+1 day: Hike to Salema, a picturesque fishing village with a relaxed Algarve charm.
+2 days: Continue on to Lagos, a lively coastal town where golden cliffs and historic streets mark the grand finale of the Rota Vicentina.

You can request the extension easily when contacting us by email or through the booking form.

FAQ

How challenging is this tour?

These walks are mostly straightforward and enjoyable, with some days offering slightly longer distances or moderate uphill and downhill sections. Paths are typically well-kept and signposted, though you should be prepared for a mix of terrains — from gentle slopes to rocky tracks or cliffside trails. The combination of accessible hiking and rewarding viewpoints makes this level ideal for those who want variety without too much intensity.

Who it’s for: Active walkers who like a bit of adventure but still want their hikes to feel relaxed and enjoyable.

Activity Level: Walking averages 4-6 hours per day, covering up to 20 km, with elevation gain/loss between 300-600 meters.

Minimum Age: 12 years old (recommended for families with active children or teenagers).

Do you provide assistance during self-guided tours?

Yes, we provide comprehensive support so you can fully enjoy your self-guided journey on the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal. Before you arrive, you’ll receive a pre-departure pack with trail notes, GPS tracks, offline maps, accommodation and luggage transfers arranged for every stage. While on the trail, we stay connected through WhatsApp and are available 24/7 to provide assistance or guidance if needed.

The 12-day Fisherman’s Trail combines the Alentejo and Algarve coasts, following marked paths that are easy to navigate with the help of our app. Many solo travelers and first-time hikers have walked this section confidently with our support. If you are looking for a guided experience instead, we currently only arrange guided hikes in Georgia during the summer months, which are a good option for travelers who want to try multi-day trekking with expert leadership.

Are the tour prices listed per person or for the group?

The 12-Day Portugal Coastal Hike on the Rota Vicentina is priced per person when two travelers book together. This approach keeps the long-distance Fisherman’s Trail experience affordable while including accommodations and support services throughout the route. Solo travelers or larger groups can request a personalized quote, and we’ll adjust the Portugal hiking tour to match your needs from Odeceixe to Lagos.

Can I customize the itinerary?

Yes, the 12-day Portugal Coastal Hike on the Fisherman’s Trail can be adapted if you’d like to extend your journey. By adding one more day, you can walk to Salema, a picturesque fishing village on the Algarve coast. With two extra days, you can finish in Lagos, where the Rota Vicentina concludes among golden cliffs and a historic town center. You may also check our shorter itineraries on Rota Vicentina: 7-Day Fisherman’s Trail Hike and South Portugal: Algarve Coastal Hike. Share your ideas in the enquiry form, and we’ll personalize the route to match your perfect Portugal hiking tour.

What should I pack for the trip?

Packing for the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal is all about comfort and practicality. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a waterproof jacket, sunscreen, and a daypack for daily essentials. Sand gaiters are strongly advised, since much of the trail follows sandy paths along the Alentejo and Algarve coast and they greatly improve comfort. After your booking, you’ll receive a full packing checklist and preparation advice for your self-guided Portugal walking holiday.

Reach Us

Audio Trail Guide

Hiker walking along the Fisherman’s Trail near Carrapateira, Algarve, Portugal.

Unique chance to listen to an exclusive audio guide during your self-guided tours in Portugal. Learn the history of Fisherman’s Trail, get insight into cultural highlights and the natural splendor of the area.

Play preview below

Customer Review

“
My trip to Georgia was a spur of the moment decision and also limited to one week. I knew I really wanted to hike and I also knew I didn’t have the time to plan, organise, and execute my ideal itinerary in the short time I had to prepare. Every company I enquired with offered suitable tours however on days that didn’t suit me, this is when I discovered Camp Caucasus. Camp Caucasus drafted a couple of itineraries that covered what I was interested in and I was able to fine tune them to suit me. I ended up on my own individualised 4 day Kazbegi Adventure tour. I absolutely LOVED my time in Kazbegi.
Kiri
“
Camp Caucasus arranged an awesome self-guided hiking tour of the Kazbegi area for us. The info package with descriptions and routes was super helpful and clear. Support before and during the trip was simply outstanding. Very kind and genuinely interested people at Camp Caucasus. We would definitely recommend and book again.
Bram Linda
“
My husband and I took two self-guided hiking tours with Camp Caucasus, one to the Svenati region and one to Kazbegi. I highly recommend Camp Caucasus, both for the value, and the reliability.
Patty
“
A very nice tour organizer! We walked with 8 friends for four days in the Kazbegi region with a good and friendly guide! Everything was well organised; from custom taxi transfers to accommodation and lunch. Definitely recommended if you want to go hiking in Georgia!

Jurriaan