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#1 - BEST OF FISHERMEN´S TRAIL - ALENTEJO COAST

SELF-GUIDED TOURS by FOOT

Self-guided hiking is an adventure without any stress.

You travel where you want, with whom you want, and when you want without having to worry about the organization or the logistics.

We live and we run our programs in the most beautiful part of Portugal where Rota Vicentina exists.

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By booking with a local company you are contributing to a sustainable way of traveling.

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TOUR OVERVIEW

DURATION: 6 Days, 5 Nights, 4 Walks
LEVEL: Easy-to-Moderate
MINIMUM GROUP SIZE: 1
TOTAL DISTANCE: 76 km / 47 miles
TOTAL ASCENT: 896 m
TOTAL DESCENT: 908 m

PRICE PER PERSON: 469€ (based on 2 people sharing a room)

  • Single Supplement: 205€

  • Solo Traveller Supplement: 215€

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What’s Included:

  • Briefing: Welcome briefing at the first hotel upon arrival, along with an arrival package.

  • Accommodation: 5 nights on a bed & breakfast basis, always with a private bathroom.

  • Navigation: One 1:55,000 map and one guidebook (available in English, German, or French) per room.

  • Dining Recommendations: A curated list of recommended local restaurants.

  • Luggage Transfers: Efficient and secure luggage transportation between accommodations.

  • Local Support: A support phone line for assistance during the trip.

  • Emergency Support: Access to a 4x4 emergency support vehicle if required.

  • Digital Navigation: GPX/KMZ files available on request.

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What’s Not Included:

  • Travel to the starting point and from the end of the walk.

  • Transfers not explicitly mentioned in the voucher.

  • Travel insurance.

  • Meals other than breakfast.

Additional Information:

  • It is possible to add extra nights or request a tailor-made itinerary to suit your preferences.

FROM PORTO CÔVO
TO ODECEIXE
ITINERARY: Arrival in Porto Côvo

DAY 1

Tour Briefing and Starting Point

After check-in, a Vicentina Travel team member will provide a comprehensive briefing to ensure all details of your tour are perfectly clear. This session will help you feel confident and prepared to enjoy your adventure. All trails are fully marked, following the routes of Rota Vicentina’s Historical Way and Fishermen’s Trail for a seamless experience.

The most convenient way to reach the starting point is by bus, using the Rede Expressos service. For added comfort, we also offer private transfer services upon request.

Overnight: Porto Côvo

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STAGE - Porto Côvo to Milfontes

DAY 2

Porto Côvo to Vila Nova de Milfontes

DISTANCE: 20 km / 12.5 miles
DURATION: ~6 hours
ASCENT: 167 m
DESCENT: 149 m

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Start your morning by stocking up on essentials, as there will be no opportunities to resupply during the day. Each person should carry at least 1.5 liters of water and use adequate sun protection.

This moderate walk features stretches of loose sand and limited shade, making it a manageable yet rewarding challenge. You’ll traverse untouched landscapes, enjoy breathtaking views, and witness traditional fishermen braving their daily tasks along the rugged coastline.

If you’re not an experienced walker, Vicentina Travel offers two shorter route options of 14 km and 8 km, ensuring a more comfortable experience.

Simply speak with a team member for guidance.

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Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes
Meals included: Breakfast

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STAGE - Milfontes to Longueira/Almograve

Day 3

Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

DISTANCE: 18 km / 11.18 miles (or 15 km / 9.32 miles with ferry boat option)
DURATION: ~5 hours
ASCENT: 263 m
DESCENT: 283 m

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Start your day energized and ready for an unforgettable journey. You can choose between two options to begin:

A) Take a small ferry boat to cross the river, offering a unique perspective of the area.
B) Cross the river via the bridge, following the path from its beginning.

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Both routes lead to a pleasant walk through fields and small cliffs, with access to stunning beaches as you head south toward Almograve.

Almograve is a lovely spot to pause for lunch and savor the local gastronomy. Afterward, take some time to explore Almograve Beach, a tranquil and scenic area perfect for relaxation.

Your accommodation is typically located in Longueira, a rural tourism area about 3 km inland. To reach it, follow a dirt track that winds through the picturesque countryside.

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Overnight: Longueira or Almograve

Meals included: Breakfast

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STAGE - Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar

Day 4

Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar

DISTANCE: 21 km / 13 miles
DURATION: ~6 hours
ASCENT: 203 m
DESCENT: 193 m

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Start your morning by reconnecting with the trail. A 20-minute walk along a cycle path will lead you back to Almograve. If you prefer to skip this connection, you can request a taxi from your accommodation host.

From Almograve, the journey unfolds along the pristine Alentejo coastline. You’ll pass by Entrada da Barca, Zambujeira’s fishing harbor, as the route takes you along stunning cliffs with panoramic views. Keep an eye out for the unique sight of cliff-nesting storks, a rare and remarkable spectacle.

Take a break in the village of Cavaleiro, where you can stock up on supplies and enjoy a delicious, homemade local dish. From there, head west toward the iconic Cabo Sardão lighthouse, a striking landmark with breathtaking vistas.

The day ends in Zambujeira do Mar, home to one of Portugal’s most spectacular urban beaches, where you can relax and take in the beauty of the Atlantic coast.

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Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar
Meals included: Breakfast

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STAGE -  Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe

Day 5

Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe

DISTANCE: 18 km / 11.2 miles
DURATION: ~6 hours
ASCENT: 263 m
DESCENT: 283 m

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This is perhaps one of the most popular hiking routes, traditionally used by fishermen heading south to Odeceixe, the first village in the Algarve region. Along the way, there is much to explore, feel, and experience, with highlights that include:

  • Carvalhal Beach, a serene and picturesque stop.

  • The former residence of Portugal’s iconic fado singer, Amália Rodrigues.

  • The locally renowned harbor of Azenha do Mar, known for its charm and fresh seafood.

Take a break at Azenha do Mar’s seafood restaurant to recharge with a delicious meal, ensuring you have the energy to complete the journey.

The final stretch leads you to Odeceixe, where the bridge over the river marks the natural border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions.

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Overnight: Odeceixe
Meals included: Breakfast

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DEPARTURE

Day 6

Customization and Travel Options

It is possible to add extra nights along the trail or to create a tailor-made itinerary to suit your preferences. Whether you want more time to explore specific areas or need adjustments to the route, we’re here to help design your perfect adventure.

We also offer connections to Faro and Lisbon, ensuring a seamless travel experience. For detailed instructions on how to reach and depart from these cities, please refer to the information provided above on this page.

If you have any questions or special requests, let us know—we’ll work together to find the best solution for you.

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HOW TO BOOK WITH US?

STEP BY STEP

Contacts
Booking Proceedings
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To book your adventure with us, follow these simple steps:

  1. Contact Us: Send us an email using our online form or directly at info@vicentinatravel.com. Please include:

    • The program you are interested in.

    • Your room preference (single, twin, or matrimonial).

  2. Pre-Reservation: Once we receive your request, we will confirm accommodation availability within a couple of days.

  3. Confirmation Email: You will receive an email containing:

    • The final list of accommodations.

    • Booking and payment conditions (booking reference, deposit details, balance, etc.).

    • Your e-voucher.
      This pre-reservation will be valid after a 30% deposit.

  4. Final Confirmation: Once we receive your deposit confirmation, we will send a final confirmation, and your trip code will be activated. At this stage, we kindly ask you to share your arrival time so we can finalize logistics accordingly.

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General Information

 

Hotels

  • The hotels listed are our standard accommodation choices. If unavailable, alternatives of the same standard or upgrade options will be arranged.

  • All rooms include private bathrooms.

  • Baths/Showers: Many rooms offer showers instead of baths due to space constraints.

Meals

  • Breakfast typically includes coffee, toast, bread, or croissants, with more variety available in some locations.

  • Special Dietary Requirements: Please inform us of any dietary needs when booking, so we can notify our accommodation partners.

Single Supplements

  • A single supplement is required for solo travelers. While it ensures privacy, rooms may be smaller or have fewer facilities compared to double/twin rooms.

Language

  • In remote areas, English may not be widely spoken. Embrace the cultural experience—consider bringing a phrasebook and learning a few words of Portuguese!

Luggage

  • In some hotels, your luggage may be delivered to your room. However, you might need to carry it yourself. If assistance is needed, kindly ask hotel staff.

Guidebook/Map

  • One set of route notes per room is included. Additional sets can be purchased for 25€ each.

Insurance

  • All clients must have appropriate travel insurance covering the activities included in their itinerary.

Accommodation & Meals

  • Accommodation is provided on a bed-and-breakfast basis, using locally owned hotels full of authentic Portuguese charm.

  • A recommended list of local restaurants, curated from our personal experience, will be provided upon arrival.

ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES TO/ FROM LISBON

TO PORTO COVO AND VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES

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FROM ODECEIXE

Arrivals

Lisbon to Vila Nova de Milfontes and Porto Côvo

  • International Lisbon Airport Link: Lisbon Airport

  • Train (Comboio): Take the train from Oriente Train Station to Funcheira Train Station. From there, you’ll need a private transfer to the start of the trail (approximately 50 km with an additional cost of 60€). More information is available at Comboios de Portugal.

  • Bus Service: Use Rede Expressos for a direct connection to Porto Côvo and Vila Nova de Milfontes. Visit Rede Expressos for schedules and booking.

  • Private Transfer: Private transfer from Lisbon to Porto Côvo and Vila Nova de Milfontes is available upon request.

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Departures

Odeceixe to Lisbon

  • Private Transfer: A private transfer can take you to Funcheira Train Station (about 1 hour drive, with an additional cost of 75€). From there, you can catch a direct train to Lisbon.

  • Bus Service: Take the Rede Expressos bus directly to Lisbon. For schedules, visit Rede Expressos.

  • Private Transfer: A private transfer from Odeceixe to Lisbon is available upon request.

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ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES TO/FROM FARO

TO PORTO CÔVO AND VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES

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FROM ODECEIXE

Arrivals

Faro to Porto Côvo and Vila Nova de Milfontes

  • International Faro Airport Link: Faro Airport

  • Train (Comboio): Take the train from Faro Station to Funcheira Train Station. From there, you will need a private transfer to the starting point (approximately 50 km with an additional cost of 60€). More information is available at Comboios de Portugal.

  • Bus Service:

    • EVABUS and Rede Expressos: Take the bus to Lagos, then transfer to another bus heading to Vila Nova de Milfontes. For schedules and bookings, visit Eva Bus and Rede Expressos.

  • Private Transfer: Private transfer from Faro to Vila Nova de Milfontes is available upon request.

 
Departures

Odeceixe to Faro

  • Private Transfer: A private transfer can take you to Funcheira Train Station (about 1 hour drive, with an additional cost of 75€). From there, you can take a direct train to Faro.

  • Bus Service:

    • EVABUS and Rede Expressos: Take the bus to Lagos, then transfer to another bus going to Faro. For more information, visit Eva Bus and Rede Expressos.

  • Private Transfer: Private transfer from Odeceixe to Faro is available upon request.

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SELF-GUIDED HOLIDAYS

ROTA VICENTINA

​ WHEN TO GO/BOOK?

OPEN SEASONS FOR 2025

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The client is free to choose

a starting date

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1.º SEASON
- from 01 February 
- to 23 June (last departure)
2.º SEASON
- from 22 SEPTEMBER 
- to 30 NOVEMBER (last departure)
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 - Other dates on request;​​

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Groups max. limit is 16 pax inside the natural park - on request.

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HOW TO BOOK WITH US?
Check out the video

© 2021 All rights property of Aventuractiva, Eventos e Turismo Activo, Soc. Uni. Lda

Vicentina Travel is a trademark owned by Aventuractiva.

Tour Operator License RNAVT 4280

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