The Fishermans Trail in Portugal is wild and adventurous: The Rota Vicentina long-distance hiking trail, as it is known in Portugal, meanders along the historic fishing path along the rugged Atlantic coast, past spectacular cliffs, hidden sandy coves and thundering waves. As one of the most beautiful coastal hiking trails in Europe, it inspires with untouched nature and maritime flair, leading over sandy dunes and rocky paths. A real highlight for those who love salty sea breezes, breathtaking sunsets and endless horizons. I found the fishing path in Portugal magnificent – chapeau!
Content
1. Journey
2. Route
3. Accommodation
4. Weather and best time to travel
5. Further information
6. Recommended stages
7. Packing list
8. GPX and map information
9. Conclusion
The Fishermans Trail in Portugal - Rota Vicentina
The Fishermans Trail is a spectacular coastal hiking trail in Portugal that stretches for around 220 kilometres along the wild Atlantic coast. The Rota Vicentina leads from São Torpes to Lagos and always follows the coastline.
Along the way, you can expect breathtaking views of the ocean, rugged cliffs, secluded sandy coves and charming fishing villages such as Vila Nova de Milfontes and Zambujeira do Mar. Numerous detours lead you to hidden natural gems, while you experience the rugged beauty of the coast up close on the narrow paths.
You can spend the night either on campsites with your tent or in cosy accommodation and hotels along the way - often with a view of the sea and the opportunity to enjoy freshly caught fish.
Fisherman's trail portugal arrival
Travelling to the Fishermen's Trail is very straightforward. The official starting point is in São Torpes. However, I recommend starting in Porto Covo and travelling via Lisbon (the stage from Sao Torpes to Porto Covo is only 10 km long and I found it very monotonous). From Lisbon, you can take the Rede Expressos bus to Porto Covo. Below you will find all the important information for your journey:
Plane: The nearest airports are Lisbon Airport (LIS) and Faro Airport (FAO). If you are looking for cheap flights, I can highly recommend Skyscanner - a first-class app that gives you a quick overview of the best flight offers. Here you will find an overview of all relevant airports for your journey.
Bus: There are regular bus connections from Lisbon (Rede Expressos bus station) and Faro (bus station in Lagos) to places along the fishing route. Providers such as Rede Expressos or FlixBus offer connections to Porto Covo or Sao Torpes. There is a bus station in Lisbon and Lagos with connections to Porto Covo. I can highly recommend the OMIO app for bookings.
Train: The nearest major train stations are in Lisbon and Faro. From there you can take the train to Funcheira or Lagos and then continue by bus or taxi to your desired starting point on the fishing trail, for example to Porto Covo or Sao Torpes.
Car: If you are travelling by car, you can take the A2 (from Lisbon) or the A22 (from Faro) in the direction of Alentejo or Algarve.
Parking: There are car parks in Porto Covo and São Torpes.
Starting point: Frequent starting points for the Fishermen's Trail are Porto Covo or the official starting point in São Torpes.
As always, I recommend my video about the tour:
Rota Vicentina trail
The route is not particularly technically demanding. Nevertheless, you should have a good basic level of fitness, as the route along the Fischerweg often leads over sandy paths that make walking difficult. However, there are only a few steep climbs and descents. No stage along this route is longer than 23 kilometres and you never have to climb more than 350 metres in altitude, which makes the hike very pleasant. Those who are very sporty can also consider combining stages.
Please note: the route often runs directly along the cliffs, so surefootedness is required. I didn't find the route to be exposed and can judge it well based on my experience with fear of heights. In the summer months, the heat can be an additional challenge, as many sections offer hardly any shade. I would advise against tours in the summer months. You can find out more about this in the Difficulties section below or in my experience report.
Trail markings: The route is very well marked in both directions. The markings have the following meaning:
I recommend breathable gaiters for the sandy paths. Without gaiters, you will constantly have sand in your shoes.
Fishermans trail stages
The Fishermans trail in Portugal runs along the breathtaking Atlantic coast and is divided into several stages. Each of these stages offers unique landscapes, from spectacular cliffs to secluded beaches and picturesque fishing villages. Below you will find the official stages of the Fishermen's Trail as well as the GPX file:
75km variant of the most beautiful section (very popular)
Stage 1: Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes (approx. 20 km and 100hm)
Stage 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve (approx. 15 km and 100hm)
Stage 3: Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar (approx. 22 km and 170hm)
Stage 4: Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe (approx. 18 km and 250hm)
220km variant for connoisseurs:
Stage 1: São Torpes - Porto Covo (approx. 10 km and 30m).
Stage 2: Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes (approx. 20 km and 100 m).
Stage 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve (approx. 15 km and 100m).
Stage 4: Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar (approx. 22 km and 170m)
Stage 5: Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe (approx. 18 km and 250m).
Stage 6: Odeceixe - Aljezur (approx. 23km and 160m).
Stage 7: Aljezur - Arrifana (approx. 17km and 230m).
Stage 8: Arrifana - Carrapateira (approx. 20km and 280m)
Stage 9: Carrapateira - Vila do Bispo (approx. 15km and 310m).
Stage 10: Vila do Bispo - Sagres (approx. 20km and 120m)
Stage 11: Sagres - Salema (approx. 20km and 350m)
Stage 12: Salema - Luz (approx. 11km and 220m)
Stage 13: Luz - Lagos (approx. 11km and 220m)
220km variant for the sporty:
Stage 1: São Torpes - Vila Nova de Milfontes (approx. 30 km and 130m).
Stage 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve (approx. 15 km and 100m).
Stage 3: Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar (approx. 22 km and 170m)
Stage 4: Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe (approx. 18 km and 250m).
Stage 5: Odeceixe - Aljezur (approx. 23km and 160m).
Stage 6: Aljezur - Arrifana (approx. 17km and 230m).
Stage 7: Arrifana - Carrapateira (approx. 20km and 280m)
Stage 8: Carrapateira - Sagres (approx. 35km and 430m)
Stage 9: Sagres - Salema (approx. 20km and 350m)
Stage 10: Salema - Lagos (approx. 22km and 440m)
Fishermans trail accommodation
There is a wide range of accommodation along the Fishermen's Trail in Portugal, from cosy guesthouses and hotels to campsites. Many accommodations on the Rota Vicentina also offer a sea view - perfect for enjoying the sunset after a long day of hiking. I can highly recommend the following accommodation along the Fishermen's Trail in Portugal. I spoke to countless hikers on my trip and received very useful recommendations. You can book directly via these links, it won't cost you a cent more. Thank you very much!
São Torpes
Directly at the starting point: São Torpes by Campigir
Stage 1: Porto Covo
Zé Inácio - Alojamento e Restaurante
Quartos Abelha
Stage 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes
Sol da Vila
The Bulldog Inn
Stage 3: Almograve
Stage 4: Zambujeira do Mar
Stage 5: Odeceixe
Stage 6: Aljezur
Stage 7: Arrifana
Stage 8: Carrapateira
Stage 9: Vila do Bispo
Stage 10: Sagres
Sagres Sun Stay - Surf Camp & Hostel
PuraVida Divehouse - Hostel
Stage 11: Salema
Hotel Residencial Salema
Casa Praia Mar
Green Diamond Budens
Ensuite bedroom with private entrance area
Stage 12: Luz
Stage 13: Lagos
Muralha House
Fisherman's trail camping
Camping along the Fishermen's Trail in Portugal is a special adventure and lets you experience nature up close. Official campsites offer safe overnight accommodation, while wild camping is prohibited in Portugal. You will find a campsite in almost every fishing village. I have listed the best options for you below:
Porto Covo: Camping Costa do Vizir
Vila Nova de Milfontes: Campiférias
Almograve: No campsite available!
Zambujeira do Mar: Camping Villa Park
Odeceixe: Camping São Miguel (about 1.5 kilometres outside of Odeceixe in a neighbouring village)
Wild camping: Is prohibited on the entire trail (nature park). I saw a few rangers on my hike.
For optimal preparation for your hikes, I recommend the workouts on my YouTube channel.
Rota Vicentina guide
My experiences on the Fishermen's Trail in Portugal are as varied as the landscape itself. From spectacular cliffs and secluded beaches to challenging sandy trails, the route offers unforgettable experiences. Here you will find my first-hand experiences and tips:
Getting there: Travelling from Lisbon to Porto Covo was pleasant and uncomplicated. I took a Bolt taxi straight from the airport (arriving at 2 pm) and travelled to the Rede Expressos bus station for just 4 euros. I had already booked my bus ticket online in advance using the OMIO app.
The bus to Porto Covo departed at around 5 pm and took about two and a half hours. Once I arrived in Porto Covo, I spent my first night in a nice and inexpensive hotel - perhaps the perfect start for your adventure on the fishing trail!
Stage 1: Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes (approx. 20 km and 100 metres in altitude)
Porto Covo is an enchanting place with a very special charm. I encountered hikers everywhere, and you might even come across a few dropouts or surfers enjoying the relaxed life here, as I did. The village exudes a relaxed atmosphere that perfectly matches its location on the wild Atlantic coast.
If you need supplies before starting your hike, you should note that the supermarket only opens at 9 am. The ‘Meu Super Porto Covo ’ is a good place to go for provisions and last-minute errands before you set off. Alternatively, there is also the ‘Mercado Municipal Porto Côvo’ supermarket.
Your hike along the Fishermen's Trail begins in Porto Covo, a charming fishing village with white houses and blue window frames. After just a few kilometres, you leave the last houses behind and immerse yourself in the rugged coastal landscape. The route takes you along soft sandy paths, past secluded bays and imposing rocky cliffs.
The jagged rock formations and golden-coloured beaches are particularly impressive and invite you to linger. With a bit of luck, you can watch fishermen at work or even spot storks nesting on the cliffs. Tip: A fantastic sunset spot awaits you about one kilometre before Vila Nova de Milfontes. From the cliffs, you have a sweeping view over the Atlantic as the sun slowly sinks into the sea. The scenery is breathtaking - the golden light bathes the coast in warm colours and seagulls often accompany the last rays of the sun. Especially nice: after this magical moment, you're not far from the village, where you can end the evening in a relaxed atmosphere. Once you arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes, cosy restaurants with fresh fish await you - a perfect end to the first stage!
Enjoy the following pictures in the slider:
As there is hardly any shade along the entire fishing trail and you are also exposed to the movement of the air all day long, I recommend my beloved ‘Piz Buin Mountain’ sun cream, as well as my ultra-light sun cap and wind blocker.
• Sun cap
"The sun also shines behind the clouds." Quote from Karl Friedrich Wilhelm Wander
Stage 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve (approx. 15 km and 100 metres)
As not every accommodation offers breakfast, I can highly recommend the small, quaint shop on the Antiga Praça do Município - right next to the Ritual tapas bar - for both breakfast and a cosy evening meal.
Your route from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve takes you along one of the most picturesque stretches of the Rota Vicentina coastline. First, you cross the Rio Mira - either by boat or over the bridge, which involves a slight diversions. I opted for the hike, as the stage is a little shorter anyway. You see a bit of the village and the path takes you through a beautiful forest. You then hike along sandy paths along impressive cliffs, where you might be lucky enough to see ospreys or storks nesting on the cliffs. The wind carries the scent of wild herbs and salty sea air. In between, small bays provide perfect places to take a break. Shortly before Almograve, a wide beach with high dunes awaits you - a paradise for photography and relaxation. In the village itself, you will find several cosy restaurants serving fresh fish and traditional Alentejo dishes - the perfect way to end the day. Tip: For dessert, I can highly recommend the traditional dessert ‘Pasteis de Nata’.
Stage 3: Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar (approx. 22 km and 170 metres)
As not every accommodation offers breakfast, I can highly recommend the small mini mercado supermarket in the centre of Almogravo. It opens at 6am and you can get a good breakfast there. A varied stage along the wild Atlantic coast awaits you from Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar. Shortly after the start, you will be immersed in a dune landscape where the sand gives way under your feet and the wind carries the scent of pine trees and wild herbs. The path takes you over high cliffs with spectacular views of roaring waves and hidden bays.
The nesting sites of white storks, which breed directly on the cliffs here, are particularly impressive - a rare natural spectacle. Tip: About halfway along the route is the small village of ..., where Café Adília invites you to take a well-earned lunch break. A perfect place to recharge your batteries and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Other small fishing villages along the way, such as the ‘Entrada da Barca’, invite you to take a break with freshly caught fish. The last few kilometres take you over gentle hills to Zambujeira do Mar, where a beautiful sandy beach and charming alleyways await you. You can round off the day with a cataplana or a grilled octopus in the local restaurants - perfect after an intensive but rewarding hike.
Because of the long sandy trails, I recommend comfortable and well-cushioned trail running shoes for this tour - Salomon Xa Pro 3D Gore-tex (available for men and women)
‘Give your woman the right shoes and she can conquer the world.’ Quote from Marilyn Monroe
Enjoy the following pictures in the slider:
Stage 4: Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe (approx. 18 km and 250 metres)
This stage of the Fishermen's Trail takes you from Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe and offers spectacular coastal views. You start on sandy paths along the steep coast, where bays and rugged rock formations open up again and again. In Zambujeira do Mar, you pass the small chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar. The path leads through fragrant scrubland with rosemary and cistus, while seagulls and ospreys circle over the Atlantic.
After around 10 kilometres, you will reach the village of Azenha do Mar with its picturesque natural harbour. An excellent restaurant with a wonderful panoramic terrace awaits you there. It's worth taking a break here for some fresh fish. The trail then continues on a slightly hilly path until you reach one of the most beautiful estuaries in Portugal: the Rio Seixe. The last few kilometres run alongside the river before you reach the whitewashed houses of Odeceixe. The perfect place to end the day with a glass of Vinho Verde! I can highly recommend the AO Lagos restaurant there. If Odeceixe is your last stop, there is a launderette there (see photo in the slider).
Enjoy the following pictures in the slider:
Further stages from Odeceixe to Lagos:
The other stages from Odeceixe to Lagos are just as beautiful and varied as the first. Along the way, you will pass through idyllic fishing villages such as Aljezur and Carrapateira, which retain their authentic charm. At the same time, the route takes you through spruced-up, touristy towns that entice you with their picturesque beaches and cosy cafés. Each stage offers new scenic highlights - from wild stretches of coastline to rolling hills. Some stages also take you further inland, which makes the rest of the hike particularly exciting. Finally, you reach Lagos, a lively city with an exciting nightlife. The main square in particular attracts many with its street cafés, musicians and relaxed atmosphere. Here you can end the day listening to the sounds of street music and enjoying life to the full. Your hike ends in a place that combines both tranquillity and the vibrant life of the Algarve. You have reached your destination - congratulations! If you made it, you deserve my full respect. It wasn't an easy journey, but it was unforgettably beautiful. This tour is one of my favourites!
Fisherman trails best time to visit
The best time to explore the Fishermen's Trail on the Portuguese coast is from February to May and from the end of September to November. During these months, the temperatures are pleasant, the landscape is in bloom or glowing in warm autumn tones and the beaches are not overcrowded. In addition, there is often a fresh breeze from the Atlantic, which makes hiking particularly pleasant.
The summer months of July and August, on the other hand, are very hot, and many sections run without shade along sandy paths. I would advise against hiking the Fishermen's Trail between mid-June and mid-September.
Please note: The weather in Portugal, especially on the coast, can be very changeable, particularly in spring and autumn. Strong winds or sudden rain are not uncommon. Therefore, pack light but weatherproof clothing and make sure you have adequate sun protection.
I would highly recommend a breathable rain poncho
Rota Vicentina - further information
I have compiled some useful information about the Rota Vicentina for you below.
Money: I was able to pay cashless everywhere. However, as always, I recommend taking some cash with you.
Mobile phone reception: I had continuous network coverage.
Catering: There is a small supermarket in every fishing village.
Taxi: Bolt and Uber work perfectly. In an emergency or in bad weather, you can easily skip a stage by taxi.
Water: There are hardly any water sources along the route. Occasionally you will find public taps at designated caravan parks, but I cannot guarantee their availability. I managed well with 2 litres of water per day. The tap water is enriched with chlorine, which you can clearly taste. According to my research, it is drinkable, but it gave me slight heartburn. I can't say for sure whether it was actually due to the water, but I suspect it was. After three days I switched to bought water - after that I no longer had heartburn.
Wildlife: You will encounter fascinating wildlife along the fishing trail. Ospreys and seagulls circle above the coast, while storks nest on rocks. Lizards scurry across the sand in the dunes and, if you're lucky, you might spot dolphins gliding through the water off the coast.
Difficulty of the fisherman's trail portugal
The Fischerweg is a moderately difficult multi-day hike. Although no alpine skills are required, you should have a good basic level of fitness as many sections lead over sandy paths, which makes walking more difficult. There are repeated steep ascents and descents, but no sections secured by ropes.
Weather conditions: The weather on the coast can change quickly. Strong winds, fog or sudden temperature changes are possible. Pay attention to the forecasts and protect yourself from the sun, as many sections offer little shade. The wind can also be extreme, so behave accordingly and keep your distance from the cliffs. Also observe the correct behaviour during thunderstorms.
Caution: The heat can also be extreme in the low season. The reflective sandy landscape intensifies the sun's rays, which is why sufficient water and sun protection are essential.
Trail markings: The fishing trail is signposted throughout with the typical green-blue markings.
Children: Due to the challenging sandy passages and the proximity to steep cliffs, the hike is not recommended for small children. However, young people with hiking experience can manage the tour well.
I have captured the most difficult passages for you with a photo in the silhouette below:
Rota Vicentina packing list
Here I recommend the most important hiking equipment that I own, have tested myself and have also bought myself. I pay a lot of attention to the weight and quality of my equipment. The equipment should simply feel good on longer tours and also be light. I can recommend the equipment for women because my wife uses it and it is basically the same as the equipment for men.
Note: Please keep in mind that the packing list is general and you will have to adapt it depending on the season and your needs!
Advertising note: These product links are affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, I will receive a small commission without you having to pay more. This is for the maintenance of my blog and you support me with my project, for which I am very grateful. Thank you very much!
Clothes
Hiking boots
Hiking shorts
Long hiking pants
Functional shirt
Hybridjacket
Fleece-jacket
Rain jacket
Functional underwear
Hiking socks
Other hiking equipment:
• Sun cap
Hiking backback (approx. 60 litres or as required)
by EXPED - unfortunately not available on Amazon.
• Backback - Ospray (was my old one and is also good)
Technology and orientation:
• Compass
• Headlamp
• GPS device or GPS watch if necessary
• Binoculars if necessary
Catering:
• Sweets to keep up morale :)
Health & first Aid:
• First Aid (small and light)
• Tape
• Bivouac
• Toilet paper
Other:
• Passport/Insurance certificate
• cash
• Gas cartridge
Film equipment:
• Camera
• Drone
• Tripod
• Clip
Fisherman's trail gpx
The GPX files are available for download from the following providers.
Outdooractive: https://www.outdooractive.com/de/route/fernwanderweg/distrikt-setubal/fischerweg-in-portugal/807008155/
Komoot:
Bergfex:
Rota Vicentina map
Here you will find an overview map of the Rota Vicentina, which shows you the individual stages at a glance. It will help you plan and orientate yourself along the route. You can also use it to discover beautiful beaches and plan the best spots for breathtaking sunsets.
Fisherman's trail best part
One of the most beautiful stages of the Fishermen's Trail leads from Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe. Spectacular cliffs, secluded sandy bays and the picturesque natural harbour of Azenha do Mar make this section particularly impressive. The highlight: the view of the impressive estuary of the Rio Seixe, where the sea and river landscape merge.
Fisherman’s path
The Fishermen's path in Portugal is around 75 kilometres long and runs along the spectacular Atlantic coast from Porto Covo to Odeceixe. The route leads through picturesque fishing villages, over sandy dunes and rugged cliffs. Depending on how the stages are organised, the entire hike takes around 4 days. You can find the entire 220 kilometres of the Rota Vicentina here!
Fisherman's trail Portugal shoes
Comfortable, well-cushioned trail running shoes or lightweight hiking boots are ideal for the Fisherman's Trail in Portugal. As large parts of the trail run over soft sand, heavy hiking boots are rather impractical. Look for a good fit, stable support and breathable material - especially on hot days.
I recommend breathable gaiters for the sandy paths. Without gaiters, you will constantly have sand in your shoes.
Fisherman's path Portugal
The Fishermen's Trail in Portugal is often referred to as the Fishermen's Path, as it consists of long stretches of sandy paths that were once used by fishermen. These historic paths led them along the cliffs to their fishing grounds. Today, they offer hikers a unique nature experience along the wild Atlantic coast.
Portugal Fishermen's Trail - Summary of the Rota Vicentina
The Fishermen's Trail Portugal is a breathtaking coastal hike along the wild Atlantic coast. With spectacular cliffs, secluded bays and historic fishing trails, the Fishermen's Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Europe. A map of the Rota Vicentina helps with planning. The Fishermen's Trail in Portugal has magnificent stages that lead through picturesque villages and along sandy paths. If you want to hike the Fishermen's Trail in Portugal, you should book your accommodation well in advance. Have a great time and good luck ;)
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Hello, I am Christian, the chief globetrotter of this Site and an enthusiastic adventurer, hiker and filmmaker. I love to explore new paths and inspire people with them, and I love to share my hiking knowledge with you! You can also find my videos on YouTube! On my blog you can find tips for beginners and professionals on the greatest and most beautiful hiking tours there are. I want to encourage people to explore the world as a hiker, whether in the countryside, through the forest or in the mountains. True to the motto: If you haven't hiked, you haven't seen the world,
On my blog, I also write about hiking gear, the right summit training and nature conservation, as well as tips and information about hiking.
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