Fishing villages and traditional techniques
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Type
Hike
Duration
14 Days & 13 Nights
Next Departure
2025
Status
To be announced
Price
3.500 EUR
Best of Rota Vicentina
Explore a vast expanse of wild, scrubby low hills, and wave-pounded cliffs on the Best of Rota Vicentina tour. You’ll traverse miles and miles of golden beaches, authentic rural life, quaint fishing communities, and ancient villages that seem stuck in time. Here, life moves leisurely, meaning every step you take will be a collection of experiences, and every scenery you see will stay with you forever. Enjoy some typical and charming accommodations that will serve as your oasis to recharge your batteries and prepare for the next exciting adventure. Also, remember that trying out our local gastronomy is a daily must-do activity!
Highlights
Included
Excluded
- Tour Grade
Included and Optional Services
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival
Welcome to Rota Vicentina!
On the first day of your trip, one of our guides will pick you up at either 13:00 or 14:00 in Lisbon. You will then be transferred to the middle of the Alentejo coast, where you will be accommodated at the luxurious retreat, Herdade da Matinha. Take some time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, take a dip in the swimming pool, and indulge in a delicious meal at the best restaurant of Rota Vicentina.
Transfer
2:30 h
Herdade da Matinha
DAY 2
Cercal do Alentejo to Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
Today, you will explore the beauty of nature
Take in the delightful aroma of wild herbs, such as lavender, thyme, calamintha, and rosemary, as you walk along the coast. While on the coastal plain, you might spot ground-nesting birds and the famous white stork. You will also discover some old fortresses that harken back to the days when pirates used to raid the coast. Finally, climb up the cliffs and explore the beaches of Aivados, Malhão, and some small, deserted coves leading all the way to Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Optional Transfer
00:15 h
Hike Distance
21 | 14 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 | 100 m
Casa do Adro
DAY 3
Vila Nova de Mil Fontes to Almograve
Mira River on a boat and stork nests
Today, we’ll start our adventure by crossing the Mira River on a boat. You are encouraged to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and use all your senses. Take in the aroma, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the surroundings. As we continue our sensory journey, you’ll witness the river meeting the ocean. Creating a stunning display of various Mediterranean plants and herbs. Don’t forget to look up and observe the diverse bird species in this area. Count the numerous stork nests perched on the rocks, and finally, arrive at Longueira Beach to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest.
Boat
00:10 h
Hike Distance
14 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 m
Monte Longueira
DAY 4
Almograve to Touril
Lighthouse of Cape Sardão
Today, you will embark on a hike to the old lighthouse of Cape Sardão, which has been illuminating sailors’ adventures since 1915. This place not only has a rich history but is also a sight to behold with its perfect union of the ocean and land. On your way, you will come across some breathtaking locations such as the fishing port of Lapa das Pombas, where traditional techniques are still in use, and the stunning beach of Almograve. Finally, after a day filled with adventure, you can relax and unwind at the Touril Guest House.
Optional Transfer
00:10 h
Hiking Distance
21 | 10 km
Elevation Gain
+ 300 | 100 m
Herdade do Touril
DAY 5
Touril to Brejão
Shaped cliffs, deserted beaches and fishing port
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, you’ll embark on another exciting day of exploring shaped cliffs, deserted beaches, and unforgettable golden colors. Your first stop will be the charming town of Zambujeira do Mar, and the journey there will not disappoint you. When you arrive at Entrada da Barca, a local fishing port, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time. You’ll be delighted with our pristine coast that leads you to secluded places with limited access. Take some time to explore and have some fun! At the end of the day, make sure to treat yourself to a delicious dish of fresh local fish, such as sea bass, sea bream, or grey bream, at Brejão’s place.
Cycling Distance
14 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 m
Casa da Seiceira
DAY 6
Brejão to Odeceixe
Exploring the local culture and the simplicity of life
Today’s itinerary includes a journey through time, exploring the local culture, and hiking nature trails. The sound of the ocean is enchanting, and the air is fresh. The rocks are engraved with ancient writings and the birds remind us of the simplicity of life. As we reach Odeceixe, we’ll cross the river that separates the two southernmost regions of Portugal, Alentejo and Algarve. This marks the end of our hike, so let’s celebrate with a delicious dinner in the village. Enjoy!
Cycling Distance
13 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 m
Casas do Moinho
DAY 7
Odeceixe to Rogil
The beautiful beach of Odeceixe
Embark on a scenic walk alongside the Seixe River and its wetlands until you reach the stunning Odeceixe beach, part of the unforgettable journey along the Best of Rota Vicentina. The trail along the coast provides breathtaking views of the beach and the ocean. Towards the end of the walk, you will cross inland towards the João Roupeiro Hamlet. No adventure is complete without good food, and João Roupeiro is known for producing the world’s most famous sweet potato. You will also find a great selection of delicious main dishes and regional pastries to satisfy your hunger.
Hiking Distance
15 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 m
Alcatruz Hotel
DAY 8
Rogil to Aljezur
Discover and taste sweet potatoes
Today, you will cross several agricultural fields famous for their sweet potatoes. After that, you will follow a dirt road that leads you closer to the ocean. Awaiting you is a beautiful beach and the valley of Amoreira. However, there is still another surprise in store for you – Aljezur and its impressive Moorish castle. This city was founded by the Arabs in the 10th century and has an amazing archaeological site. Explore the castle and enjoy the mesmerizing view!
Hiking Distance
14 km
Elevation Gain
+ 100 m
Vicentina Hotel
DAY 9
Aljezur to Arrifana
Start inland and slowly reach the ocean
Follow a coastal route that will take you past the legendary Ponta da Atalaia, unveiling the best of the Rota Vicentina. This fantastic promontory is home to many ruins of ancient Moorish fortresses. After passing this point, the trail will lead you to the top of the cliffs, where you’ll find a unique coastal ecosystem. This is a type of Mediterranean bushland filled with aromatic plants that grow on the coastal dunes. You can experience nature step by step before resting in the beautiful village of Arrifana.
Optional Transfer
00:15 h
Hiking Distance
20 | 12 km
Elevation Gain
+ 400 | 300 m
Herdade Monte do Sol
DAY 10
Arrifana to Carrapateira
Discover the quiet sandy beaches
Take in the majestic power of the sea as it crashes against the ancient cliffs along the Best of Rota Vicentina route. Explore the serene sandy beaches and don’t forget to bring your camera along for the ride. Capture the breathtaking beauty of Pedra da Agulha, a stunning boulder situated in the ocean at Canal Beach. As you hike through a series of hills and valleys, you’ll pass over the most rugged and inaccessible parts of this coastal area. Finally, make your way to the charming village of Carrapateira, where history comes alive through the fortress constructed for defensive purposes during the age of discovery.
Optional Transfer
00:15 h
Hiking Distance
19 | 12 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 | 100 m
Hortas do Rio
DAY 11
Carrapateira to Pedralva
Discover the beautiful village of Pedralva
As you hike between the land and ocean, you will be enchanted by the rural atmosphere. The steepest slopes offer breathtaking views of the natural vegetation, which remains virtually untouched by humans. The dense undergrowth features arbutus and dozens of local plants and herbs. Your hike will lead you to one of the most interesting places to stay – Pedralva. This little village was nearly deserted a few years ago but has recently been revived as a charming guest house hamlet. The original design has been preserved, and life has been brought back to the village of Pedralva.
Hiking Distance
16 km
Elevation Gain
+ 200 m
Aldeia da Pedralva
DAY 12
Pedralva to Vila do Bispo
…
After enjoying a delicious breakfast, your day will begin with a smooth hike through the forest and open areas. As you continue your journey, take a moment to appreciate the diverse wildlife on the surrounding beaches of Barriga, Cordoama, and Castelejo, including reptiles, birds, mammals, and amphibians. Finally, you will reach Vila do Bispo, a town known for its traditional architecture, religious structures, and unique location. You can also visit the local municipal market, where you can purchase fresh fruits and fish for your next trip.
Optional Transfer
00:15 h
Hiking Distance
21 | 17 km
Elevation Gain
+ 400 | 300 m
Pure Fonte Velha
DAY 13
Vila do Bispo to Sagres
The Southwesternmost point of Continental Europe!
The terrain in this area is rather level and the plant life is not very tall. Today, you will be heading towards the southwesternmost point of Continental Europe! Once you get there, you will be able to visit the small yet impressive Museum of Faróis, which showcases Sagres’s significance in Portugal’s maritime history. This is a place of historical importance where you can almost feel the presence of the sailors and pilgrims who once passed through here. Beyond this location, only the vast Atlantic Ocean lies ahead, serving as a point of passage, arrival, and encounters.
Hiking Distance
14 | 25 km
Elevation Gain
+ 100 | 300 m
Optional Transfer
00:10 h
Memmo Baleeira
DAY 14
Departure
OUR SPLENDID PROGRAM HAS COME TO AN END
We hope that the memories and experiences we have shared during the tour of the Best of Rota Vicentina will stay with you forever. Our guide will pick you up from the hotel at 09:30 to transport you to Lisbon. We look forward to welcoming you back soon to discover more of Exotic Nature Trails!
Transfer
3:00 h