From Porto Covo the coast immediately starts singing: white houses behind you, Atlantic drama ahead, and a ribbon of sand, cliffs and hidden coves pulling you south. The terrain is wild and sometimes tiring underfoot, with soft sand doing its sneaky little dance, but the reward is constant sea theatre.
After passing Porto Covo Church, the trail slips past Engardaceira Beach and small bays before reaching the historic forts around Ilha do Pessegueiro. Further on, Malhão Beach brings big ocean energy, followed by quieter corners such as Angra da Cerva. There are a few exposed or technical sandy sections, so sturdy shoes and a steady rhythm are your best friends here.
The final kilometres lead towards Vila Nova de Milfontes, where Porto das Barcas offers a brilliant first glimpse of arrival with ocean views and the scent of fresh fish in the air. From there, it is into town and on to Villa Eira, a comfortable base to rinse off the salt and let the legs say: obrigado, enough for today.
The route leaves Vila Nova de Milfontes with a grand view over the Mira River, the bridge and the blue Atlantic waiting beyond. It is a more relaxed stage than the first, but still full of coastal sparkle, with cliffs, beach caves and sandy paths keeping the day lively.
You can cross the Mira by bridge or, when available, take the small ferry for a softer start. Beyond the river, the trail follows the coast past beach caves, a rope-assisted beach passage and a tunnel of vegetation that feels like nature made a little secret doorway. Brejo Largo Beach is one of the beauties here, with cliffs and wild rock shapes stealing the show.
Approaching Almograve, the route becomes calmer and the village appears with that easy Alentejo charm. Almograve Beach Hostel is your landing place, simple and welcoming, close enough to the sea to keep the Atlantic soundtrack in your head a little longer.
This is a proper coastal beauty from Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, with fishing harbours, pine shade, open cliffs and the famous storks nesting where the land drops into the sea. It has a tougher feel, but also that juicy “yes, this is why we walk” energy.
The path first heads towards the Almograve and Porto Lapa de Pombas coastal trail before entering a pine forest, a welcome pocket of shade after the open coastline. Carraca Beach, the Costa Vicentina rock arch and wave-carved cliffs add plenty of wow. Later, a descent towards Porto das Barcas fishing harbour brings steps, wooden sections and a bit of careful footwork.
The last approach to Zambujeira do Mar is a fine one, with Nossa Senhora Beach offering one more salty invitation before the whitewashed village rises above the cliffs. Rosa dos Ventos is your home for the night, the kind of place where tired calves and happy faces make perfect sense.
From Zambujeira do Mar, the coast turns on the charm with secret beaches, cliff paths and wide Atlantic views all the way towards Odeceixe. The route has a few more ups and downs, but the scenery keeps handing out prizes like a generous maître d’.
Praia dos Alteirinhos appears early, tucked below the cliffs with a waterfall adding a little magic. Alvorião Beach follows with its rocky walls, then the trail rolls through wildflower paths and viewpoints over the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Near the end, the view over Odeceixe Beach and the Seixe River mouth is pure postcard thunder.
The arrival into Odeceixe brings a change of mood, from exposed cliffs to a village with a gentle, lived-in rhythm. After crossing safely via the bridge when river conditions demand it, Bohemian Antique Guesthouse waits with character, comfort and a well-earned chance to put your feet up.
Leaving Odeceixe, the trail offers one last look at the river-meets-ocean magic before turning inland towards Aljezur. This is a longer stage with a quieter character, mixing coastal views, open countryside and the slow pull of the Algarve’s historic interior.
The first highlight is Praia de Odeceixe, where the Atlantic waves meet the Ribeira de Seixe. From the viewpoint above the beach, the coast opens beautifully behind you. Later, the route drifts through calmer landscapes, with a possible pause near Restaurante O Sargo and the small Rabbit Fountain before the path continues towards Aljezur.
Aljezur arrives with Moorish echoes, white houses and the feeling of a village that has seen centuries wander by. Guesthouse a Lareira gives you a warm and practical base after the long walk, with the old town close enough for a gentle evening stroll if the legs still vote yes.
