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Full Fisherman's Trail

Name: Full Fisherman's Trail
Brand: Bookatrekking
Price: 1215.00 EUR
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.4 (1611 reviews)

Duration: 13 days

Trails: T2 trails

Distance: 15 - 20 km per day

Ascent per day: 250 - 500 m ascent per day

Hiking Holidays

Available in September

Overview
Itinerary
What's Included
FAQ
Reviews

> The full version of the Fisherman's Trail
> Spend your nights in charming fishing villages
> Explore stunning beaches and secret coves
> Accommodation before & after is included

The Fisherman's Trail is a coastal walking route, created by stitching up a maze of trails carved out by fishermen along the southwest coast of Portugal. The route is part of the Rota Vicentina trail network, that consists of more than 750 km of pathways. On the Fisherman's Trail you walk just over 200 km along the wild edge of the Atlantic. The sandy trails pass some of the most beautiful beaches and sea cliffs in Portugal. The entire area is protected from mass-scale development by law and most of the route has kept its natural beauty and authentic coastal villages.

This version of the Fisherman's Trail is done in 11 stages. The hiking itself is moderate, although the soft, sandy paths make it slightly harder. Distances are on average 19km a day, so you'll be on the trail for most of the day.

Itinerary

Day

Arrival day

Welcome to Portugal, you will arrive in Porto Covo and receive a warm welcome at your accommodation for the night. During your stay, you can relax after your trip and before starting your adventure on the Fisherman's Trail. Have fun!

Day

Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes

Duration: 05:00 h

Distance: 18.6 km

Ascent: 140 m

Descent: 160 m

Today, your path will follow the shoreline. Traverse the expansive area of sandy hills along the Ilha do Pessegueiro, Aivados, and Malhão beaches, where you may stumble upon secluded coves and caves. The landscape ahead will consist mainly of sand dunes, yet the many beaches you encounter will leave you in awe. Spend the night in Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Day

Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve

Duration: 04:15 h

Distance: 15.6 km

Ascent: 160 m

Descent: 160 m

As you embark on today's journey, you'll be stunned by the breathtaking views overlooking Vila Nova de Milfontes, the Mira River, and the point where the river drains in the ocean. When leaving Vila Nova de Milfontes, you have the option to either walk the initial kilometers across the bridge or take a small ferry across the river (fare not included). The lush natural vegetation serves as a magnet for an array of bird species and small mammals. Follow the rugged cliffs until you reach Almograve, where you'll spend the night.

Day

Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar

Duration: 05:00 h

Distance: 19 km

Ascent: 220 m

Descent: 220 m

During today's journey, you'll pass by charming fishing harbors, wind-swept sand dunes and fragrant pine tree forests. One of the unique sights that will captivate you is the presence of storks nesting on the cliffs, a spectacle found nowhere else in the world. Despite being exposed to the persistent winds of the ocean, these cliffs serve as the nesting grounds for many bird species. As the afternoon unfolds, you'll reach the picturesque white-washed village of Zambujeira do Mar, which is your destination for today.

Day

Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe

Duration: 05:15 h

Distance: 19.1 km

Ascent: 280 m

Descent: 300 m

Today's journey promises another fascinating trek along the scenic clifftops. As you traverse the path, you'll encounter a series of beautiful beaches including Alteirinhos and Machados. Along the route, you'll also come across a natural fishing harbor at Azenha do Mar. However, the true highlight of the day awaits you at the majestic Ponta em Branco, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Odeceixe beach.

Day

Odeceixe - Aljezur

Duration: 06:25 h

Distance: 23.5 km

Ascent: 230 m

Descent: 220 m

Continuing your journey from Odeceixe, you'll maintain a southward course along the coastal path, meandering through the picturesque coastal area. After a long day on the trail you will eventually arrive at the enchanting Moorish village of Aljezur, steeped in rich history and cultural heritage.

Day

Aljezur - Arrifana

Duration: 04:45 h

Distance: 17.3 km

Ascent: 280 m

Descent: 210 m

From Aljezur, slightly inland, you'll head back to the coast following the course of Ribiera de Aljezur. Once you hit the coast you walk south again along the craggy coast. The day ends in Arrifana, a famous spot among surfers for its great waves.

Day

Arrifana - Carrapateira

Duration: 05:30 h

Distance: 20.1 km

Ascent: 240 m

Descent: 320 m

Walk along the golden sands of Praia da Arrifana, passing dramatic cliffs and enjoying panoramic ocean views. Quickly the path heads inland and follows the sand dunes and heathland and reaches the coast again at Praia da Bordeira, a wide sandy beach embraced by crashing waves and picturesque cliffs. After crossing the small river you head back inland for a kilometre to reach Carrapateira where you'll spend the night.

Day

Carrapateira - Vila do Bispo

Duration: 05:50 h

Distance: 20.1 km

Ascent: 540 m

Descent: 480 m

This stage is a little harder as you are climbing more than on other days. The coastline goes up and down and this requires quite some effort. This effort is worth it, walking along the hauntingly beautiful coastline, some of the most stunning stretches on the whole route. The final few kilometers go back inland to Vila do Bispo.

Day

Vila do Bispo - Sagres

Duration: 06:00 h

Distance: 21.8 km

Ascent: 240 m

Descent: 300 m

Today you walk to an iconic landmark on the European continent, Cabo de São Vicente. This is the extreme southwestern point in Portugal and Europe for that matter. It's a spectacular headland, guarded by a beautiful red and white lighthouse. The direction of walking dramatically changes after reaching this point, and you are now headed straight east towards Sagres. Enjoy your stay in this historical fortified town.

Day

Sagres - Salema

Duration: 05:30 h

Distance: 19.7 km

Ascent: 320 m

Descent: 340 m

The walk from Sagres to Salema runs along the southern coastline, showcasing the Algarve's golden beaches and impressive cliffs. Enjoy this penultimate stage!

Day

Salema - Lagos

Duration: 06:20 h

Distance: 22.6 km

Ascent: 420 m

Descent: 420 m

The final leg of what's been an epic journey along the southwest coast of Portugal. Lagos is where the Fisherman's Trail ends. For those with a little extra time we recommend hanging around the Algarve coast to recover and replenish all those calories burned.

Day

Departure day

After breakfast, you are free to go. This is the end of your adventure on the Fisherman's Route. We hope to see you again soon.

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Included

Accommodation

We will arrange your accommodation on the Fisherman's Trail in hotels, inns, and guesthouses. Accommodation will be private in single, double or twin rooms and with en-suite bathroom where possible.
Full travel guide

You’ll receive access to our trekking app, which serves as your complete digital travel guide for the Fisherman's Trail. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for your trek: route descriptions, hiking maps, navigation support, payment information, and all the key details specific to your journey.
Baggage Transfer

This trek includes the transfer of your luggage throughout the entire Fisherman's Trail trek. Your bags will be picked up every morning from the hotel lobby and will be driven to your next next accommodation. Baggage transfers allow you to travel lighter during the day and enjoy the walk in a more relaxed manner.
Navigation support

Our trekking app also includes built-in navigation support. With GPS-based maps and offline access, you can follow the trail confidently and stay on route even without mobile signal.

Excluded

Traveling to and from

You have to make your own way to the starting point. The total amount does not include personal transport. This also applies to any transport from the end point of your trail.
Transfers

If you require any form of public or local transport during the trek, it is not included in the package unless stated otherwise. This applies to taxis, buses, cable cars, gondolas, and similar services.
Travel Insurance

Your international travel insurance is your own responsibility. Discuss your itinerary with the insurance company before your trek.
Meals

Meals are not included in the price on the Fisherman's Trail unless otherwise indicated in the inclusive list. Along the way, there are several places to stock up on food and restaurants that lend themselves to a delicious lunch or dinner. These locations are indicated in our travel guide.

FAQ

Are the Rota Vicentina and the Fisherman’s Trail the Same Walking Route?
When Is the Best Time to Walk the Fisherman’s Trail?
How to get to the Starting Point
How to get back
What if the dates I want are not available?
If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?
How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking
Availability
Cancellation policy

Reviews

Full Fisherman's Trail

Itinerary

Arrival day

Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve

Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar

Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe

Odeceixe - Aljezur

Aljezur - Arrifana

Arrifana - Carrapateira

Carrapateira - Vila do Bispo

Vila do Bispo - Sagres

Sagres - Salema

Salema - Lagos

Departure day

Included

Accommodation

Full travel guide

Baggage Transfer

Navigation support

Excluded

Traveling to and from

Transfers

Travel Insurance

Meals

FAQ

Are the Rota Vicentina and the Fisherman’s Trail the Same Walking Route?

When Is the Best Time to Walk the Fisherman’s Trail?

How to get to the Starting Point

How to get back

What if the dates I want are not available?

If I book now, can I immediately arrange the rest of my trip?

How do I know if this trek is right for me?

How to Book

Booking

Availability

Cancellation policy

Reviews

Reviews

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