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Peregrine Travel Centre

Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal

Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal

From $ 2,580 AUD

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Description

Lace up your boots and set off along Portugal’s Rota Vicentina – arguably one of Europe’s most scenic hiking trails. A world away from the bustle of Lisbon, you’ll hike along ancient coastal paths, passing through the sunny Alentejo and Algarve regions. Look for burrows and footprints of Egyptian mongooses, beech martens and otters in the sand dunes along the ancient Fisherman’s Trail. Learn about the region’s distinct biodiversity from your local leader, relax on the beautiful beaches and feast on fresh seafood in Almograve – the beauty of this corner of Portugal will stay stamped on your passport and your memory.

Trip Name
Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
7
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Follow the most scenic section of the coastal Fisherman’s Trail, taking in panoramic views of Portugal’s cliffs, beaches and ocean as you walk. At the end of each day’s hike, maybe unwind on the sandy shore or take a quick dip.
  • Delight in Portugal’s bountiful coastline and indulge in a fresh seafood lunch in the village of Almograve with ingredients from the local fish market.
  • Walk to Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar – a small chapel overlooking the ocean – and watch the sunset over the region, maybe with a homemade picnic.
  • Visit Sagres, at Portugal’s southwestern tip, where towering cliffs overlook the Atlantic, the fortress stands as a testament to maritime explorers, and the windswept beaches offer both adventure and breathtaking views.
  • Hike to Cabo de Sao Vicente – mainland Europe’s southwestern most point. Hear stories about the area’s maritime and local history from your local leader.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Lisbon
Bem-vindo! Welcome to Portugal. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight in Lisbon, Portugal’s lively capital city. If you arrive early, maybe stroll through the winding alleyways of the Alfama neighbourhood or visit Sao Jorge Castle. After your meeting, maybe head out with your leader and group to get to know each other over dinner in a local restaurant (at your own cost). Then, maybe continue with a post-dinner walk around the city and see the town come to life in the evenings.
Day 2 - Vila Nova de Milfontes
Leave Lisbon behind and drive towards the start of the ancient Fisherman's Trail in the southwest of Portugal, made up various hiking tracks down through Alentejo and the Algarve. Jump out of your vehicle in the coastal parish of Malhao and lace up your boots for your first day of walking. Making the most of your seaside setting, most of today’s walk is along sandy sweeps of beach, crossing the dunes of Aivados and Malhao. Each beach you pass offers something different, from freshwater springs to sharp cliffs and hidden coves. As you walk, your leader will teach you about the hardy plants that live along the coast, defying the odds to thrive against a landscape of poor soil, salty air and hot sun. Today’s walk wraps up in Vila Nova de Milfontes, where you may like to cool off with a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Day 3 - Almograve
Start the day with a boat ride from the mouth of the Mira River to Praia das Furnas, where you’ll disembark and begin your walk. On your journey to Almograve, follow the coast and pass by marshes that serve as breeding grounds for many species of fish. Keep an eye out for small stone-age quarries tucked into the sand dunes, and you may pass a friendly local fisherman or two. Later, arrive in Almograve. From here, head to a local restaurant with a menu brimming with fresh seafood, brought in from the fish market up the road – maybe tuck into a tasty meal of shrimp, clams, hake or whelk.
Day 4 - Zambujeira do Mar
Rise bright and early to hit the trails. Starting in Almograve you’ll hike to Zambujeira do Mar. Walk past high, jagged cliffs which serve as the nesting place of over twenty bird species – look out for peregrine falcons, rock doves, jackdaws and kestrels. The area’s layered geological history will become apparent as you pass red sands and oxidised sandstone from previous tropical climates, and remains of cold climate animals from a cooler past. Later in the day, take a short walk to Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar – a little chapel overlooking the sea. Maybe pack a homemade picnic and watch the sun go down from this beautiful spot.
Day 5 - Aljezur
Enjoy a slower start to the day before heading off for another fantastic walk, bursting with more stunning coastal scenery. Set off from Zambujeira do Mar and walk along clifftops, past the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amalia before arriving at a natural fishing harbour in Azenha do Mar. The sand dunes on this stretch of your walk are alive with activity and home to many mammals – while they are pretty hard to spot, you may be able to see evidence of burrows and footprints. Egyptian mongooses, beech martens, otters, weasels, genets and badgers all call this part of the country home. At the end of today’s hike, maybe relax on the beach or explore the town at your own pace. Later, travel to Rota Vicentina where you’ll spend the night.
Day 6 - Sagres
After breakfast, travel to Vila do Bispo for today’s walk. Set off along the trails to Cabo de Sao Vicente – the southwestern most point of mainland Europe. As you walk, listen to stories of the cape’s maritime, Phoenician and Roman past from your local leader. Skirt along the coast before finishing up in Sagres – a popular spot for surfers. If the name sounds familiar, it may be because of Portugal’s iconic beer that’s named after the town. Tonight, why not grab a cool glass of cerveja and some dinner with your group – a great way to celebrate the final night of your trip.
Day 7 - Sagres
With no activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your trip and continue exploring Portugal, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.
Day 8 - Sagres
With no walks or activities planned for today, your adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-04-202618-04-2026AUD $ 2,860-
26-04-202602-05-2026AUD $ 2,640-
10-05-202616-05-2026AUD $ 2,580-
24-05-202630-05-2026AUD $ 2,580-
30-08-202605-09-2026AUD $ 2,580-
13-09-202619-09-2026AUD $ 2,580-
20-09-202626-09-2026AUD $ 2,580-
27-09-202603-10-2026AUD $ 2,580-
04-10-202610-10-2026AUD $ 2,580-
11-10-202617-10-2026AUD $ 2,580-
18-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 2,580-
11-04-202717-04-2027AUD $ 2,670-
25-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 2,670-
09-05-202715-05-2027AUD $ 2,670-
23-05-202729-05-2027AUD $ 2,670-
29-08-202704-09-2027AUD $ 2,670-
05-09-202711-09-2027AUD $ 2,670-
12-09-202718-09-2027AUD $ 2,670-
26-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 2,670-
03-10-202709-10-2027AUD $ 2,670-
10-10-202716-10-2027AUD $ 2,670-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights)

Transport

On foot, Private vehicle, Boat, Metro, Tram

Map

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