The Rota Vicentina Portugal
The Rota Vicentina - Portugal
- Fitness Level : Moderate
- Suitable for: All age groups
- Group: 16 persons max.
- Duration 8 Days
What the Beara Way trail in Ireland entails:
The Rota Vicentina is a captivating self-guided trail along Portugal’s southwest coast, weaving through wild landscapes, charming fishing villages, and pristine beaches. Following the coastal and inland paths, the Rota Vicentina allows hikers to explore the natural beauty of Alentejo and the Algarve regions. Known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sand beaches, and sweeping ocean views, the trail brings visitors up close to Portugal’s Atlantic coastline in an unforgettable way. The route is a blend of rugged seaside paths and tranquil country tracks, offering an ideal balance for those looking to immerse themselves in both the sea and countryside.
The trail is divided into two main sections: the Fishermen’s Trail and the Historical Way. The Fishermen’s Trail hugs the coast, often challenging with its sandy and rocky terrain, but rewarding with breathtaking views and fresh sea breezes. The Historical Way, by contrast, leads inland through forests, rolling hills, and traditional villages, showcasing the rural side of Portugal. Together, these two paths create a diverse and comprehensive journey through Portugal’s lesser-explored regions, offering hikers a unique glimpse into the varied landscapes and ways of life that make the country so special.
Each day on the Rota Vicentina, hikers encounter something new, whether it’s secluded beaches, charming old villages, or ancient cork forests. With an abundance of birdlife and flora, the trail feels alive with natural beauty, especially in spring when wildflowers add splashes of colour along the paths. Local guesthouses and family-owned inns welcome travelers each evening, offering a chance to sample authentic Portuguese cuisine and hospitality, while enjoying the simple comforts that make rural Portugal so inviting.
A self-guided hike on the Rota Vicentina is ideal for independent travelers seeking flexibility and adventure. With route markers, detailed maps, and luggage transfer services available, hikers can fully enjoy the journey without the worry of planning each detail. The Rota Vicentina combines the freedom of solo travel with the security of a well-marked trail, making it one of Europe’s most rewarding coastal hikes. For those drawn to the idea of walking along a coastline where each twist reveals a new vista, the Rota Vicentina offers an unforgettable experience in one of Portugal’s most beautiful and untouched regions.
- Fishermen’s Trail
- Porto Côvo
- Vila Nova de Milfontes
- Almograve
- Zambujeira do Mar
- Odeceixe
- Aljezur
- Portuguse Coastline
- 7 nights Bed and Breakfast (charming lodging).
- 6 Packed Lunches for walks.
- Luggage transport from accommodation to accommodation.
- Personal accident insurance.
- Map 1: 55 000 and GPS files GPX/KMZ.
- Transfer to start and end of the tracks when necessary.
- Transfer from Lisbon or Faro airport to Porto Côvo (private bus).
- Transfer from Aljezur to Lisbon or Faro airport (Train).
(The distances below may vary slightly due to accommodation locations.)
Itinerary: 8 Day Rota Vicentina Trail.
Transfer from Lisbon or Faro Airport to Porto Cova
Accommodation: Hotel in Porto Covo.
This is the beach section, where you will walk along the vast sand dunes area of Ilha do Pessegueiro and Malhão beaches. Discover small deserted coves that will surprise you.
It is a tiring walking day though, given its extension and the constant sandy terrain.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: DIFFICULT
- DISTANCE: 20 KM
- APPROXIMATE DURATION: 7 HOURS
- ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 167 M
- ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 149 M
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 51 M
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 1 M
Accommodation in Vila Nova de Milfontes.
http://www.casadoadro.com.pt
Today is a day to purify your soul with the overwhelming views over Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira River that meets the ocean here. It is a short and accessible hiking day so that you may enjoy the area to its fullest extent.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate
- DISTANCE: 15 KM
- APPROXIMATE DURATION: 5 HOURS
- ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 88 M
- ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 116 M
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 53 M
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 0 M
Accommodation in Vila Nova Milfontes.
http://www.casadoadro.com.pt/
Small fishing harbours, reddish sand dunes and the scent of pine tree forests. Storks nesting on the cliffs, a sight seen nowhere else in the world. This walk is a true balm for your senses.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Moderate
- DISTANCE: 22 KM
- APPROXIMATE DURATION: 7 HOURS
- ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 203 M
- ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 193 M
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 90 M
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 4 M
Accommodation in Zambujeira do Mar.
http://www.alpenduradas.com/pt/
You will be passing the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália on the way to Azenha do Mar. Where you will find a natural fishing harbour.
To top it all, enjoy one of the most outstanding views in the entire territory. Odeceixe beach seen from the majestic Ponta em Branco.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT
- DISTANCE: 18 KM
- APPROXIMATE DURATION: 7 HOURS
- ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 263 M
- ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 283 M
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 74 M
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 1 M
Accommodation in Brejão/Odeceixe.
http://www.cerrodafontinha.com/homepage-en/
This circular route allows you to combine a beautiful stretch of the Fishermen’s Trail with the richness of the Seixe stream floodplain, the rural life of the inhabitants of the plains of Maria Vinagre and the best views of Odeceixe from the wash-house and the mill.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
- DISTANCE: 15 KM
- APPROXIMATE DURATION: 4.5 HOURS
- ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 362 M
- ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 200 M
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 110 M
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 10 M
Accommodation in Brejão/Odeceixe.
http://www.cerrodafontinha.com/homepage-en/
This walk through the coastal upland crosses pastures and farmland. Growing sweet potatoes, maize, peanuts and tomatoes, interspersed with areas of pine and eucalyptus trees.
- DIFFICULTY LEVEL: Easy
- DISTANCE: 19.5 KM
- APPROXIMATE DURATION: 6 HOURS
- ACCUMULATED CLIMB: 305 M
- ACCUMULATED DESCENT: 312 M
- MAXIMUM ALTITUDE: 132 M
- MINIMUM ALTITUDE: 8 M
Accommodation in Aljezur.
http://www.vicentinahotel.com/hotel-overview.html
After breakfast you will be transferred by Train or Bus back to Lisbon or Faro.
- We choose the accommodation very carefully, a mix of quality B&Bs and Guest Houses.
- There is Free WiFi in all the accommodations we use.
- All the rooms are en-suite.
The accommodation we use are well used to us bringing them guests after a day’s walk and know that they somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
- Extra accommodation before and after your trip.
Here’s a quick list of essentials to bring for a self-guided walk on the Rota Vicentina:
- Light Walking Boots / Shoes.
- Walking Trousers, shorts (Not Jeans).
- Sandals, Sun Glasses.
- Water.
- Waterproofs (Just in Case).
- Thermal top / T-shirt (Not Cotton).
- Sun Cream.
- Insect Repellent.
A deposit of 10% is required to secure your booking and your balance is due 6 weeks prior to Tour / Walk Start date. Your Deposit will be returned to you if we are unsuccessful in securing your trip or accommodation.
- Loss of deposit applies for cancellations made 6 weeks or more in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 40% applies for cancellations made less than 41 days in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 80% applies for cancellations made less than 4 weeks in advance.
- Cancellation fee of 100% applies for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance, or in case of no-show.
The balance of the cost of your tour / walk (including any applicable surcharge) is due not less than 6 weeks prior to scheduled departure.
If we do not receive this balance in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as cancelled by you in which case we shall retain your deposit.
Ticket Price
| 8 Day€975pps, (Single Supplement €370) |
Optional Extras:
Operates: September till June Deposit of just 10% required when booking. |
Pickup:
| Pickup from hotel in Porto Covo |
Got a Question?
Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.
17 Dodder Lawn, Dodder Valley Park, Firhouse Dublin 24, Ireland
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Testimonials
Rota Vicentina 8 days walking trip
We booked the Rota Vicentina self-guided tour via the Internet and got an immediate response from the organisers. The accommodations were comfortable and all our hosts very extremely available to pick us up at any time. One of them even drove us to a restaurant and pick us up after dinner. In all the residences, breakfast was excellent. We were also satisfied with the packet lunch provided every morning for our walk.
I had a wonderful walking trip Organised by hilltop tracks one of the most excellent companies for these trips, when you use a good company, you just get the best.________________________________________
FAQs
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Yes, this is part of the service and your luggage is transferred each day and will be at your next accommodation before your arrival. So, you can shower and freshen up quickly after arriving
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All the information to get you to the start of your walk will be given to you, ie, bus times, train times etc. We can also organise a transfer for you from Airports or accommodations.
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The terrain of this walk is from forest tracks, to open hillside, old roads, country lanes and Irish Bog. The walks are generally of a moderate level with approx. 15 – 20Km per day walk. It is possible to have your day shortened by letting us know and we can organise transfers to shorten the walk for you
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We use a mix of Guesthouses on these Self-Guided Walks as we believe they give you a more personal service and many of them will provide you with a packed lunch and a hearty breakfast before you start your day. They are also locals to the area and know the best places for music, food and drink.
- We choose our accommodation very carefully and have known the owners for many years now and have built up a close relationship with them
- We can depend on these accommodations to give you the best service and assistance with any queries you may have.
- The accommodation providers are well used to guests arriving after a day’s walk and know that they want somewhere comfortable to relax and freshen up.
- They are all fully qualified and recognised accommodations with Tourism Ireland
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In many of the towns along the way, there is a choice of restaurant or Pub (Pub cuisine in Ireland is fantastic now with a wide variety of food at a high quality in most).
- Breakfasts are included and there is a wide selection to choose from including a Full Irish, fruit, cereals, breads etc.
- Lunches for the walks: Some of the accommodations may provide a packed lunch for you. If not, they will let you know of a close by Deli or shop where you can have one made up the way you would like it.
- Evening Meals In most towns there are restaurants and Pubs, Wicklow Lamb is famous throughout the world for its quality.
- Dietary requests such as Vegetarians or Gluten free can be catered for with prior notice, although many locations in Ireland are well used to specific foods.
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