Portugal: Fishermen’s Trail Walking Tour
Six nights, six days of walking and hiking. Moderate to challenging coastal routes among cliffs and dunes with remarkable biodiversity and a temperate climate, making this an ideal “camino” trek.
“I know there are a million different ways to take a vacation. You seem to really understand that at Freewheeling.” Jeanne M.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Vicentina Coast Natural Park, this single track along cliffs and beaches can only be travelled by foot.
- Ancient trails shaped by the constant trek between villages and hidden fishing spots.
- One of the best-preserved coastlines in all of Europe with beaches as far as the eye can see.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions, Up to ~20 km
- DAY 2: ~14 km
- DAY 3: ~22 km
- DAY 4: ~18 km
- DAY 5: ~18 km
- DAY 6: ~10 km walk + options
- DAY 7: Transfer & Farewells
Portugal: Fishermen’s Trail Walk – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Lisbon, TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel , 09:00, day one.
Finish: Lisbon, TRYP Lisboa Aeroporto Hotel , 13:00, day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Transfer Lisbon to Porto Covo, then walk up to ~20km to Vila Nova de Milfontes
Start with a morning pickup in Lisbon for a two hour transfer to Porto Covo and the beginning of the Fishermen’s Trail. The beaches along this section of the trail are fantastically diverse; some are covered in smooth pebbles shaped by the sea and waves, while others have lace-like sand dunes sliding down to the ocean and are home to plant species endemic to this coast. Your resting place for tonight is in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a delightful Portuguese town filled with whitewashed houses and cobbled streets. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips; self guided trips include breakfast only)
HS Milfontes Beach Hotel, Vila Nova de Milfontes
~14km
Your path today offers insight into the agricultural side of the region. As you depart from the village you will be greeted by marshes on the river bends, important breeding grounds for several species of fish. Farmland stretches down toward the coast, and reminders of non-commercial fishing will be seen along the way. BLD
Same lodging
~22km
The high cliffs along this part of the journey provide a treat for bird watching enthusiasts. Despite exposure to the constant ocean winds, the cliffs serve as protective nesting sites for over twenty species of bird, including Jackdaw, Shag, Common Kestrel, Rock Dove, White Stork, Peregrine Falcon, and Black Redstart. Signs of prehistoric times and changes can be seen along the coast, with reddish tones of the sand and sandstone revealing evidence of past warmer climates. BLD
Rosa Dos Ventos, Zambujeira do Mar
~18km
Walking along this stretch of coast you will marvel to see how the sedimentary rocks, laid down horizontally eons ago, have been folded and pushed up vertically by the forces of nature. Watch for small mammals living in the dunes, such as mongoose, weasels, martens, badgers, otters, and rabbits, before finishing at your inn for a well-deserved dinner and rest. BLD
Casas do Moinho, Odeceixe
~18km – Two Beach Circuits and a short walk along the Historical Way
Travel the Odeceixe Beach Circuit, a path wrapping around the mouth of the Seixe River. A treat for the eyes, the river flows into meadows before spilling into the ocean, creating a maze of wetlands which are essential for wildlife. White and grey herons are commonly spotted as sandpipers scurry along the ocean water’s edge in search of small creatures brought in on the tide, and spectacular shapes are carved into the cliffs by years of sea erosion. Next you will explore the famous Historical Way, an ancient trail system that runs inland, connecting the towns and villages, before connecting back onto a beach route. On the Amoreira Beach Circuit you will see evidence of dune colonization, from sea level to the pine forest. As you approach the mouth of the Amoreira River you will see why it is called a bird watchers paradise. BLD
Vicentina Aparthotel, Aljezur
Two 30 min transfers; beach Circuit ~10km walk + additional ~6km
After a short transfer to Carrapateira, take your time and linger on the beach along the Pontal Da Carrapateira Circuit. Here you will enjoy the harmonious shapes carved in the sands by the unique interaction of tides, currents, deposits and winds. Savour the scents of thyme, amaranth, rosemary, lavender, and crowberries, that vegetate the local dunes. Explore the cliffs, with their holes, caves, and arches formed from the disintegration of the limestone from rainwater above and salt seas below. Enjoy an independent lunch in Santo Antonia before another short transfer to Cape St. Vincent for your final beach walk at Telheiro Beach. Designated a geosite due to the existence of the most spectacular disconformity on the Iberian Peninsula, Telheiro Beach was the site of abrupt changes between rock formations over the course of millions of years. If you could sequence these changes into a human life span, walking on this coastline would be like riding on a rollercoaster! BD
Pousada de Sagres Hotel Infante, Sagres
Farewells
Enjoy breakfast at your inn before transferring back to Lisbon (3.5 hrs).
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Apr 17-23
- Jun 5-11
- Oct 16-22
2024 Guided:
- May 20-26
- Oct 14-20
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 3995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners, luggage handling, guide and vehicle support, ground transportatin, maps, route instructions, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 3495 (per person, double occupancy)
includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, transfers as outlined in the itinerary, maps, route instructions, on-call support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 795
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
With over 100km along SW Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park, this single track along cliffs and beaches can only be travelled by foot. Ancient trails shaped by the constant trek between villages and hidden fishing spots. Considered one of the best coastal trails in the world, it is one of the best-preserved coastlines in all of Europe with beaches as far as the eye can see, towering cliffs, biodiversity, an authentic culture and a temperate climate. Experience the wild southwestern coast of Portugal on a classic “Camino”-style trek! Passing through some of the longest stretches of protected coastline in Europe, the Trilho dos Pescadores or Fishermen’s Walk offers guests an opportunity to immerse themselves in a slower-paced Portugal, linking charming whitewashed fishing villages by way of pedestrian-only coastal trails and quiet country lanes. This six-day walking adventure will bring you face-to-face with abundant birdlife, floral biodiversity, ragged cliffs, bountiful wetlands and pristine beaches all bound by the powerful expanse of the North Atlantic. End each day with a refreshing glass of vinho verde paired with regional preparations of the freshest seafood and seasonal produce before resting your head at small, boutique accommodations. As with every Freewheeling Adventure, you can rest easy knowing that you will set out each day with the best and most up-to-date trail information and recommendations. Our friendly and knowledgeable guides will take care of all luggage transfer needs and help ensure you get the very most from this spectacular walking holiday!
We here at Freewheeling have Portugal on the brain and are very excited to announce we are working on a brand-new cycling holiday in the country’s north, so stay tuned! Got an Iberian inclination? Check out some of our other great tours in Spain!
