Portugal: Rota Vicentina Inn-to-Inn Walking Tour

Six nights; seven days of true inn-to-inn walking from Odeceixe to Cape St. Vincent.

"I've used the services of many tour companies; Freewheeling Adventures is top-tier for service, professionalism, and attention to details. Highly recommended!" - Carol K.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• A continuous, inn-to-inn walking route along the most spectacular section of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina.
• Walk through two regions – the tranquil Alentejo and the wild Algarve – ending at the lighthouse of Cape St Vincent, Europe’s southwestern tip.
• No vehicle shuttles between inns unless you choose to shorten a day; every kilometre is walked door-to-door, with daily luggage transfers included.
• Daily ocean views, quiet fishing villages, dramatic cliffs, and long beaches where storks nest on sea stacks.
• Learn about the coastal fishing traditions, cork forests, and Moorish heritage that shape this part of Portugal.
• Excellent regional cuisine – grilled fish, Alentejo bread, and local wines – with plenty of opportunities to sample traditional fare.
• Comfortable seaside inns chosen for character, hospitality, and locations directly on the trail.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

The Rota Vicentina Inn-to-Inn Walk is a moderate coastal walk with rolling terrain, sandy sections, and short climbs above the cliffs. Expect 4–6 hours of walking per day, averaging 15–22 km. Trails follow the official Fisherman’s Trail waymarking (blue and green stripes) almost entirely off-road on coastal paths, boardwalks, and firm sandy tracks.

We begin in Odeceixe, at the northern edge of the Algarve, skipping the less-developed stages farther north where heavy sand and limited lodging make continuous inn-to-inn walking impractical. Starting here focuses on the most scenic and rewarding half of the Fisherman’s Trail – from the Alentejo border to the dramatic cliffs of the Algarve, finishing at Cape St Vincent.

Good, supportive footwear is recommended for varied terrain, especially the sandy portions near the coast. Travellers may opt for short vehicle transfers on longer days if desired, arranged before leaving each morning.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Arrival and Warm-Up Walk into Odeceixe, ~5km (+50m / -50m).
• 2: Odeceixe to Aljezur, ~24km (+250m / -250m).
• 3: Aljezur to Arrifana, ~18km (+300m / -250m).
• 4: Arrifana to Carrapateira, up to ~24km (+500m /-600m).
• 5: Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo, ~15km (+300m / -250m).
• 6: Vila do Bispo to Sagres ~22km (+200m / −300m).
• 7: Return to Lisbon.

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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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.

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