Rota Vicentina Hikes – Guide To Portugal’s Famous Trail

• Area: Single track along the cliffs between Porto Covo and Odeceixe, fully within SW Alentejo and Vicentina Coast National Park
• Permit: Not required 
• Difficulty: Fairly difficult. Not suitable for those with a fear of heights or vertigo as you will be walking along cliffs. Quite exerting, short moments when you will be required to use your hands
• Distance: 165km in total. Divided into 5 sections varying from 15km to 25km with 4 complementary circuits
• Time Hiking: This is a multi-day hike. The hiking time is dependent on how far you choose to hike as well as your fitness level. In general, the walk is between 4-7 days long
• Best Time to Hike: September to June

Route Description

The Fisherman’s Trail is probably one of the best coastal trails in the world. It is a multi-day walk comprised of 5 sections and 4 complementary circuits and totals 165km down a single track along the rugged cliffs and soft sandy beaches.The trail connects Porto Covo and Odeceixe.

This trail can only be travelled by foot and has self-explanatory trail signs meaning you won’t necessarily need a guide. Each group walking can have a maximum of 20 people and the trail is not recommended for those with a fear of heights or vertigo.

The trail can be quite exerting at times and there are short moments when you will be required to use your hands. This trail is physically demanding and challenging, and you will need a degree of physical fitness to complete it.

Accommodation

If you are walking through a guided tour accommodation will be organised for you. But there are many hotels and bed and breakfasts along the way to choose from.

Tips for walking the Fisherman’s trail

• Bring plenty of spare socks as you will be walking through sand and you may end up with sand in your socks.
• This walk is not ideal for those who are scared of heights or those who have vertigo.
• In March the weather is unpredictable, bring a rain jacket and warm hat to protect you against the winds.
• In summer the sun is harsh, make sure to wear sunblock and drink a lot of water.
• Hiking boots are a necessity.
• Book your accommodation beforehand to avoid being stranded as camping is not permitted along the Fisherman’s Trail.

• Area: Rota Vicentina, SW of Portugal
• Permit: Not required
• Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 230km broken up into 12 sections varying between 15km and 25km
• Elevation: 100-500 metres per day
• Hiking Time: Each section should take one day. Your walk will take maximum 12 days but allow 15 days for your entire trip
• Best Time to Hike:  Due to the summer heat, spring and autumn are the best time to walk the trail

Route Description

The Historical Way is made up of 12 sections totalling 230km of walking. It has been certified by the European Ramblers Association as “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe”.

The route seeks to re-establish a route used by pilgrims, travellers and locals throughout history. Learn about the area’s history through fountains, churches, old country houses and villages that you will encounter along your journey.

You will pass through many towns and villages along the way, make sure to embrace the cultural richness and extraordinary landscape of the area.

The first half of the route is mostly dirt roads and the second half of the route consists of coastal trails with rocks, some beaches to cross and dirt roads.

The trail is a mixture of flat and hilly sections with some steep ascents and descents.

Accommodation

As with the Fisherman’s trail, by booking a guided tour accommodation will be booked through them. But there are incredible options for accommodation in every leg of your walk.

Static Peak Divide Pro Tips

• Try the wonderful produce and cuisine.
• You will be on your feet for a long time so wear hiking boots.
• Make sure to protect yourself from the harsh sun with sunblock and lots of water.
• Like the Fisherman’s Trail, rain could possibly be an issue so make sure to pack a reliable rain jacket.
• Speak to the locals, they have amazing knowledge to share and will no doubt enrich your experience along the Historical Way.
• Like with the Fisherman’s Trail, it is recommended that you book your accommodation in advance in order to avoid being stranded.

• Area:  Rota Vicentine, SW of Portugal
• Permit: Not required
• Difficulty: Ranges from easy to somewhat difficult
• Distance: Total distance of all the circular routes combined is 89km, but each individual route will be 16km in length or less.
• Elevation: The elevation varies from route to route
• Hiking Time: half-day or less
• Best Time to Hike: September to June

Route Description

The circular routes are the best option if you want to start hiking the SW of Portugal without any fuss. There are 8 different circular routes to choose from based on your needs and interests.

The circular routes begin and end at the same point and only go up to 16km long, giving you a taste of the multi-day walks at a fraction of the time.

The options are:

• The Dunes of Almograve – which is your opportunity to experience one of the most marked dichotomies between conservation of nature and intensive farming, each playing an important role in the area.
• S. Luis Gardens – This is a short, easy and accessible walk perfect for the whole family at only 3.5km long.
• Troviscais to Mira – This walk gives you the opportunity to experience the essence of the Historical Way trail in a much shorter time frame. This route is ideal for lovers of nature and birdwatching.
• Santa Clara Routes – These are two routes which can be done together, or you can choose one. They total 23km together.
• From Bordeira to the sea – you will come across the symbolic pine forest of Bordalete and the beach of Bordeira or Carrapateira displaying impressive sands and dunes.
• Endiabrada and the hidden lakes – This route takes you through the Mediterranean woodlands on the foothills of the Serra de Espinhacodo Cao.
• Carrapateira Hills – If you are someone who appreciates amazing views this route is definitely for you, you will be able to experience incredible panoramic views of beaches and the villages from the top of the hills.

Accommodation

Like the other routes, there will not be a shortage of accommodation available near your walk.

Tips for walking the circular routes

• Beware of motor vehicles along the routes.
• Do not light fires or leave behind any rubbish.
• The farms are protected by guard dogs, proceed with caution.
• Beware of any cattle that may have calves as they might be protective over them.
• Respect private property.
• You may have to cross paved roads at some point.
• Bring your own food and water, there are no support services along the routes.
•  Be friendly and speak to the locals.

You cannot camp along the Fisherman’s Trail as it is entirely within the national park. You will have to get permission from whoever owns the land to camp along the Historical Way.

Can Rota Vicentina be cycled?

The Fisherman’s Trail cannot be cycled as it is dangerous, you can travel by foot only. However, you can cycle along the Historical Way.

Do I need to take any special precautions to walk the Fisherman’s Trail?

Yes, the cliffs are under a constant state of erosion, so there is a risk that there could be a fall.

Can I walk the Rota Vicentina alone?

Technically yes, but it is recommended that you walk with at least one other person in case you get injured.

What wildlife and plants can I expect to see?

Due to its benign weather, Rota Vicentina boasts diverse plants and wildlife including beautiful wildflowers in spring.

The area provides a great opportunity to view some fantastic wildlife, such as azure-winged magpies, mongooses coastal dwelling amphibians, sea fauna as well as Europe’s only colony is marine storks.

The national park provides excellent bird watching opportunities as it is an important waypoint for many migrating species such as raptors, passerines and soaring birds during the autumn months.

There are 700 species of plants of which 100 are rare or endemic to the area. The fauna and flora of the area are truly unique and should not be missed.

Do I need to book accommodation on the Rota Vicentina in advance?

What do I need to bring for the Rota Vicentina hike?

Make sure you are wearing light comfortable clothing and that you have appropriate shoes, preferably hiking boots. A rain jacket is recommended if there is a risk of rain. Hiking sticks aren’t necessary but can be useful. Water, food and sun block are essential.

To help you plan and prepare for your hike, we recommend reading our gear section and Packing list.