What to expect
Guided Walks
Embark on six fully guided walks along Portugal's Rota Vicentina, exploring its unspoiled coastal trails, beautiful beaches, forests, and charming harbors.
Historic Hikes
Hike sections of the renowned Fisherman's Trail and the Historic Route, discovering historic fortresses and traditional fishing villages.
Coastal Beauty
Immerse yourself in the stunning coastal beauty, from vast, unspoiled beaches and dramatic cliffs to picturesque harbors.
About this trip...
Join Solos on this 8-day guided walking tour along the magnificent Rota Vicentina – an incredible journey from the sea to the land along the stunning South West Coast of Portugal. Centered in the charming towns of Vila Nova de Milfontes and Aljezur, this region is considered one of the finest stretches of preserved European coastlines. It is home to the famous Rota Vicentina – a 211-mile long-distance path that begins in Santiago do Cacém and finishes at the Cape of St. Vincent.
The Rota Vicentina comprises two main paths: the Fisherman's Trail and the Historic Route. The Fisherman's Trail closely follows the rugged coastline, traversing sand dunes and cliff-top paths with spectacular ocean views. The Historic Route brings you inland, along the pastoral landscape and farming terrains that connect the small clusters of houses scattered throughout this vast and peaceful area. Our uniquely designed “opt-out system” allows you the flexibility to walk the entire route section for the day or just parts of it, so that you can spend more time sightseeing, relaxing, or exploring a specific spot if you prefer! Join us for a walking tour along one of Portugal's most scenic regions.
What's included?
Airport transfers
Private Room
Half-Board : Buffet Breakfast and dinner with drinks daily
Welcome drink and information meeting
Fully guided walking days
Accompanying Solos Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive Faro
- Porto Covo Walk
- Odemira Walk
- Odeceixe Walk
- Arrifana Walk
- Carrapateira Walk
- Vila do Bispo Walk
- Depart Faro
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive in Faro
- Dinner with drinks included
Day Two: Porto Covo Walk
- Distance: Approx. 9.9 miles
- Ascent: Approx. 299 feet
- Descent: Approx. 341 feet
- Opt out: at Approx. 4.4 miles
- Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Three: Odemira Walk
This is the lush section of the trail, where a different, green and vibrant Alentejo reveals itself before our eyes, with refreshing water streams and ponds. Much of the route follows the Ribeira do Torgal where forests of valuable species such as ash, willow and alder clothe the banks of the streams. Birds and mammals are abundant in the area. We may well find evidence of Wild Boar, a species quite common in this region. Amongst the undergrowth, there are many scented and medicinal plants, such as Genista tridentata found during spring, Oregano during summer and Wild Asparagus during autumn.
- Distance: Approx. 9.3 miles
- Ascent: Approx. 558 feet
- Descent: Approx. 902 feet
- Opt out: at Approx. 6.2 miles
- Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Four: Odeceixe Walk
This wonderful coastal walk passes many isolated beaches on the way to Azenha do Mar, a natural fishing harbour. There are outstanding views throughout the walk, particularly over Odeceixe beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. In Odeceixe, where the Fishermen’s trail and the Historic way coincide, the trails pass through a maze of wetlands which provide essential habitat for wildlife & then on towards the sea where the waters from Monchique flood the Seixe River and spill abundantly into the ocean. At the end of the walk, we transfer to our new hotel.
- Distance: Approx. 8.7 miles
- Ascent: Approx. 896 feet
- Descent: Approx. 981 feet
- Opt out: at Approx. 6.2 miles
- Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Five: Arrifana Walk
The Fishermen’s trail brings us today on a journey through time. The cliffs hide traces of prehistoric human life. History tells us that this area was occupied by various peoples, from Phoenicians to the Arabs. The Ponta da Atalaia is the mandatory stopping point. Here, we find the 'Ribat of Arrifana'- an Islamic fortress-convent built in the 12th century by warrior monks, to be both a pillar of prayer and protection. The rugged coast below with its sharped edges beaten by the strong waves is the home for goose barnacles, a local delicacy that is only accessible at the extremely low spring tides.
- Distance: Approx. 8.1 miles
- Ascent/Descent: Approx. 387 feet
- Opt out: at Approx. 3.1 miles
- Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Six: Carrapateira Walk
The small village of Carrapateira is a unique place that has been attracting surfers, walkers, fishermen, goose barnacle hunters and birders alike. Here, the life in the village is calm and days go by between the sound of the waves hitting the cliffs below and the chirping of the birds migrating south. Our walk brings us along the dunes, where the exuberant displays of vegetation collide with the vibrating sounds of the sea. Thyme, yellow shrubby everlasting, rosemary, lavender and rockroses grow as the rocks turn to limestone.
- Distance: Approx. 6.2 miles
- Ascent/Descent: Approx. 269 feet
- Opt out: at Approx. 4.4 miles
- Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Seven: Vila do Bispo Walk
Today marks the final section of the Vicentina route. This walk, starting from the small town of Vila de Bispo was designed to provide us with the ultimate opportunity to witness the expansive open countryside, the dramatic cliffs and a cape that was once believed to be the end of the world. The fisherman’s trail finishes in the Cape of Saint Vincent, the most south westerly point of Europe. This famous geological headland was a central stage for the Portuguese explorer’s history, pirate stories and nowadays, it’s a famous hotspot for the observation of migratory bird species.
- Distance: Approx. 8.7 miles
- Ascent: Approx. 256 feet
- Descent: Approx. 413 feet
- Opt out: at Approx. 6.2 miles
- Breakfast & dinner with drinks included
Day Eight: Depart Faro
After a final breakfast together as a group, we check-out and head to Faro airport for our flight home.
- Breakfast included
Accommodation
South West Algarve
- Hotel Porto Covo - 3 star - 4 nights
- Hotel Vale da Telha, Aljezur - 2 star - 3 nights
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
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We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
