VICENTINA TRAVEL is a Tour operator specialized in self-guided walks and bicycle holidays in ROTA Vicentina - SW Portugal
+351 964134643 also Whatsapp
#1 - BEST OF FISHERMEN´S TRAIL - ALENTEJO COAST
SELF-GUIDED TOURS by FOOT
Self-guided hiking is an adventure without any stress.
You travel where you want, with whom you want, and when you want without having to worry about the organization or the logistics.
We live and we run our programs in the most beautiful part of Portugal where Rota Vicentina exists.
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By booking with a local company you are contributing to a sustainable way of traveling.
rota vicentina
Rota Vicentina
Cliff area near Malhao Beach
Rota Vicentina south view of Malhão brac from Altura do Norte rock
FROM PORTO CÔVO
TO ODECEIXE
ITINERARY: Arrival in Porto Côvo
DAY 1
After the Check-in a Vicentina Travel member will provide the briefing to clarify everything related to the tour, after that everything will sound much clearer. All the trails are fully marked, being part of Rota Vicentina’s Historical Way and Fishermen’s Trail.
The best way to reach the starting point is to travel by BUS using Rede Expressos BUS Service, however, we also have private transfers available on request.
Overnight: Porto Côvo
STAGE - Porto Côvo to Milfontes
DAY 2
DISTANCE: 20Km/12,5Miles;
DURATION: 6h;
CLIMB 167 M;
DESCENT: 149 M;
In the morning, you'll be able to stock up on supplies for the day, since during the day you won’t be able to get any. At least 1,5L Water per person and sun protection are essential. This is a Moderate walk (lack of shade), crossing several areas with loose sand, you will notice this is a really unexplored area, where you can take advantage of some astonishing views, and where the real fishermen take their chances at their risky daily job. If you are not an experienced walker it´s better to ask a Vicentina Travel member to sort it down, there are 2 options available with 14km and 8km.
Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes
Meals included: Breakfast
STAGE - Milfontes to Longueira/Almograve
Day 3
DISTANCE: 18Km/11,18Miles or 15Km/9,32Miles using the Ferry Boat option;
DURATION: 5h;
CLIMB 263 M;
DESCENT: 283 M;
In the morning with your body full of energy, you have 2 solutions to start the journey:
A) Catching a small ferry-boat to do the river crossing, or,
B) Crossing through the bridge, taking the path from the beginning.
Both options will lead you to an easy day walking crossing fields and small cliffs, with access to several beaches, heading to Almograve, further South.
Nice place to have lunch and enjoy the local gastronomy. After lunch, it´s time to go and explore the Almograve beach. Almograve is a really small place and normally your accommodation is using the rural tourism 3km inland in Longueira, just need to use a dirt track to reach it exploring the countryside landscape.
Overnight: Longueira or Almograve
STAGE - Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar
Day 4
DISTANCE: 21km/13Miles;
DURATION: 6h;
CLIMB 203 M;
DESCENT: 193 M
In the morning is time to get back on the trail, hiking through the cycle path that provides access to Almograve (20-minute walk). If not in the mood to walk this connection segment, you can always ask for a táxi from the host, of your accommodation there. Starting from Almograve, it´s time to explore the landscapes along the unspoiled coastal Alentejo. Passing by Zambujeira's fishing arbor (Entrada da Barca – on route). Allowing you to walk next to the cliffs with panoramic sceneries, where you'll be able to watch cliff-nesting storks. You can use the small village of Cavaleiro to make a stop, buy some supplies and enjoy a good and homemade local dish, just before heading West to the beautiful lighthouse of Cabo Sardão. The end will be in Zambujeira do Mar, with one of the most amazing urban beaches in Portugal.
Overnight in Zambujeira do Mar
Meals included: Breakfast
STAGE - Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe
Day 5
DISTANCE: 18km/11,2Miles;
DURATION 6h;
CLIMB 263 M;
DESCENT: 283 M;
Maybe one of the most popular hiking routes used by the fishermen going South, heading to Odeceixe, the first village in the Algarve region. But while you're on the way, you'll find plenty to explore, feel and smell, passing by Carvalhal Beach, the residence of the famous "fado" singer Amália Rodrigues and the locally famous harbor of Azenha do Mar, and these are just some of the highlights.
After recharging your batteries at Azenha do Mar's seafood restaurant, you will have the energy to continue your journey until Odeceixe, where the bridge over the river sets the border between Alentejo and Algarve regions.
Overnight in Odeceixe
Meals included: Breakfast
DEPARTURE
Day 6
Possible to add extra nights along the trail or to develop a tailor-made proposal.
Connections to Faro and Lisbon available. Check our instructions of how-to and from, above on this same page.
If any doubts, let us know and we will figure out a solution.
HOW TO BOOK WITH US?
STEP BY STEP
BOOKING PROCEEDINGS:
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We need to receive an email from you using our online form or through our email info@vicentinatravel.com. PLEASE: let us know, which program are you seeking and your room preference (single/twin/matrimonial);
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After your request we need a couple of days to confirm all accommodations availability - pre-reservation;
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You will receive an email from us with the final hotel list and booking/payment conditions (booking ref., deposit, balance, etc) and also the e-voucher. This email is a pre-reservation that will become valid after a 30% deposit;
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After deposit confirmation, you will receive our final confirmation and your trip code will become valid. At this point, we will ask you to provide us your arrival time to prepare all our logistics accordingly.
General Information
Hotels: The hotels described are our standard choice of accommodation, however, if these are not available then alternatives will be used using the same standard.
All rooms have a private bathroom.
Baths/Showers: Many rooms with ensuite/private facilities have a shower rather than a bath, usually because of limited space.
Breakfast: In countries such as Portugal is usually coffee and toast/bread/croissant, in some places it has more diversity available.
Special Dietary Requirements: It is important for you to tell us if you have any dietary requirements when you book your holiday so that we can inform everyone that you are staying with.
Single Supplements: are payable in every tour.
The single supplement guarantees the privacy of your own room, however, rooms can at times be small and in some places may not enjoy the same facilities as double/twin
rooms.
Language: When traveling in less frequented areas you will not necessarily come across people speaking English.
Remember you are experiencing a different culture, buy a phrasebook and try to learn a little of the local language!
Luggage: When staying in hotels, sometimes your luggage will have been taken to your room awaiting your arrival.
However, don’t be surprised if your luggage is waiting for you to take it up to your room. Please politely ask someone if you need assistance.
Guidebook/Map: Please note that one set of route notes per room booked is included in the cost of the holiday. If you require more sets of guidebooks and maps then there is a charge of 25€ per set ordered.
Insurance: All clients must have appropriate cover for the activities included for the duration of our trip.
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation is mainly on a bed and breakfast basis using local and small hotels. The places we use for this tour are all owned locally and have plenty of Portuguese character.
A recommended list of local restaurants (based on our personal experience) will be supplied on arrival.
ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES TO/ FROM LISBON
TO VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES
FROM ODECEIXE
ARRIVALS
Lisboa to Vila Nova de Milfontes:
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International Lisbon Airport link: http://www.lisbon-airport.com/
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TRAIN/Comboio - you can get the train from Oriente Train Station to Funcheira train station, you will need a private transfer from there to the beginning (50km distance around 60€ extra cost). More information at http://www.cp.pt.
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BUS Service - Rede Expressos - http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ (it goes directly to Vila Nova de Milfontes).
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PRIVATE TRANSFER from Lisboa to Vila Nova de Milfontes (on request);
DEPARTURES
Odeceixe to Lisboa:
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You can get a private transfer to Funcheira train station (about 1Hour drive, around 75€ extra cost) – Direct Train to Lisbon;
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BUS Service – Rede Expressos- http://www.rede-expressos.pt/ - You can take the Bus directly to Lisbon
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PRIVATE TRANSFER from Odeceixe to Lisboa (on request);
ARRIVALS/DEPARTURES TO/FROM FARO
TO VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES
FROM ODECEIXE
ARRIVALS
Faro to Vila Nova de Milfontes:
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International Faro Airport link: http://www.faro-airport.org/
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TRAIN/Comboio - you can get the train from Faro Station to Funcheira train station, you will need a private transfer from there to the beginning (50km distance around 60€ extra cost).
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More information at http://www.cp.pt
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BUS Service - EVABUS and REDE EXPRESSOS - You will have to take the bus to Lagos and then from there to Vila Nova de Milfontes. More info at http://www.eva-bus.com/ and http://www.rede-expressos.pt/.
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PRIVATE TRANSFER from Faro to Vila Nova de Milfontes (on request);
DEPARTURES
Odeceixe to Faro:
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You can get a private transfer to Funcheira train station (about 1Hour drive, around 75€ extra cost) – Direct Train to Faro;
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BUS Service - EVABUS and REDE EXPRESSOS – You can take the bus to Lagos and then from there to Faro. More info at http://www.eva-bus.com/ and http://www.rede-expressos.pt/;
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PRIVATE TRANSFER from Odeceixe to Faro (on request);
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SELF-GUIDED HOLIDAYS
ROTA VICENTINA
WHEN TO GO/BOOK?
OPEN SEASONS FOR 2025
The client is free to choose
a starting date
1.º SEASON
- from 01 February
- to 23 June (last departure)
2.º SEASON
- from 22 SEPTEMBER
- to 30 NOVEMBER (last departure)
- Other dates on request;
Groups max. limit is 16 pax inside the natural park - on request.
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