Portugal | THE SOUTHWESTERN SCENIC COASTAL TREK
Visit picture-perfect villages, golden sandy dunes, and dramatic beaches.
Trip Highlights:
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Hike along the unspoiled Atlantic coastline on the Fishermen's Trail
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Visit old, charming, picturesque fishing villages
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Dine on delicious, regional wine, cheeses, meats, and pastries
Our week-long trip to the Southwestern Coast of Portugal offers an opportunity to visit picture-perfect whitewashed villages, golden sandy dunes, and beaches dotted with dramatic black shale rocks. The rugged cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves, natural parks, and an unspoiled coastline make for a wonderfully diverse trek.
Over the course of the week, you hike along the coastline and stop in the small, treasured resort of Almograve, home to the biggest and best-known beach in the area. A hike through the laid-back village of Cavaleiro gives you a peek at the beautiful whitewashed architecture this area is known for. The small horseshoe-shaped beach is the town’s jewel, and features lovely villas set into the hillsides beyond. Another coastal hike takes you to Zambujeira do Mar, where you will want to be sure to visit the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar to get dramatic views of the coast. The final hike that follows the historic Fishermen’s Trail takes you through two more picturesque beach towns to the finest viewpoint in the region above Odeceixe Beach.
As you hike between villages, enjoy the flowers and wildlife of the region, and watch farmers and fishermen at work.
Leaving the Alentejo, you move into the Algarve region of Portugal as you travel to Lagos. Your last two hikes are along the magnificent coast.
Throughout your journey, there are plenty of opportunities to dine on delicious, regional cuisine. Considering Southwest Portugal’s closeness to the mouth of the Tagus River and the Atlantic Ocean, it’s no wonder seafood dominates the main dishes of this region. You will also delight in the cured meats, cheeses, pastries, and wines.
Your accommodations include a variety of lodging, from 4-star hotels, to family-run inns. All the hotels and inns are selected for their comfort, cuisine, regional flavor, and friendliness.
Trip Itinerary
Choose from our standard itinerary or customize the trek by adding or subtracting days.
Ryder-Walker will provide a taxi transfer from Lisbon to Vila Nova de Milfontes, a lovely and laid-back coastal village located in the heart of the beautiful Alentejo coastline. You base out of this beautifully whitewashed and cobbled street village for two days as you embark on the historical Fishermen’s Trail.
Today, you hike on a section of the Historical Way of the greater Rota Vicentina leading you to the coastal village of Porto Covo. Note that the trail is quite well-marked, but be vigilant at intersections. End with a bit of transfer back to Milfontes for a second night.
Distance: 10 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 500/930 ft.
Begin today with a short walk from the hotel down to the dock where a small family-run ferry takes you across the water. A wider path awaits you and the scents of pine, eucalyptus, and the hearty coastal vegetation dominate the air. Your hike ends on a lovely beach in Almograve, before a short transfer to the hotel.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 280/380 ft.
Wander through red-hued sand dunes and cliffs harboring more than 20 species of birds nesting, including the Peregrine Falcon, Kestrel, and White Stork. Passing through the tiny village of Cavaleiro, you eventually stroll back into the tranquil village of Zambujeira do Mar and on to your well-appointed hotel.
Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 350/250 ft.
Continuing along the Fishermen’s Trail, you pass the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados, and Amalia en route to the natural fishing harbor of Azenha do Mar. From one of the finest viewpoints in the region, look down upon the stunning beach of Odeceixe. The day ends with a transfer to the historic and lively village of Lagos, located on the southern edge of the European continent.
Distance: 11 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 800/700 ft.
This morning begins with a transfer to the charming seaside village of Burgau. From here, we’ll experience the coastal beauty of the Algarve, with its vibrant orange sandstone cliffs, stunning beaches, and wild rock formations. Our hike leads us back to the bustling village of Lagos, passing hidden grottos along the way.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: up to 700/780 ft.
Our final journey takes us to the charming old town of Lagos, with stops at various viewpoints to admire the iconic rock formations of the Algarve. Highlights along the way include Ponta da Piedade and Praia Dona Ana. The hike concludes at the marina, where there’s an option to book a boat tour to explore the sea caves, time and weather permitting. For those looking for a longer trek, we can extend the hike from the Old Town of Lagos, or opt for a short transfer back to our hotel in Lagos for a final night.
Distance: 3.5 to 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 475 ft.
There are public transportation options to Faro and Lisbon Airports.