Reasons to Hike the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal
✓ Explore one of Europe’s most well-preserved coastal landscapes, walk through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.
✓ A Unique Hike! Unlike many inland hiking trails, the Fishermen’s Trail follows the wild coastline, often on sandy paths and cliff edges. It’s a physically engaging adventure with rewarding views.
✓ Engage with the Local Traditions The trail winds through traditional ancient fishermen’s communities with traditions that have been passed down through generations.
✓ Taste fresh seafood, like percebes (gooseneck barnacles) and cataplanas, get to know artisanal products.
✓ Cultural discovery, explore the layered history of the Iberian Peninsula
✓ A trail of Freedom, the Fishermen’s Trail is not a crowded touristically hike. You can experience moments of pure solitude, where you can reconnect with yourself and appreciate some of the best sunsets you’ll ever see.
Itinerary of the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal
75
KM
5
Nights
6
Days
Day 1: Arrival in Porto Covo
Welcome to Porto Covo, a charming coastal village and the northern entry point to the Fishermen’s Trail.
You can relax here, breathe in the salty Atlantic air, and get into the rhythm of Portugal’s coast.
Explore the cobbled streets of the old village center and enjoy the relaxed, authentic atmosphere. Visit Praia dos Buizinhos or the sweeping Praia Grande for your first sunset by the ocean.
The small fishing port (doca) is still in use, and you can still see fishermen repairing their nets or unloading their catch.
In the evening, enjoy traditional Alentejo cuisine in one of the village restaurants: try fresh grilled fish, “açorda de marisco” (bread stew with seafood), or the “feijoada de búzios” (búzios bean stew). Take a rest and prepare for your adventure.
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Accommodation: Porto Covo
Day 2: Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes
This stage follows a stunning stretch of coastline, hugging the cliff tops, crossing sandy dunes, and weaving through wild vegetation. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and walk past secluded coves where the sound of waves and wind are your only companions.
A highlight of the day is Ilha do Pessegueiro, a small island just offshore. According to local legend, a Moorish princess was once imprisoned there by her father. Her forbidden love on the mainland would swim across the channel to see her. One stormy night, he drowned. Heartbroken, the princess threw herself into the sea. The island has remained uninhabited ever since.
Take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the beach near Ilha do Pessegueiro, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset.
Vila Nova de Milfontes welcomes you with its picturesque river setting, whitewashed houses, and a lively but relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to recover and enjoy the evening. Vila Nova de Milfontes is full of life and at night, especially in summer, there are musicians playing in the streets and small craft shops you can visit.
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Approximate walking profile
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Highest point: 52 m.a.s.l. / 171 ft a.s.l.
Lowest point: Sea Level / 0 ft a.s.l.
Elevation Gain: 200m / 656 ft
Elevation Loss: 200m / 656 ft
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Meals: B
Accommodation: Rural Lodging / Guest House
Day 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve
Begin your day with a unique experience: crossing the Mira River. You can take a small ferry across (depending on the season and tide) or choose the longer inland route via the bridge.
Either way, the views of the river mouth and the Atlantic are spectacular.
Today’s trail is shorter but scenic, tracing rugged cliffs and sandy pathways, with great opportunities to spot storks nesting along the coast. The wild Atlantic winds shape the landscape here, creating dramatic dunes and twisted shrubs.
Almograve is a peaceful village where you can relax at the beach, enjoy a local meal, and prepare for longer walking days ahead.
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Approximate walking profile (can be shorter when taking a boat)
Difficulty level: Easy to Medium
Distance: 15 km / 9.3 mi
Highest point: 44 m.a.s.l. / 144 ft a.s.l.
Lowest point: Sea Level / 0 ft a.s.l.
Elevation Gain: 165m / 541 ft
Elevation Loss: 165m / 541 ft
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Meals: B
Accommodation: Rural Lodging / Guest House
Day 4: Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar
Starting in Almograve, this day showcases stunning contrasts between golden beaches, dramatic cliffs, and small forests. As you walk south, you’ll encounter quiet, untouched stretches of coastline and small fishing communities. The path passes through areas of ecological importance, home to rare plants and nesting seabirds such as the white stork, which builds its nests on the cliffs.
Zambujeira do Mar is a picturesque village that is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant summer festivals, and excellent seafood, especially percebes (gooseneck barnacles), harvested from the region’s rocky shores. Over time, many surfers have transformed what was once a traditional fishing community into one of the trendiest spots in Portugal.
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Approximate walking profile
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance: 22 km / 13.7 mi
Highest point: 82 m.a.s.l. / 269 ft a.s.l.
Lowest point: Sea Level / 0 ft a.s.l.
Elevation Gain: 280m / 919 ft
Elevation Loss: 280m / 919 ft
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Meals: B
Accommodation: Rural Lodging / Guest House
Day 5: Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe
This day is all about dramatic views of rugged cliffs and serene beaches. You’ll pass the small harbour of Azenha do Mar, a perfect spot to enjoy freshly caught fish. Azenha do Mar reflects the deep-rooted fishing traditions of the region, with colourful boats and nets dotting the tiny harbour.
You’re about to reach one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Odeceixe is known for its iconic crescent-shaped beach where the Seixe River meets the Atlantic and it straddles the border between Alentejo and Algarve, blending the architectural styles and traditions of both regions. It’s the perfect spot to savor the local gastronomy, with dishes like feijoada, which combines agricultural and fish products, reflecting the strong relationship between these two activities.
If you have time, you can visit the Winery-Museum: This museum recreates a traditional winery, similar to those that existed in the area between the 1920s and 1940s. Also, the Odeceixe Windmill, which is located at the top of the village, the windmill offers insight into the artisanal process of milling cereals. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views.
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Approximate walking profile
Difficulty level: Medium
Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Highest point: 69 m.a.s.l. / 226 ft a.s.l.
Lowest point: Sea Level / 0 ft a.s.l.
Elevation Gain: 340m / 1115 ft
Elevation Loss: 370m / 1214 ft
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Meals: B
Accommodation: Rural Lodging / Guest House
Day 6: Odeceixe
Good morning, Odeceixe, a picturesque village where the Alentejo meets the Algarve, marking the perfect ending to your journey along the Fishermen’s Trail.
Here, the Seixe River winds gently toward the ocean, dividing two regions and forming one of Portugal’s most captivating coastal landscapes. Stroll through the whitewashed streets, where blue-trimmed houses, local cafés, and quiet corners reflect the unhurried rhythm of life by the sea.
Just a short walk away, Praia de Odeceixe awaits, a crescent of golden sand where the river meets the Atlantic beneath dramatic cliffs. It’s the ideal spot to rest tired feet, watch surfers glide across the waves, or simply take in the vast horizon as the sun fades over the water.
Odeceixe retains its genuine charm, where fishermen still cast their nets and farmers tend the nearby fields. Celebrate the end of your hike with a meal of fresh seafood and local wine in one of the village’s cozy restaurants, as the ocean breeze drifts through the evening air.
After days spent walking the wild coast, Odeceixe offers a moment of calm, a place to reflect, unwind and savor the quiet beauty of Portugal’s southwest.
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Meals: B
Starting from €745/per person
Starting: Porto Covo
Finishing: Lagos
