All in all, it’s 110 kms of wild coastline and 75 thousand hectares of protected area within Sw Alentejo and Vicentina Coast Natural Park, comprising diverse habitats, some of them still quite unchanged and untouched, where you will find several species of endemic plants as well as a large number of animal species, particularly amphibians, birds and sea fauna.
United by two outstandingly beautiful Portuguese regions, this coastal area combines Alentejo’s tranquility and romance with the only coastal stretch of Algarve that is truly genuine and wild. Nature, authentic rural life and a very mild climate, pampered by over 300 days of sunshine per year, make this region an unmissable destination for lovers of nature tourism. The Rota Vicentina is a 340km long-distance footpath which runs from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve. The northern, Alentejan half has two alternative routes: Porto Côvo is the beginning of the 115km-long Trilho dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Trail), that follows coastal tracks long used by the local fishermen.
Fishermen's Trail Opened in 2012, it’s relatively well marked with coloured arrows, and tracks the coast via Milfontes (a taxing first section, 20km), Almograve (15km further), Zambujeira (another 22km) and into the Algarve at Odeceixe (18km on). It’s tough going, much of it along towering cliffs, a single track along the cliffs,with plenty of sand, which can only be travelled by foot, and more demanding from a physical point of view and also a challenge due to the contact with the ocean winds, the harsh coastal scenery and the wild and powerful natural landscape. but no section is longer than 25km which means – in theory – you always have accommodation and a place to eat at the end of your day’s walk. It comprises a total of 4 sections and 5 complementary circuits, totaling 120 km.
Historical WayThe inland alternative is the Caminho Histórico (Historic Way) which follows ancient pilgrimage routes from Santiago do Cacém, mostly inland, to Cabo de São Vicente. Be aware that, as with all Portuguese trails, way-marking can be sporadic and poorly maintained, so if you tackle the path, take a good map or GPS system – but it is worth the effort, as the routes embrace some of the loveliest scenery in the country. Full details are on rotavicentina.com, which also includes five shorter, circular alternatives. It runs through the main towns and villages in a rural itinerary with several centuries of history. Comprised mainly of rural trails, this is a classic Grand Route (GR), fully accessible to hikers, riders and mountain bikers, with stretches of cork tree forests, mountain ranges, valleys, rivers and creeks, in a true journey through time, local culture and nature trails. In February 2016, the Historical Way of the Rota Vicentina was certified by the European wide label “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe”, a certification from ERA – European Ramblers Association – joining the exclusive group of the best walking destinations in Europe. It comprises a total of 12 sections and 230 km.
Circular RoutesThese are short routes with start and finishing points right in the same place, so that it becomes even easier to discover the pleasure of walking in the Sw of Portugal, without transfers, complications and with a duration of just half a day or less. You have now 8 different circular routes to choose from, at Almograve, S. Luís, Troviscais, Santa Clara, Sabóia, Bordeira and Carrapateira, that complete the classic trails: the Historical Way and the Fishermen’s Trail. There are 8 Circular Routes available, totalling 90 km.