Climbs and Mountains
13 days
ModeratePortugal
Mar, Apr, May, June, Sept, Oct, Nov£1599 pp
Back to searchWalking the Rota Vicentina is one of the most exciting and exquisite ways to visit Portugal. It’s a 400km colossal web of natural trails, in two separate sections: the Caminho Histórico or Historical Way and the Trilho dos Pescadores Fishermen’s Trail. This 13 day, self-guided route dips in and out of both. It starts inland at the medieval town of Santiago do Cacém up north in Alentejo and finishes at Cabo de São Vicente, the most south-western point of continental Europe in the Algarve. As well as many coastal gems, highlights along the way include inland idylls such as swimming in Campilhas Lake, walking through groves of cork oaks (sobreiros) and strolling across wildflower meadows.
Route Highlights
Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.
If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us.
A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.
For available dates please see the ‘book now’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.
After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive your confirmation, it would be worth checking your spam/clutter folder.
In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.
Your personal adventure travel planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The adventure travel planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.
Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive at the end of the trail, some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional extra with your adventure travel planner.
Check into your accommodation in Santiago do Cacém, known for its medieval castle and sweeping countryside views.
Walk through cork oak forests and rolling hills to reach Moinhos do Paneiro, a peaceful rural stop surrounded by nature.
Distance: ~18 km
Continue through farmland and gentle valleys dotted with olive trees and stone walls. This stage offers a taste of authentic Alentejo life as you arrive in the friendly town of Cercal do Alentejo.
Distance: ~21 km
Descend from inland hills to the sea, where the landscape opens up to the wild Atlantic coast. The stage ends in Porto Covo, a traditional fishing village full of charm and whitewashed houses.
Distance: ~18 km
Follow the famous Fishermen’s Trail along sandy paths and cliffs overlooking turquoise waters. Pass Pessegueiro Island before reaching the lively coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Distance: ~20 km
Cross the Mira River by ferry or bridge and continue through dunes and rugged coastal scenery. Arrive at Almograve, a quiet seaside village with a beautiful stretch of beach.
Distance: ~15 km
Walk along dramatic cliffs and past the Cabo Sardão lighthouse, home to nesting storks. The day ends in Zambujeira do Mar, one of the most picturesque villages on the coast.
Distance: ~22 km
Enjoy some of the most breathtaking coastal views of the entire route. Cross the border into the Algarve and finish at Odeceixe Beach, where the river meets the ocean.
Distance: ~18 km
Head inland through tranquil farmland and rolling countryside. The stage ends in Aljezur, a historic town with cobbled streets and a Moorish castle overlooking the valley.
Distance: ~22 km
Return to the ocean as the trail winds through pine forest and open terrain. Arrive at Arrifana, a small surf village perched above dramatic black cliffs.
Distance: ~17 km
A spectacular coastal stage offering wild beaches and vast dune systems. The peaceful village of Carrapateira welcomes you with traditional charm and relaxed cafés.
Distance: ~19 km
Transition between coastal and inland landscapes. This stage features quiet paths and sweeping views before reaching the tranquil town of Vila do Bispo.
Distance: ~20 km
The final stretch leads you through open fields and windswept cliffs to Cabo de São Vicente — the southwestern tip of Europe. The lighthouse marks a symbolic and unforgettable end to your journey.
Distance: ~15 km
The trip ends at the end of the journey unless you have booked extra nights or other optional services with us.
This itinerary is a guide only. Timings and mileages are approximate.
We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. An additional charge may be payable. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.
We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:
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