Welcome to Our Rota Vicentina Hiking Blog

Welcome to Our Rota Vicentina Hiking Blog

Rota Vicentina Fisherman's Trail Hike

Welcome to our Rota Vicentina hiking blog as we trek Portugal's Fisherman's Trail! 

The Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail is a stunning network of hiking trails located along the rugged southwest coast of Portugal, offering hikers an immersive journey through breathtaking landscapes.

 Spanning over 400 kilometres, this trail takes you through diverse terrains, from dramatic cliffs and secluded beaches to peaceful forests and charming villages. Known for its striking views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Rota Vicentina provides an authentic way to connect with nature while exploring Portugal’s natural beauty. Whether you're seeking a leisurely day walk or a more challenging trek, the trail offers something for every level of hiker. 

Over the span of 12 days in the spring, we completed this 230 km route from Lagos to Cabo de Sao Vicente to Porto Covo Portugal.  It was a wonderful experience that was unlike any of our previous thru-hikes or pilgrimages over the years.  

Continue reading to discover the best sections of the Rota Vicentina, essential tips for hiking, and why this coastal adventure is a must.  We hope our experiences, information and advice help you plan your own Portuguese adventure!

Rota Vicentina Fisherman's Trail Itinerary and Stages

Fernweg : Hiking the Rota Vicentina

Gear and Preparations for the Rota Vicentina

Adventure Begins : Travelling to Faro Portugal

Beginning the Rota Vicentina : Faro to Lagos

Portugal’s Fisherman’s Trail : Lagos to Salema

Climb, Descend, Repeat : Salema to Sagres

Birding the Fisherman’s Trail : Sagres to Vila do Bispo

Surf’s Up : Vila do Bispo to Carrapateira

Trust Yourself : Carrapateira to Arrifana

Nature on the Rota Vicentina : Arrifana to Alijezur

Leave No Trace : Alijezur to Odeceixe

In the Footsteps of Others : Odeceixe to Zambujeira do Mar

Finding Balance : Zambujeira do Mar to Almograve

Bushwhacking and Beaches : Almograve to Vila Nova de Milfontes

Final day on the Rota Vicentina : Vila Nova de Milfontes to Sao Torpe

Some Beach, Somewhere : Reflecting on the Rota Vicentina

Tips and Advice for the Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail

What’s Next? Hiking the Length of Portugal

Additional Hiking Adventures to Enjoy

If you enjoyed this hiking adventure, you might also like reading about our walks on the Rota Vicentina / Fisherman's Trail, the Camino Primitivo, the Camino de San Salvador,  the Camino de Madrid, the Camino Portuguese (Lisbon to Porto to Santiago), the Camino Portuguese (Coastal and Espiritual),  the Camino Finisterre, the Via Podiensis / GR65, and the Camino Frances.

We have also completed several other long-distance hikes in Canada, including the Bruce Trail, the East Coast Trail, and 19,000 km of the Trans Canada Trail from the Atlantic to the Pacific to the Arctic.

 
See you on the trail!