Reflecting on Hiking Portugal's Rota Vicentina

Reflecting on Hiking Portugal's Rota Vicentina

 “Some beach, somewhere

There's nowhere to go when you got all day to get there”

                                                            Blake Shelton – Some Beach

Having completed the Rota Vicentina’s Fisherman’s Trail from Lagos to São Torpes, neither of us wanted to leave southern Portugal or stop hiking.  Trails, like all good things, invariably come to an end.

The Rota Vicentina has been a wonderful experience which has involved trekking through beautiful landscapes, filled with astonishing flora and fauna, as well as great birding opportunities.  In addition, we have toured historical forts, visited welcoming towns, and been able to explore the rugged coastlines of southern Portugal.  In short, the Rota Vicentina has been amazing!

With that said, however, there is no denying that - in sections – it was a tougher trail than one might expect.  For any number of reasons, 20-25 km on a sandy beach or trail can be oddly exhausting, especially with a heavy backpack on.  Adding to this is the fact that it is a terrain (in our opinion) that is hard to prepare for.  Beyond these stretches of sand, there were several sections along the Rota Vicentina where the footpath along the cliff’s edge would not be advisable if you were (A) afraid of heights or (B) the region was experiencing either bad weather or high winds.  Finally, we also found that several of the climbs and descents were somewhat precarious-feeling and that the need for trail users to crawl through sharp hedges was a little unnecessary.

Despite, and perhaps because of, these challenges, our experiences on the Rota Vicentina have given way to memories of a wonderful trek while introducing us to another region in Portugal that we have quickly come to love.

Continue the Journey

Although our walk along the Rota Vicentina had come to an end, our journey through Portugal was far from finished. From São Torpes, we continued north toward Lisbon, where we joined Our Walk Along the Camino Portugués Central and followed it through Coimbra to Porto before changing course once again for Our Walk Along the Camino Portugués Coastal and Espiritual toward Santiago de Compostela. Readers who especially enjoyed the Rota Vicentina’s rugged shoreline, fishing communities, wildlife, and the constant presence of the Atlantic might also enjoy our Canadian coastal journeys along Newfoundland’s East Coast Trail, or Nova Scotia’s Celtic Shores Coastal Trail, or perhaps the more rugged terrain of New Brunswick’s Fundy Footpath. Although separated by distance and culture, each reminded us how profoundly a journey can be shaped by wind, weather, coastal communities, and the changing moods of the sea.

As we leave the trail – heading towards the pilgrimage crowds of the Camino and the bustle of big cities such as Lisbon, Porto, Vigo and Santiago de Compostela – we know that we will miss the tranquillity of the Rota Vicentina.   Today we depart the Fisherman’s Trail with the memories of the long golden beaches, terrific hospitality, and weeks spent in nature.  

I also know that in the future, when things get tough, I will be thinking… 

“Some beach, Somewhere

There's a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair

Palm trees are growin' and warm breezes blowin'

I picture myself right there

On some beach, somewhere”

                                                            Blake Shelton – Some Beach

See you on the Trail!