Walking in the Vicentina Route
Walking in the Vicentina Route
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Walking in the Vicentina Route
8 Days Starting in 3* hotel (or similar) and ending in 2* hotel (or similar)
Visiting: Porto Covo, Forte do Pessegueiro, Odemira, Ribeira do Torgal, Odeceixe, Azenha do Mar, Odeceixe Mar Beach, Ponta da Atalaia, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo, Cabo de São Vicente
Tour operator:
Tour code:
DELETE
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 20
Age range:
18-89
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Tour Overview
Walking the Wild South West Coast of Portugal This tour follows selected paths of the South West Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Considered one of the finest stretches of preserved European coastlines, the Rota Vicentina begins in Santiago do Cacém and finishes at the once called the edge of the known world - the Cape of St. Vincent. This GR is divided between the Fishermen’s Trail and the Historic Route, the first following ancient paths to hidden beaches and secret fishing grounds, and the latter brings us inland, along the pastoral landscape and farming terrains that connect the small house clusters scattered in this vast area. Both trails are a rewarding way of seeing the real Alentejo and Algarve regions of Portugal and walk on unforgettable routes full of tradition. Our uniquely designed “opt-out system” allows you to walk the whole walk or just parts of it, so that you can spend more time sightseeing if you prefer! We start our walking week in Porto Covo, a small fishing village with colourful houses and a pleasant square, with small coved beaches. Not far from here, Vila Nova de Milfontes stands on the north margin of the Mira River, a region of vast sand beaches, dramatic coastlines, and unspoilt rural countryside. In Odemira, where the luxuriant green valleys are, the streams shape the landscape. The smells are different, the flowers have vibrant colours and the views over the hills are breath-taking. Unique places shape this week. In small villages like Carrapateira and Arrifana, the Atlantic sea is king. A paradise for surfers, where goose barnacles are dangerously harvested by brave men on the cliffs, under the pounding fury of the waves. And as we reach the end of the Vicentina Route and we look beyond the cliffs of São Vicente and the vastness of the sea in front of us, we understand why this is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival
Location: Faro International Airport
Accommodation: Hotel
Arrival to Faro airport and transfer to Porto Covo at 15h.
Meet & Greet at the Hotel on arrival – 18h.
If time allows an introductory walk will be offered.
Day 2 : Porto Covo walk
Location: Porto Covo, Forte do Pessegueiro
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Home to some of the most wild and unspoilt beaches in the country, the small fishing village of Porto Covo is a peaceful spot with crisp white house lined with cobalt splashes. The rugged cliffs hide clear, transparent blue waters, and secluded beaches.
Our walk will bring us through the gems of this part of the west coast, passing by the Fort of the Pessegueiro - built in the 16th century - towards Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Day 3 : Odemira walk
Location: Odemira, Ribeira do Torgal
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is the lush section of the trail, where a different, green and vibrant Alentejo reveals itself before our eyes, with refreshing water streams and ponds. Much of the route follows the Ribeira do Torgal where forests of valuable species such as ash, willow and alder clothe the banks of the streams.
Birds and mammals are abundant in the area. We may well find evidence of wild boars, a species quite common in this region. Amongst the undergrowth there are many scented and medicinal plants, such as genista tridentata found during spring, oregano during summer and wild asparagus during autumn.
Day 4 : Odeceixe walk
Location: Odeceixe, Azenha do Mar, Odeceixe Mar Beach
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This wonderful coastal walk passes many isolated beaches on the way to Azenha do Mar, a natural fishing harbour. There are outstanding vistas throughout the walk, particularly over Odeceixe beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the country.
In Odeceixe, where the Fishermen’s trail and the Historic way coincide, the trails pass through a maze of wetlands which provide essential habitat for wildlife & then on towards the sea where the waters from Monchique flood the Seixe River and spill abundantly into the ocean.
Day 5 : Arrifana walk
Location: Ponta da Atalaia
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The Fishermen’s trail brings us today on a journey through time. The cliffs hide traces of prehistoric human life. This area was occupied by numerous peoples, from Phoenicians to the Arabs. The Ponta da Atalaia is a mandatory stopping point. Here, we find the “Ribat of Arrifana”- an Islamic fortress-convent built in the 12th century by warrior monks, to be both a pillar of prayer and protection.
The rugged coast below with its sharped edges beaten by the strong waves is the home for goose barnacles, a local delicacy that is only accessible at the extremely low spring tides, and is harvested in very dangerous conditions.
Day 6 : Carrapateira walk
Location: Carrapateira
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The small village of Carrapateira is a unique place that has been attracting surfers, vacationers, walkers, fishermen, and birders alike. Here, the life in the village is calm and days go by between the sound of the waves hitting the cliffs below and the chirping of the birds migrating south.
Our walk brings us along the dunes, where the exuberant display of vegetation collide with the vibrating sounds of the sea. Thyme, yellow shrubby everlasting, rosemary, lavender and rockroses grow as the rocks turn to limestone.
Day 7 : Vila do Bispo Walk
Location: Vila do Bispo, Cabo de São Vicente
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today marks the final section of the Vicentina route. This walk, starting from the small town of Vila de Bispo was designed to provide us with the ultimate opportunity to witness the expansive open countryside, the dramatic cliffs and a cape that was once believed to be the end of the world.
The fisherman’s trail finishes in the Cape of Saint Vincent, the most south westerly point of Europe. This famous geological headland was a central stage for the Portuguese explorer’s history, pirate stories and nowadays, it’s a famous hotspot for the observation of migratory bird species.
Day 8 : Departure
Location: Faro International Airport
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Transfer to Faro Airport, departing the Hotel at 9h00.
What's Included
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Accommodation
• 7 nights in a twin standard room - 4 nights in Porto Covo 3* Hotel (local touristic tax included) - 3 nights in Vale da Telha, Aljezur 2* Hotel (local touristic tax included) • Shared en-suite room • Single supplement available with a surcharge • Extra nights available on request
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Airport Transfers at Destination
• Arrival airport transfer at 15h from Faro Airport to Hotel in Porto Covo • Departure airport transfer at 9h from Hotel in Vale da Telha to the airport
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Fully Guided
Tour Leaders • Dedicated English-speaking local tour leader • The tour leader will assist and guide the group throughout the holidays, handle all the arrangements and other needs that might arise, making sure that you don’t have to worry about planning your days and you can enjoy your holiday • Each evening, your tour leader will discuss the details and program for the following day
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Meals
• 7 Breakfasts at the hotel
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Transport
• All transports to walks and activities (as outlined) • Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
What's Not Included
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Additional Services
Insurance; Additional transfers (available on request at an extra cost); Single supplement (available with a surcharge); Extra nights (available on request)
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Insurance
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International Travel
Mode of Transport
• Arrival airport transfer at 15h from Faro Airport to Hotel in Porto Covo
• Departure airport transfer at 9h from Hotel in Vale da Telha to the airport
• All transports to walks and activities (as outlined)
• Additional transfers are available on request at an extra cost
Accommodation
• 7 nights in a twin standard room
- 4 nights in Porto Covo 3* Hotel (local touristic tax included)
- 3 nights in Vale da Telha, Aljezur 2* Hotel (local touristic tax included)
• Shared en-suite room
• Single supplement available with a surcharge
• Extra nights available on request
Check out our Q&As
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Health & Physical Condition
Travelers in all tours should be in good physical condition and prepared to enjoy considerable walking, often over uneven surfaces. Many spectacular views are usually seen from the tops of hills that must be walked up. We ask you to appraise your own capabilities honestly. In addition, those individuals requiring special attention, treatment or whose condition limits their activities must disclose this information to us. We reserve the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member should such a person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour and the rights welfare or enjoyment of other participants or their own self. Participants agree not to hold the organizer responsible for any loss, injury or damage to any person, property or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or resulting from any Acts of God, dangers, incident at sea, fire, breakdowns in machinery or equipment, act of governments authorities, de hure or de facto, wars declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays, cancellations or any causes beyond our control, for any loss or damage resulting from improperly issued visas or other documents, and that our or its staff will not be responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained for or incurred by the tour participant as a result of any of the forgoing clauses.
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Self-Guided Holidays
Our self-guided tours are complete and most of all perfectly thought through and organised. There is no time consuming search for places to stay, maps or tour descriptions, no research on which route to pick. We provide everything you need to explore at your own pace!
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Guided Group Holidays
Pick one of our guided group holidays and you'll love how easy it is. All of our guided activity holidays include local transfers, some meals, and a trained and qualified tour leader. There’s none of the hassle of planning everything or working out where to go next. And you’ll never get lost!
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Do I need to obtain travel insurance?
Yes! You must be adequately insured to join our Guided and Self-Guided holidays.
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Up to 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
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At 8 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
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