Walking the Vicentina Route

Arrival to Faro airport and transfer to Porto Covo at 15h00. Meet & Greet at the Hotel on arrival – 18h00. If time allows an introductory walk will be offered.

Home to some of the most wild and unspoiled 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. Ascent/ Descent: 90/ 100m Approx Km: 16 km Approx Time: 04h30

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. Ascent/ Descent: 170/ 275m Approx Km: 15 km Approx Time: 04h00

This wonderful coastal walk passes many isolated beaches on the way to Azenhas 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.
Ascent/ Descent: 270/ 300m Approx Km: 14 km Approx Time: 04h00

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.
Ascent/ Descent: 100/ 100m Approx Km: 13 km Approx Time: 03h30

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.
Ascent/ Descent: 80/ 80m Approx Km: 10 km Approx Time: 03h00

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.
Ascent/ Descent: 80/ 120m Approx Km: 14 km Approx Time: 04h00

Transfer to Faro Airport, departing the Hotel at 9h00.