Self-Guided Coastal Trails of Portugal

Your accommodation for the first two nights of your holiday is in the coastal village of Zambujeira do Mar. After checking-in, you may choose to spend some time exploring this charming village, set against a backdrop of wild beaches and rugged cliffs. There are several small cafes serving delicious, fresh custard tarts and coffee which you can enjoy. The cafes at the bottom of the village have wonderful views out to sea and great vantage points for sunset. This evening, we recommend enjoying a dinner of freshly-caught fish in one of the family-run restaurants in the village.

On some days of your trip the walks are affected by tide times. Please check these in advance and plan your walks accordingly.

We are able to offer private transfers from both Lisbon (LIS) and Faro (FAO) Airports. Please contact our self-guided team for further information.

This morning starts with a short taxi transfer to the village of Cavaleiro. From here, your walk takes you along a coastal section of the famous 'Rota Vicentina' footpath. Shortly after leaving Cavaleiro you reach the cliff path and the lighthouse at Cape Sardao, from here on there are fantastic coastal views for most of the day. The route follows a wide path for most of the time but there are narrower sections and one short, steep descent towards the end of the walk. You can expect today's 12 kilometre walk to take approximately five hours. If you would like a longer walk today there is the option of starting in the village of Almograve. This section begins with a wide gravel path parallel to the coast and then turns into gentle sandy dunes. For the most part you stick on the coast but a short section which winds in to a pine forest offers a beautiful complement to the coastal scenery. Starting in Almograve, the total distance walked today is 21 kilometres and will take approximately 7 hours.

You can expect today's 12 kilometre walk to take approximately five hours. If taking the longer option the walk is 21 kilometres and will take approximately 7 hours

Today's walk follows another section of the Rota Vicentina along the stunning Atlantic coast. This route alternates between rolling dunes and rocky cliff paths where storks nest, the views along the way are beautiful and there is no shortage of spots to stop for a snack and to take it all in. Following the coast, you pass pristine golden beaches and the fishing village of Azenha do Mar before reaching the mouth of the River Odeceixe. Here you turn inland and follow the river to reach the attractive, laidback village of Odeceixe, where you will spend the night.

You can expect today's 20 kilometre walk to take approximately six hours. There are two steep sections on today's walk, both are very short and covered in just a few minutes but walking poles would be useful (but not essential) for these sections.

Once again, today's route follows the Rota Vicentina, although this time you walk inland. After passing alongside an irrigation channel winding through farmed fields, the scenery opens out into a landscape of heather and fragrant shrubs. If you'd prefer to remain on the coast, at low tide an alternative route crosses ravines, from one beach to the next. Whichever route you choose, you will arrive to the interesting village of Aljezar. This is where we stay tonight so there is time to explore the 'old village' and the Moorish castle.

You can expect today's 18 or 17.5 kilometre walks to take approximately seven and four-and-a-half hours, respectively.

Today, your choice of walk will once again depend on the tide. After a short taxi ride to the fishing village of Arrifana, if tides are low, you can walk along rocky strands and sandy beaches. If water levels are high, an alternate route takes you inland via Bordeira to Carrapateira, where you will find your hotel for the night.

You can expect today's 12 kilometre walk to take approximately four hours.

Today you have a choice of circular routes from Carrapateira. The shorter leads you through sand dunes to reach the picturesque beach at Carrapateira. The longer walk begins with a section along the coast then turns inland through idyllic valleys, passing hidden villages like Pedralva, where you may wish to stop for lunch. Alternatively you can do yesterday's coastal walk if conditions didn't allow for that.

You can expect today's 24 kilometre walks to take approximately seven hours.

Setting off from your hotel, today's route incorporates inland and coastal sections, depending on the tides. Along your way, you're likely to spot fishermen perched high on the cliffs. Your route ends in historic Vila do Bispo, where you will spend the next two nights in a hospitable hotel, complete with indoor swimming pool and sauna.

You can expect today's 19 kilometre walk to take approximately seven hours.

Your last day of hiking takes you through pastures and fields to the far southwest corner of Portugal, walking along flat tracks and narrow fishermen's paths above rocky shores. If the weather is warm, you have the option of stopping for a swim at 'Praia do Ponto Ruiva'. Your walk ends at windy Cape Sao Vicente, with sweeping views of the ocean. From here, you can either walk back to your hotel, or catch a public bus or taxi, before enjoying your final evening in Vila do Bispo.

You can expect today's 14 kilometre walk to take approximately four-and-a-half hours. A walk back from Cape Sao Vicente will add an extra six kilometres and an hour-and-half to your route.

After breakfast, the organised part of your holiday comes to an end.

We are able to offer private transfers to both Lisbon (LIS) and Faro (FAO) Airports. Please contact our self-guided team for further information.