Self-Guided Portugal Walking Short Break

On arrival at Lisbon Airport (LIS), you will be driven to your accommodation for the first two nights of your holiday in the coastal village of Zambujeira do Mar. The included transfer takes approximately two hours.

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.

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 next two nights.

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.

On today's circular walk from Odeceixe first you follow the Rota Vicentina inland. Walk along an irrigation channel as it winds through farmed fields, then across an open landscape of heather and fragrant shrubs to the coast. Follow the fishermen's path across a beautiful natural area to the beach of Odeceixe. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the beach or if you prefer walk back to your accommodation and cool off in the pool.

You can expect today's 13.5 kilometre walk to take approximately four hours.

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

Private transfers to Libson Airport (LIS) are available at an additional cost. Please contact our self-guided team for more information.