Walking the Rota Vicentina

Day 1: Arrival in Santiago do Cacém
Arrive in Santiago do Cacém, a medieval town that was an important stopover settlement during Roman times. Visit the nearby ruins of Miróbriga, an archaeological site showcasing a well-preserved acropolis. The town’s main attraction, Castelo de Santiago do Cacém, offers panoramic views over the town from its hilltop position.

Accommodation: Hotel Dom Nuno or similar in Santiago do Cacém

Day 2: Santiago do Cacém – Vale Seco 20km
Follow the route along the Alentejo coastline, before the path heads inland, leading through woodland and sobreiros (cork oaks). Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way, since a wide variety of bird species nest in these habitats. Your day comes to a close in the village of Vale Seco.

Walking for the day: 20km, 6h ?450m ?500m
Accommodation: Casinhas da Aldeia or similar in Vale Seco

Day 3: Vale Seco – Cercal do Alentejo 20km
Walk through woodland, along field tracks and olive tree groves, heading past small lakes and reservoirs along the way. Follow the path around Barragem de Campilhas, perfect for a refreshing dip in the lake, before ending the day in Cercal do Alentejo.

Walking for the day: 20km, 5h ?295m ?330m
Accommodation: Solar do Alentejo or similar in Cercal do Alentejo

Day 4: Cercal do Alentejo – Porto Côvo 17km
Today’s stage joins the Fishermen’s Trail. After a few kilometres of walking past farms and fields, you come to a eucalyptus grove. Continue on through open fields, from where the ocean can be seen in the distance. Today’s route ends in the coastal town of Porto Côvo, where there is the chance to relax on one of the many nearby beaches or explore the town’s white and blue historic centre.

Walking for the day: 17km, 5h ?290m ?415m
Accommodation: Porto Côvo Hotel or similar in Porto Côvo

Day 5: Porto Côvo – Vila Nova de Milfontes 20km/14km/8km
Before leaving Porto Côvo, we recommend stocking up on supplies for the day of walking, as it’s going to get wonderfully rural. Today’s walk is also fairly demanding and involves crossing several unpaved areas with loose sand, although we can offer a less strenuous route option. Your final stop today is in the coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Walking for the day: 20km, 6h ?160m ?150m (alternative option: 8km or 14km)
Accommodation: Mil Réis or similar in Vila Nova de Milfontes

Day 6: Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve 12/15km
There are two route options for today’s walk. Either take a small ferry across the river to start your walk, or start walking from Vila Nova de Milfontes and cross the river on foot via a bridge. Both options provide an easy day of walking, heading south along cliff paths with access to several beaches along the way. Arrive in Almograve and spend the afternoon swimming or strolling along the beach at Praia do Almograve.

Walking for the day: 15km, 5h ?260m ?280m (or 12km with the ferry)
Accommodation: Vicentina Rooms by Casas do Alentejo or similar in Almograve/Vila Nova de Milfontes

Day 7: Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar 21km
Follow the route along rocky cliffs, with panoramic seascapes and the opportunity to spot cliff-nesting storks. Take a break in the small village of Cavaleiro to buy some supplies or to have lunch at a local restaurant. Head west towards the lighthouse, Farol do Cabo Sardão, before continuing to Entrada da Barca, Zambujeira do Mar’s fishing harbour, perfect for an overnight stay, with several beaches in the area.

Walking for the day: 21km, 6h ?200m ?200m
Accommodation: Rosa dos Ventos or similar in Zambujeira do Mar

Day 8: Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe 18km
Leave Zambujeira do Mar and head south towards Praia do Carvalhal. Continue on along the coast, heading past Herdade Amália Rodrigues, the famous fado singer Amália Rodrigues’ former beach house, which is now a guesthouse. Arrive at Azenha do Mar, a small fishing town, where we recommend stopping for lunch at one of the local restaurants. Cross the bridge over Ribeira de Seixe, the river that forms a natural border between the Alentejo and Algarve regions, ending your day in the village of Odeceixe, located within Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park.

Walking for the day: 18km, 6h ?260m ?280m
Accommodation: Casas do Moinho or similar in Odeceixe

Day 9: Odeceixe – Aljezur 23km
From Odeceixe, head south along the coast, following the route through the village of Rogil, where batata doce (sweet potato) is a local speciality. Continue south, before arriving in the village of Aljezur, dominated by the ruins of Castelo de Aljezur, which made up part of the coast’s defensive system during the 12th and 13th centuries.

Walking for the day: 23km, 6h ?400m ?400m
Accommodation: Vicentina Hotel or similar in Aljezur

Day 10: Aljezur – Arrifana 12-18km
Leaving Aljezur, today’s route follows the Rota Vicentina’s Historical Way, leading to the small fishing village of Arrifana. There is the option to extend your walk by continuing along the Fishermen’s Trail to Praia da Arrifana, the perfect place for a refreshing swim and rest after a day of walking.

Walking for the day: 12km, 4h, ?220m ?180m (longer option: 18km, 5-6h ?345m ?290m)
Accommodation: HI Arrifana Destination Hostel or similar in Arrifana

Day 11: Arrifana – Carrapateira 22km
Head south, following the route along the coastline, over hills and dunes, with views over flat sandy beaches, bringing your day to a close in the coastal village of Carrapateira.

Walking for the day: 22km, 6h ?400m ?500m
Accommodation: Pensão das Dunas or similar in Carrapateira

Day 12: Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo 22km
Leave Carrapateira and follow the route towards Vila do Bispo. Along the way, today’s route features a variety of landscapes, including hills, valleys, flat pastures, meadows and small rivers that lead to the ocean. There are opportunities to spot a variety of birdlife, especially on the approach to Vila do Bispo, where today’s walk ends.

Walking for the day: 22km, 6h ?300m ?200m
Accommodation: Hotel Mira Sagres or similar in Vila do Bispo

Day 13: Vila do Bispo – Cabo de São Vicente – Sagres 21km
Your last day of walking takes you to Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwesterly point of continental Europe, and also a destination for pilgrims following in the steps of Saint Vincent. Over recent centuries, the lighthouse has been damaged and reconstructed several times, and it now stands at 24m and has a small museum, which provides an insight into Portugal’s maritime navigation history. Continue walkin to Sagres for the final night of your tour.

Walking for the day: 21km, 6h ?140m ?160m
Accommodation: Mareta View or similar in Sagres

Day 14: Departure
Departure after breakfast, or extend your stay with an extra night in Sagres.