Odeceixe » Aljezur
This route takes us back to Odeceixe beach, this time on the southern shore, in the lands of the Algarve. We set off to walk further kilometers of fishermen trails, crossing irrigated fields and the coastal heathland, on the way to Aljezur.
Before leaving Odeceixe, do not forget to go to the mill, one of the few that is still in operation and can be visited. Around it, wooden walkways and benches invite you to sit and take in the village houses, the Seixe stream mouth and the Mediterranean shrubs on the south-facing slopes – a treat for the eyes!
The floodplains lie on the banks of the stream, where on days of heavy rain, the water that collects in the banks will go on to be store and build deep and fertile soils. During the rest of the year, the water from the flood is efficiently used to grow vigorous crops and pastures. Some of these banks still remain in their wild state, occupied by reeds and rushes. These are environments rich in birds, like the grey heron and the great egret.
In the sand dunes there are abundant aromatic shrubs such as juniper, shrubby everlasting, camphor thyme (endemic to this coast), lavender and rosemary. These plants, although specially adapted to the arid environment of the tops of the cliffs, have some difficulty in dealing with the invasion of exotic species such as acacia and the hottentot-fig. In the wettest places, where the water reaches almost the surface, the marshes covered with rushes provide habitat to the most endangered rodent in Europe, the cabrera’s vole.
The agricultural fields that play a dominant role along this route make a harmonious mosaic of small clumps of pine, eucalyptus or cork oak forests, with marshes (wetlands) and water lines. Temporary ponds and agricultural ponds also add to this landscape, a mosaic that houses breathtaking biodiversity.
In the avifauna, it is worth noting the presence of the tawny and meadow pipits, carrion crow, zitting cisticola, shrikes, woodpecker, corn-bunting, Eurasian nuthatch, linnets, European crested tit and the cirl bunting. Hidden in the woods, the birds of prey go out to hunt in the open fields. This is the case of the short-toed snake eagle or the black-winged kite.
Where to start
Odeceixe
Beginning of Rua do Rio, going to Largo 1º de Maio (main square of Odeceixe).
Aljezur
In front of the Municipal Market, then follow the Historical Way.
Datasheet
Rules and Recommendations
Tips
Refresments along the way
► At km 3 on the beach of Odeceixe, between April and September.
► At Rogil, there are good restaurants.
Stay another night in Odeceixe
Enjoy the circular routes in this area and spend some more time in Odeceixe.
Warnings
► Between the village of Odeceixe and the beach, the route follows along the road. Walk on the left side of the road (opposite the traffic) and be careful.
► From Rogil, this route coincides with the Historical Way. Therefore you will follow the red and white marks.
► This section overlaps with other routes. Pay attention to the signs.
Closest Accomodations
Closest Restaurants
Closest Activities
Closest Local products
Caretaker of this trail

Andreia Crociquia
Godmother since 2020
« I'm a hiker. I'm adventurous. I'm a nature lover.
I arrived a little over a year ago to develop a professional project in the region and I fell in love with the Rota Vicentina. Today I walk every kilometer of this enchanted landscape of sea and countryside, full of romance and life stories ... Over time, I learned that Rota Vicentina is much more than a network of walking routes. It is, above all, a large community that has defended a region for many decades and that every day is lived in an intense toil that culminates in small and big successes. And who doesn't want to contribute to a tomorrow of small conquests and victories at a time when environmental awareness and sustainability are the greatest challenge for humanity? That's why I stay here, for a better tomorrow! »