Zambujeira do Mar » Odeceixe
You will be passing the beaches of Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados and Amália on the way to Azenha do Mar, where you will find a natural fishing harbour. To top it all enjoy one of the most outstanding views in the entire territory: Odeceixe beach seen from the majestic Ponta em Branco.
Along this stretch of coast it is interesting to take a close look at the cliffs; note how the sedimentary rocks that were laid down horizontally over aeons have been folded and pushed out of all recognition so that what was once horizontal is now in some cases vertical. Now imagine the forces necessary! More recently was the formation of lithified sand tubes which can be seen a bit all over the trail.
On this section you will also find abundant signs of the presence of mammals, especially carnivores living among the dunes. It is hard to spot the animals themselves given that for the most part they are nocturnal, remaining in their burrows during daylight and only coming out to hunt at dark. But you will come across their droppings, footprints, burrows or maybe even the remains of their night’s hunting. These carnivorous mammals include Egyptian mongoose (locally known as escalabardo), weasel, beech marten (also known as papalvo), badger, genet and otter. Rabbits are other mammals that build their burrows in the most stable of the sand dunes. These rabbits are the original stock of all rabbits worldwide, and incredibly important here, being the preferred prey of most carnivores.
Where to start
Zambujeira do Mar
At the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar, towards the beach of the village.
Odeceixe
In the village’s main square, crossing the beach to Alentejo.
Datasheet
Rules and Recommendations
Tips
Refreshments along the way
► At km 6.5, the detour of 2 km to the village of Brejão is sign posted.
► At km 9.5 you’ll go through the village of Azenha do Mar.
Shorten this section
Between the village of Odeceixe and the north end of the beach the trail goes along a road (4 km). Take a taxi and shorten this section.
Stay another night in Odeceixe
Consider staying longer in Odeceixe to take advantage of the Circular Routes exinting in this area.
Warnings
January 2022: risk of landslide
A part of Zambujeira do Mar » Odeceixe, section of Fishermen’s Trail has been closed, but an alternative trail is marked. All tracks on our site have been updated and all markings on the field have been adapted for the safety of hikers.
In the Lombo do Asno area, south of Alteirinhos Beach, the trail makes a small detour inland to circumvent a sensitive area. As a matter of security and environmental preservation, be aware and observe this divergence. We rely on your consideration!
Closest Accomodations
Closest Restaurants
Closest Activities
Closest Local products
Caretaker of this trail

António Pacheco - Casa da Seiceira
Caretakers since 2012
« I’m RV Associate since the beginning. Interestingly, the project of Rota Vicentina started to be discussed at Casa da Seiceira in a meeting of Casas Brancas. I accepted the challenge for godparenting the Zambujeira / Odeceixe trail section because I was born and live here a big part of my life and because I think that being a caretaker is being responsible with this great project that have a huge value for the region. First, it seemed too big for us, but with effort and dedication we managed to promote this region beyond borders, at levels that until then we didn't imagine. »