8 days walking on the Rota Vicentina: from Arrifana to Lagos
Par S-Cape Travel
• Explore the wild Southwest and Southern coast of Portugal
• Southern section of the Fishermen’s Trail and the Vicentine Coast Natural Park
• Idyllic landscapes of cliffs and beaches
• Comfortable, welcoming accommodation
• Historical highlights and unspoilt natural scenery
• Regional food and wine
This inspiring journey takes travellers along the southern stretch of Portugal’s GR-11 “Fishermen’s Trail” along the Vicentine Coast, revealing the wild beauty of the lesser-known western Algarve.
The route passes through untouched coastal landscapes, with golden beaches, hidden coves, rolling dunes and dramatic cliffs, all within the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, leading all the way to Cape São Vicente, the southwestern tip of Europe.
Along the way, charming coastal towns such as Arrifana, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo, Sagres and Lagos offer a glimpse into the relaxed Portuguese lifestyle, with opportunities to enjoy fresh seafood, excellent local wines, and the ever-present power of the Atlantic Ocean.
The itinerary also features historic fortresses in Arrifana, Sagres and Cabo de São Vicente, and follows trails carefully designed and maintained by the Rota Vicentina Association, of which S-Cape Travel has been a proud supporting member since 2015.
Aljezur
Arrifana
Carrapateira
Lagos
Luz
Sagres
Salema
Vila do Bispo
Allemand
Anglais
Espagnol
5-7 dias
Hébergement
Transport
Min. 1 pax Max. 15 pax
Description
Day 1: Arrival in Aljezur
After arriving in Aljezur, a peaceful whitewashed village on the Costa Vicentina, you can take some time to wander its quiet streets and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss the Moorish castle with its valley views or a stroll through the charming old quarter.
Day 2: From Arrifana to Carrapateira (16 - 19 - 23 km / 10 - 12 - 15 mi)
Your first route will depend on the tides, as the Fishermen's Trail near Carrapateira can only be done at low tide as there is no escape route on some parts of the 100m-high cliffs when the tide comes in. Inland is the alternative Rota Vicentina route, the so-called Caminho Histórico, which leads through a surprisingly beautiful rural setting alternating between maquís, pine forests and open meadows with old cork and holm oaks. Whatever you do, the day starts with a short taxi ride to the fishing village of Arrifana (or even further south to Monte Novo, hence shortening the route).
Challenge: 4.5 / 6 / 7 hrs, 16 - 19 - 23 km / 10 - 12 - 15 mi, 175 / 200 / 325 m ascent, 250 / 265 / 425 m descent
Villages along the way: Arrifana, Bordeira, Carrapateira
Day 3: Loop walk Carrapateira (10 - 22 km / 6 - 14 mi)
Today you can pick from two loop walks. The first route is a short circular walk, which takes you along the coast and the beaches of Carrapateira. If you feel up for a challenge, you can take the longer option of 21.9 km with both coastal and inland sections, to the completely restored village of Pedralva.
Challenge: 3 - 6.5 hrs, 10 - 22 km / 6 - 14 mi, 125 - 215 m ascent / descent
Day 4: From Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo (16 - 19 km / 10 - 12 mi)
In the morning, you continue further south following the fisermen's trails on top of the cliffs and partly through the undulating inland, until suddenly the historic town of Vila do Bispo comes into sight. Especially at the start of the walk, you are very likely to encounter fishermen, balancing on protruding rocks.
Challenge: 6-7 hrs, 19 km / 12 mi, 400 m ascent , 350 m descent
Villages along the way: none, only the beach do Amado
Day 5: From Vila do Bispo to Sagres (20 km / 12 mi)
A spectacular stage today as you round the south-western most point of Europe via barren lime stone cliffs. Visit the old fortress and light house at the windswept Cape São Vicente and then follow the coastline eastwards to the fortress of Sagres. In this beach town you will stay for two nights close to the beach and near the marina of Baleeira.
Challenge: 5-6 hrs, 20 km / 12 mi, 120 m ascent, 200 m descent
Day 6: From Sagres to Salema (16 - 20 km / 10 - 12 mi)
The section between Sagres and Salema is one of the most challenging stages of the Fishermen's Trail, as you constantly ascend and descend the cliffs following stony foot paths. But it is also one of the most beautiful stages: wind and water have formed the bizarre rock formations here, for which the Algarve is famous. You will be rewarded for all the effort with beautiful views and numerous opportunities to swim at the beaches of Martinhal, Barranco, Ingrina, Zavial, Furnas, Figueira or Salema. There were pottary factories on the plains in roman times and the remains of a 18-century fortress at Ponte de Fisga.
If you find 20 km too much you can ask the taxi to pick you up in Figueiras (after 16 km) instead of Salema as you will return to the hotel in Sagres in the afternoon.
Challenge: 5 - 6.5 hrs, 16 - 20 km / 10 -12 mi, 260 or 345 m ascent, 230 or 370 m decent
Villages along the way: Martinhal, Figueira
Day 7: From Salema to Lagos (17 - 23 km / 11 - 14 mi)
A taxi takes you back to Salema this morning, or a little bit further east to Burgeau, where you will begin the final hike along the Fishermen's Trail. Along the way, you can admire the famous natural caves and arches at Ponte do Piedade and Praia do Camilo beach. Along this coast, several forts were built by Romans, Arabs and Portuguese to protect the population from pirates. The route and journey ends in the historic town of Lagos, on the banks of the river Bensafrim.
Challenge: 5.5 -7 hrs, 17 - 23 km / 11 -14 mi, 330 - 530 m ascent & descent
Villages along the way: Brugeau, Luz, Lagos
Day 8: End of programme
After breakfast your arrangement ends.