Standing on a clifftop outside Vila Nova de Milfontes, I’m getting a glimpse of what draws hikers to the Fisherman’s Trail along the Rota Vicentina in southern Portugal. Copper-colored cliffs plunge into the Atlantic below, where the water shifts from deep sapphire to turquoise in the shallows—deceptively inviting despite hovering around 60°F year-round.
“During spring, this would look like a Moroccan rug—covered with red, blue, and yellow flowers,” says Ricardo Estêvão, a local guide and one of the trail co-founders, who is showing me this section of the hiking route. Even without spring’s wildflower display, it’s easy to see why this coastal walk along the protected Vicentina Coast, starting from Porto Covo in Alentejo to Lagos in the Algarve, is becoming one of Europe’s most spectacular multi-day hikes.
What draws many people is the region’s famously unhurried pace. Locals joke about their reputation for taking a siesta under cork trees, but the slower rhythm is precisely the appeal. Estêvão notes that many don’t just come for the hike, but to disconnect from the chaos of life and process major life transitions—grief, broken hearts, a health diagnosis—finding clarity in the expansive ocean views and long stretches of solitude.
Want to hike it yourself? Here’s how.
How long does it take to hike the Fisherman’s Trail?
Often called the “Camino of the Sea,” the 140-mile trail can easily fill 12 days, hugging rugged cliffs and deserted beaches, while winding through fishing villages with restaurants serving regional cuisine and accommodations ranging from simple guesthouses to boutique eco-lodges. The reward after a day spent journeying through these wild landscapes? Carne de porco à Alentejana (a stew combining pork, clams, and potatoes), mineral-rich wines, and seafood so fresh it’s almost alive.
If you don’t have 12 days, the trail easily breaks down into shorter sections, with three to six hours of walking between towns. You can hike just one section as a day trip or string together a few for a long weekend.
When to go
Taking on the trail during the shoulder seasons will give you the best experience. Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer ideal conditions: blue skies, minimal rain, and comfortable temperatures. Avoid summer, which brings sweltering heat with little shade and peak accommodation prices, or winter, as many guesthouses close in December and January.
There’s no permit required to hike, and the well-marked trail is easy to navigate independently. If you’d rather leave the logistics to someone else, companies like Vicentina Travel—founded by Estêvão—offer guided and self-guided packages, both on foot and with e-bikes.
How to pack (and deal with luggage)
Pack light: Hours of trekking through sand dunes will make you question every extra item in your bag. On the trail, bring a daypack and always have two to three liters of water on you—shops can be hours apart. Pack high-SPF sunscreen, blister band aids, snacks, swimwear, a rain jacket, and a basic first-aid kit. Wear worn-in hiking boots and sun-protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat. For your larger bags, use luggage transfer services—Vicentina Travel also offers this—to shuttle bags between towns.
Camping and hotels
Book at least three months ahead—these small coastal villages fill quickly in peak season. You’ll find hostels, guesthouses, hotels, and luxury farmstays in villages along the route, plus some properties off the trail (most can arrange transfers). The trail runs through a Natural Park where wild camping is prohibited, but unique camping options include Salema Eco Camp, with glamping and traditional camping, and Portugal Nature Lodge, where you can stay in a South African safari tent or a Mongolian yurt.
Days 1-3: Porto Covo to Zambujeira do Mar
Length: 36 miles