The unspoilt Alentejo coast offers incredible views and dramatic scenery. From small sandy coves to wide golden beaches and cliff-backed shores, the coastline is ever-changing and immensely photo-worthy.
As you make your way from village to village, you’ll encounter wildflowers, sand dunes, rare storks and a host of other wildlife. As you approach villages, you’ll see small scale farming in action and watch fishermen at work.
Throughout your journey, there are plenty of opportunities to sample the best of this region’s cuisine including fresh fish and seafood, cured meats, cheeses, olive oil and wines.
This route is largely based on the Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail, with some variations to enhance your experience.
Keep your independence with a self-guided walking holiday that offers 24/7 emergency support or take the opportunity to dive into the local culture and learn along the way with a guided walking tour.
Day 1: Arrival in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Day 2: The Beaches Walking Route
Day 3: The Sand Dunes Hiking Trail
Day 4: The Cliffs Walking Trail
Day 5: Onward journey
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Make your way to the pretty coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Transfers are included for guided tours and available at an extra cost for self-guided walking holidays.
Free time to enjoy the river and coastal beaches and explore the town. More information about Vila Nova de Milfontes in this article.
Either way, you’ll receive a full briefing and documentation at your hotel to get you ready for your coastal walks.
Dinner is included in guided tours. There are several great restaurants to choose from in the town centre.
Accommodation at a comfortable, modern 3-star hotel with river views, onsite restaurant and an outdoor swimming pool.
Day 2 – The Beaches Route (15 km + 2.5 km), Moderate
Walk from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve
Start with a beautiful river crossing on a small boat, enjoying the wonderful views of Vila Nova de Milfontes and downstream.
Once across the river, your walk begins. The terrain is varied, combining inland stretches with very diversified geologic formations, agriculture crops and grazing animals. There are 2 long beaches you can walk across instead of following the trail if you prefer.
In April and May, the fields and dunes are covered with flowers so be prepared to take lots of photos!
Picnic lunch along the way and dinner in the evening is included in the guided tours.
Accommodation: Stay on a lovely farm in Longueira, 2.5 kms from end of trail with an outdoor pool for a refreshing dip. You can walk to the hotel or ask for a taxi service. The town is a quiet place with 2 good restaurants, no shops and a very calm environment. There will be a good buffet breakfast and wi-fi is available. The hotel staff will drive you to the beginning of the trail in the morning, free of charge.
Day 3 – The Sand Dunes Trail (8 km + 8 km + 4 km) Walk all 3 parts or take a taxi after any of these sections
Walk from Almograve to Entrada da Barca/Zambujeira
Walk along Almograve beach until the fishing port where you can observe the activity. Continue your walk through the beautiful scenery of the sand dunes, which change colour as you progress south.
The sounds of storks and other wildlife accompany you and the ever-present sound of the ocean. When you reach the lighthouse at Cabo Sardão, you’ll see the nests on top of tall rocky islets and a distinct change in geology.
Picnic lunch along the way and dinner in the evening is included in the guided tours.
Accommodation:Tonight’s accommodation is a large townhouse-hotel in Zambujeira with comfortable rooms around a courtyard. There’s no swimming pool but the beach is within walking distance, as are restaurants and other amenities. Wi-fi and breakfast are included with the room.
Day 4 – The Cliffs Walking Trail (8 km + 6 km + 4 km) Walk all 3 parts or take a taxi after any of these sections
Walk from Zambujeira to Odeceixe
If the cliffs were wonderful yesterday, get ready for a surprise! The rocks today will become truly black, contrasting with the blue ocean even more than the orange limestone does.
Some delightful little beaches will tempt you for a swim en route. At the mouth of the Seixe river you will find the most breathtaking view waiting for you, almost like a farewell gift!
From here walk down to Odeceixe beach, where you can choose between a swim in the river or in the ocean.
Picnic lunch along the way and dinner in the evening is included in the guided tours.
Accommodation: Spend the night in a simple house in the village of Odeceixe, run by a very nice lady with breakfast included. No pool and wifi is at a nearby café. Alternatively, you can ask for an upgrade to a lovely little complex of restored cottages just outside the village surrounding a windmill with a pool and wifi.
Day 5 – Departure. If you have a transfer as part of the guided tour or an optional extra, your private driver will take you to Lisbon.
Price for self guided tour
From €470 per person sharing double room, minimum of 4
From €530 per person sharing double room, minimum of 2
Price for guided tour
From €880 per person sharing double room, minimum of 4
From €1460 per person sharing double room, minimum of 2
Included in the self guided tour price:
- Accommodation with breakfast
- Boat crossing in Vila Nova de Mil Fontes
- 24h phone support
- Gift
- Maps, route instructions and history notes
- Personal accident insurance
- VAT tax
Included in the guided tour price:
- Everything that’s included in self guided tour
- Transfer from and to airport
- Support car during 3 walking days
- Guide to walk with the group
- Guide assistant
- 3 Picnic lunches
- 4 Dinners without wine
- Gift
- Personal accident insurance
- VAT tax
Not included in either version:
- Travel insurance
- Tour cancellation insurance
- Other snacks along the days
- Other meals – as mentioned on tour program
- Wine with the dinner
- Transfer to and from airport – Self Guided
If the suggested 5-day itinerary isn’t quite right for you, let me know what you want so we can tailor the tour to suit you.
Once I know what you’re looking for, I’ll connect you with the specialist local tour operator to take care of the bookings and arrangements for you. I may receive a small commission for this referral but it won’t affect the price you pay.
