Contrasts of Rota Vicentina Walk

Day 1: Arrive at Aljezur

Arrive in the castellated town of Aljezur, where you spend four nights.
You stay at Hotel Vicentina for four nights (breakfasts and evening meals included)

Day 2: Aljezur to Arrifana 19km/12mi

Set off along the valley of the Ribeira de Aljezur through wooded countryside to reach the coastal village of Mte Clerigo, where there is a splendid beach and an opportunity for refreshments. If you want a short walk today, you can arrange transport to this point and you will thereafter enjoy the best part of the full route. From Praia de Mte Clerigo walk along the dramatic coastal cliffs, a highlight of the route. The route ends above the attractive beach of Arrifana, where you might choose to spend some time relaxing and watching the surfers. Take a transfer (book and payable locally) back to your hotel.

Day 3: Coastal Loop to Praia da Amoreira 15km/9.5mi

Walk through the old part of Aljezur before heading though woodland to a plateau. Walk through heathland and forest to pick up the Fishermen's Trail and reach the coast and follow a section along the cliff top dunes. Reach the sandy estuary of the Aljezur River, with the gorgeous Praia da Amoreira, where you can stop for refreshments before rejoining your outward trail.

Day 4: Arrifana to Carrapateira 24km/15mi

From the coastal village of Arrifana, walk through forest and scrubland. Drop down to the spectacular Praia do Canal and then walk back up through eucalyptus plantations. The landscape becomes more varied and attractive as you continue to the old village of Bordeira. Follow a hilly route to the village of Carrapateira.

Day 5: Circular walk at Odemira 11km/7 mi

Transfer north (1hr) to the Alentejo region and your base for the next 3 nights. From there a varied walk takes you into the hills east and north of the town, passing through farmland, native woodland and eucalyptus plantations, returning to Odemira by the tidal Rio Mira.
You stay at Quinta do Chocalhinho for three nights (breakfasts and evening meals included)

Day 6: Odemira to Sao Teotonio 19km/12mi

Today's walk passes through sparsely populated, hilly countryside with lots of cork oaks, and some eucalyptus forest. With the river in Odemira (the Rio Mira) being tidal, you start at close to sea level and end up at 150m asl. Most of the walk follows the Historical Way on country roads and tracks to Sao Teotonio. Transfer back to the Quinta (book and pay locally).

Day 7: Entrada da Barca to Almograve 17km/11mi

You start at the small fishing port of Entrada da Barca and walk a beautiful section of coastline, above dramatic cliffs with incredible folded rocks, following a section of the Fishermen’s Trail. Follow the coast north to the lighthouse of Cabo Sardao before continuing to Almograve along a spectacular coastline.

Day 8: Leave Odemira