Trip code: W08RT 4.5 (2 reviews)
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
16.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
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Idyllic coastal trails, sand dunes, scenic farmland and forests punctuate this spectacular walk across the Alentejo region.
The Fishermen's Trail (part of the Rota Vicentina) travels along the trails used by the locals to access the beaches and fishing grounds. It is a single track, along the cliffs and is an exclusively pedestrian trail.
Along the way, you can fully enjoy the landscape and appreciate all that nature has to offer, such as wild flowers, the aroma of herbs in the cool of the morning and the colourful butterflies. Take the opportunity to observe otters, that are almost never found in marine environments, or storks that nest here on the coastal cliffs, like nowhere else in the world.
Taste the delicious regional cuisine, seafood, fresh fish and the appetising dishes. In the Alentejo, a meal starts with a variety of appetizers. Cured ham, or Presunto de Barrancos, are local delicacies, and goat and sheep cheeses usually accompany thin slices of cured ham. Olives, whether black or green, harvested from olive groves throughout the Alentejo are a staple. Other Alentejo specialties include roasted peppers, bread stews and octopus salad flavoured with onion and peppers seasoned in olive oil. On the fish side, there is rich fish stew, fresh crab, grilled fish and octopus.
The routes follow waymarked paths and trails, including walking on sand and dirt roads. Some sections along the coast have sheer drops and no protection so are not suitable for those who suffer with vertigo or who are less sure on their feet.
Arrive in Cercal, a rural town, the name of which somes from the Latin quercalu (meaning oak), due to the large number of such trees in the area. During your stay, do not miss the 17th century charming parish church.
You stay at Casa Azul.
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Located in the heart of Cercal, the Art Nouveau-style Casazul B&B features traditional Alentejo-style décor and offers rooms with a balcony and a swimming pool.
The first part of the route goes through small farms, with hedges, vegetable gardens and orchards. Here, life follows the rhythm of the sowing. Walk through an arid area, populated with eucalyptus, before reaching a cork oak forest. Here is a true biodiversity hotspot, there are more than 150 different species of plants that appear along the route! About a quarter of these plants are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, and some only exist on the southwest coast of Portugal. Along the route, you will also catch the scent of aromatic plants, such as lavender, thyme or rosemary.
Then reach Porto Covo a traditional fishing village.
You stay at Hotel Porto Covo.
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Porto Covo is an eco-friendly hotel in the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park . It has an outdoor pool with a poolside bar and a hydromassage, and is a 10-minute walk from the beach.
Discover unspoilt beaches, the sand dunes of Ilha do Pessegueiro and wonderful seascapes. The Ilha do Pessegueiro Beach lies facing the island from which it takes its name. The island show evidences of its long history. including a fish salting factory dating from the Roman era and which is believed to have given its name to the island (a derivative of the Latin 'piscatorius').
Take the opportunity for a dip in the water on one of these beaches.
You stay at Hotel HS Milfontes.
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Enjoy the most amazing views of the Mira river bay, the Atlantic and Furnas beach, officially one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. The hotel offers a swimming pool, a gym, a bar, a restaurant and possibilities of relaxing massages.
Day to relax on the beach or take a stroll in the charming town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
You stay at Hotel HS Milfontes.
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Enjoy the most amazing views of the Mira river bay, the Atlantic and Furnas beach, officially one of Portugal’s Seven Wonders. The hotel offers a swimming pool, a gym, a bar, a restaurant and possibilities of relaxing massages.
Cross the River Mira and head to Furnas beach with two distinct parts, a sandy section with calm waters on the Mira estuary and a series of small coves by the cliffs to the south, popular amongst surfers. Continue along the clifftop path with hidden trails leading to rocky coves to reach Almograve.
You stay at Vicentina Rooms.
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Located in Southwest Alentejo, along the Atlantic coast, Vicentina Rooms by Casas do Alentejo is in the picturesque Almograve village and it sits 550 yards from the sandy Almograve Beach. The simply decorated rooms at Vicentina Rooms include heating, a TV and a refrigerator. There is also an outdoor pool.
Today's walk leads you first to the beautiful beach of Almograve before continuing along the rocky coastline. Then, explore the fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar. This village offers an excellent view over the beach and is a small and very peaceful village. The beautiful beaches are one of the main attractions as its natural environment is one of the best preserved of this region.
You stay at Rosa dos Ventos.
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This Andalusian-style hotel in Zambujeira do Mar has a central courtyard with a small fountain that is surrounded by arched walls. All light rooms open out onto this patio with its sun loungers. The modern, simply furnished rooms at Rosa dos Ventos come with a TV, refrigerator and private bathroom. They are painted in soft shades and have colourful touches in the paintings, lamps and cushions. The beaches are situated within 500 metres
Walk to the beaches of Carvalhal, Machados and Amalia. Enjoy a seafood lunch in Azenha do Mar and enjoy the best view on the Rota Vicentina at the Ponta em Branco. Finish the day at Odeceixe.
You stay at Casa do Moinho.
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Casa do Moinho is a collection of village houses in Odexeice, all individually decorated and with access to an outdoor swimming pool and restaurant.
Spend the day relaxing in Odeceixe or take a trip to the beach. The village is located on the river Seixe and is the dividing point between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. Enjoy a stroll through the village with its crafty shops and bustling bars and cafes in the main square.
If you'd like to extend your trip with extra hotel nights we recommend: Casa Azul, Cercal.
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Located in the heart of Cercal, the Art Nouveau-style Casazul B&B features traditional Alentejo-style décor and offers rooms with a balcony and a swimming pool.
These tour prices are per person, based on two people sharing. Single supplement from NZ$546.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Self-guided walking
8 nights,
hotel-to-hotel
Level: 2
Moderate
16.0Kg CO2e
Headwater
Navigation App
