Alentejo (southwest coast)
Land of genuine people, of grace and gallantry, of horses and bulls, of audacity and dexterity, of feasts and pleasing wine.

route
The Rota Vicentina (Vicentina Route) is a long distance path along the SW (Southwest) coast of Portugal situated between Lisbon and the Algarve, and is served by Lisbon and Faro airports. You can get to the main locations of the SW by car, bus or train. Between the city of Santiago do Cacém and the Cape of St. Vincent, totaling 350km to walk, you have the chance to walk along one of the most beautiful and best preserved coast lines of Southern Europe, a blessed region maintained by its local inhabitants and with surprising natural values.

seasonality
The recommended period to walk the Rota Vicentina is from September until June. The SW of Portugal has a Mediterranean climate with a strong Atlantic influence, guaranteeing mild temperatures throughout the year, lest during the Summer, which gives rise to high temperatures.

characteristics
Anyone who comes to the SW of Portugal by sea finds high cliffs of very old rock on the coast of the Alentejo (Schist and Greywacke) and light rock on the Algarve coast (limestone). On this rock on the coastal plateau, lies a thin layer of sediment, full of unique and endemic habitats and species of the world. Sheltering more than 300 species of birds, the Alentejo is also very famous for birdwatching enthusiasts, and allows for exquisite sights, sounds and smells from the Atlantic Ocean and more than 150 species of plant.

signalling
The Rota Vicentina is fully signposted with intuitive and clearly visible route markers, so that everyone, regardless of their degree of familiarity with hiking, can make the journey independently and safely. Both the Historical Way and the Fisherman’s Trail use the Grand Route (GR) marking system, although with different colours to distinguish them (green and blue for the Fisherman’s Trail, white and red for the Historical Way). This system is used in paths throughout all of Europe and is approved by the Portuguese Federation of Camping and Mountaineering.

programme

1st Day - Lisbon / Porto Covo / Herdade da Matinha

After your arrival in Lisbon Airport, transfer to the bus station, from which you will go to Porto Covo, where you can take your time to take part in the various activities available, or to rest from your trip. On to the hotel by foot (Difficulty – Easy; 12km). Accommodation, dinner and stay overnight at Herdade da Matinha.

Optional Activities at Porto Covo:

- Surfing
- Scuba Diving
- Spearfishing
- Boat Ride
- Whale Watching

2nd Day - Herdade da Matinha / Cercal do Alentejo / São Luís

Transfer to Cercal do Alentejo, where you will begin your proceed with your walking journey to São Luís (Difficulty – Somewhat Difficult – 21km). During this stage, you will reach the highest point of the Rota Vicentina, at an altitude of 329 meters. Accommodation, dinner and stay overnight at Naturarte.

3rd Day - São Luís / Zambujeira do Mar

Transfer to Zambujeira do Mar, where you will be able to rest or take part in amazing activities that seek contact with nature such as treetop adventuring, tennis, archery, downhill biking and more. Accommodation, dinner and stay overnight at Rosa dos Ventos.

Optional Activities at Zambujeira do Mar:

- Treetop Adventure
- Tennis
- Watercraft Paddling
- Human Foosball
- Cyclo-Cross
- Archery
- Pedestrian & Keep-Fit Track
- Cycling

4th Day - Zambujeira do Mar / Odeceixe

Walk to Odeceixe (Difficulty – Somewhat Difficult; 18km), during which you will experience the landscape of more than 5 beaches. Accommodation, dinner and stay overnight at Casas do Moinho.

5th Day - Odeceixe / Aljezur

Proceed to Aljezur (Difficulty – Easy; 18km), following a path rich of flora and fauna. Accommodation, dinner and overnight at Carpe Vita.

6th Day - Aljezur / Vila do Bispo / S. Vicente / Lagos

Transfer to Vila do Bispo, from where you will go to Cape S. Vicente on foot (Difficulty – Somewhat Difficult; 14km), the southwesternmost point in Europe, and the end of the Sentier Européen du Littoral (European coastal path). Transfer to Lagos, accommodation, dinner and overnight at Herdade dos Frades.

7th Day – Lagos / Lisbon

Bus to Lisbon. During the afternoon, you will have a stroll along the best sites of the capital. Return to the hotel, dinner and stay overnight.

8th Day – Departure from Lisbon Airport