Rota Vicentina: The wild Algarve
Rota Vicentina: The wild Algarve
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Immerse yourself in a tour of the Rota Vicentina that will take you to discover the wildest and most untouched lands of the Algarve. Walk alongside the Atlantic Ocean and enjoy the beautiful beaches with crystal-clear water and fine sand as you walk from Odeceixe to Cabo Sao Vicente.
- Cabo Sao Vicente is considered the most south-westerly point of the Algarve and in Roman times was a place dedicated to the god Saturn.
- Observe the birds nesting on the cliffs.
- Get to know charming, traditional fishing villages.
- Take in the stunning coastal scenery, cliffs, forests and valleys.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Odeceixe
This walking route starts in Odeceixe, a charming fishing village located 3 km from the coast, characterised by its white houses.
Overnight in Odeceixe
Casa Morais
Charming rural house with a privileged view of Odeceixe. All rooms are en-suite and offer free internet access.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Odeceixe to Aljezur 13,7 miles | 22 km
Today you will have the opportunity to start walking along the fishermen's trails that characterise this region. The first stop will be the extraordinary Odeceixe Beach, a real surfers' paradise, offering gentle waves and spectacular scenery.
Later, you will continue walking along the cliffs while enjoying the fascinating views.
You will pass through Rogil, a small and pretty coastal village, and then arrive in Aljezur, a farming village located on the Costa Vicentina which, in addition to delighting visitors with its fantastic unspoilt landscapes, offers an atmosphere of tranquillity and relaxation, ideal for disconnecting from routine.
Aljezur is home to an iconic castle that is depicted on the Portuguese flag.
Later, you will continue walking along the cliffs while enjoying the fascinating views.
You will pass through Rogil, a small and pretty coastal village, and then arrive in Aljezur, a farming village located on the Costa Vicentina which, in addition to delighting visitors with its fantastic unspoilt landscapes, offers an atmosphere of tranquillity and relaxation, ideal for disconnecting from routine.
Aljezur is home to an iconic castle that is depicted on the Portuguese flag.
Ascent: 331m (1,085ft) / Descent: 324m (1,063ft)
Overnight in Aljezur
Vicentina Hotel
This hotel is located in the middle of nature, yet very close to local restaurants and only one kilometre from Aljezur Castle.
It has different types of rooms and all of them have a TV.
The accommodation has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, ideal for relaxing after a long day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It has different types of rooms and all of them have a TV.
The accommodation has a beautiful outdoor swimming pool, ideal for relaxing after a long day of walking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Aljezur to Arrifana 11 miles | 18 km
Before starting a new day, you can visit Aljezur Castle, one of the seven castles represented on the shield of the Portuguese flag. This fortress was built by the Arabs in the 10th century, and is located on top of a hill.
Start the day walking through a valley while taking in the lush flora and fauna. We skirt around the Vale da Telha estate and then head down to the beach until we reach Ponta da Atalaia, a viewpoint from where you will have incredible views of the ocean.
You will have the chance to stop and see some prehistoric ruins and stroll along the dunes, before heading to Arrifana, which is characterised by its fascinating beach, starting in a shell-shaped inlet, and where the golden sand contrasts with the black colour of the rocks of the cliffs that line the coast.
Aljezur: in the event of there being no availability at Arrifana, we will make arrangements for you to have transferred to Aljezur and back to Arrifana the following day to start your route.
Start the day walking through a valley while taking in the lush flora and fauna. We skirt around the Vale da Telha estate and then head down to the beach until we reach Ponta da Atalaia, a viewpoint from where you will have incredible views of the ocean.
You will have the chance to stop and see some prehistoric ruins and stroll along the dunes, before heading to Arrifana, which is characterised by its fascinating beach, starting in a shell-shaped inlet, and where the golden sand contrasts with the black colour of the rocks of the cliffs that line the coast.
Aljezur: in the event of there being no availability at Arrifana, we will make arrangements for you to have transferred to Aljezur and back to Arrifana the following day to start your route.
Ascent: 464m (1,522ft) / Descent: 431m (1,414ft)
Overnight in Arrifana
Arrifana Destination Boutique Hotel
This is a small boutique hotel with every comfort. All rooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning and TV.
The accommodation has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and a garden. Free Wi-Fi is available and a delicious continental breakfast is served every morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The accommodation has a restaurant, a bar, a terrace and a garden. Free Wi-Fi is available and a delicious continental breakfast is served every morning.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Arrifana to Carrapateira 12,1 miles | 19,5 km
Today's walk to Carrapateira will be accompanied by magnificent landscapes. The mountains and the ocean will be the main attractions. You will make your first stop at Praia do Canal, a wild and uncrowded beach known for its mixture of rocks and sand, ideal for surfers and those seeking a more secluded setting.
Then you will visit Praia da Bordeira, a long beach surrounded by dunes and crossed by the Ribeira da Bordeira stream, which sometimes forms a small lagoon.
At the end of the day, you will arrive at Carrapateira, a village on the western coast of the Algarve, which is very close to idyllic beaches where surfing is popular and which is also notable for its ancient fort.
Then you will visit Praia da Bordeira, a long beach surrounded by dunes and crossed by the Ribeira da Bordeira stream, which sometimes forms a small lagoon.
At the end of the day, you will arrive at Carrapateira, a village on the western coast of the Algarve, which is very close to idyllic beaches where surfing is popular and which is also notable for its ancient fort.
Ascent: 640m (2,099ft) / Descent: 663m (2,175ft)
Overnight in Carrapateira
Hortas do Rio
Cosy cottage with terrace, garden, bar and mountain views.
It offers free Wi-Fi and serves breakfast a la carte and continental breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers free Wi-Fi and serves breakfast a la carte and continental breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in the surroundings of Carrapateira 6,8 miles | 11 km
Today you will have the chance to explore the Pontal da Carrapateira trail, a fantastic viewpoint located on the Costa Vicentina and home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.
On this circular route, you will also be able to visit the beautiful beaches in Bordeira and Amado, which are characterised by their wild nature and are favourite spots for sports such as surfing and bodyboarding.
After enjoying these breathtaking landscapes, return to your accommodation in Carrapateira.
On this circular route, you will also be able to visit the beautiful beaches in Bordeira and Amado, which are characterised by their wild nature and are favourite spots for sports such as surfing and bodyboarding.
After enjoying these breathtaking landscapes, return to your accommodation in Carrapateira.
Ascent: 165m (541ft) / Descent: 165m (541ft)
Overnight in Carrapateira
Hortas do Rio
Cosy cottage with terrace, garden, bar and mountain views.
It offers free Wi-Fi and serves breakfast a la carte and continental breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers free Wi-Fi and serves breakfast a la carte and continental breakfast.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo 9,6 miles | 15,5 km
You will start the day by heading towards the imposing cliffs near Praia do Amado. The first part of the route runs very close to the coast, where we discover the quiet and uncrowded Praia da Murração. This wilder and more isolated stretch of sand stands out for its practically untouched surroundings, surrounded by hills covered with native vegetation.
You will walk through forests filled with a variety of wildflowers. Further on, you will come across the fascinating coastal landscapes of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina National Park, a protected area considered the best-preserved stretch of the European coastline. Here you can see countless birds and otters that live in a marine environment.
Later, you will continue to Vila do Bispo, a Portuguese town in the district of Faro, where you will spend the night.
You will walk through forests filled with a variety of wildflowers. Further on, you will come across the fascinating coastal landscapes of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina National Park, a protected area considered the best-preserved stretch of the European coastline. Here you can see countless birds and otters that live in a marine environment.
Later, you will continue to Vila do Bispo, a Portuguese town in the district of Faro, where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 274m (899ft) / Descent: 231m (758ft)
Overnight in Vila do Bispo
Pure Fonte Velha B&B
Rooms at this accommodation are equipped with a private bathroom, a kitchen and a TV.
It offers charming views of Vila do Bispo and features a garden and a terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
It offers charming views of Vila do Bispo and features a garden and a terrace.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Vila do Bispo to Sagres 8,3 miles | 13,4 km
Your last day will be unforgettable, as you will head to Cape St. Vincent, a place of unique beauty that will bring this walking trip to a spectacular close.
In Roman times, it was known as Promontorium Sacrum and was a temple dedicated to the god Saturn. The iconic red lighthouse that stands on the cape is also a small museum that highlights the importance of Sagres in Portuguese maritime history.
Today, it is one of the favourite destinations for bird lovers, as a large number of birds nest on the cliffs.
After enjoying the magic of Cape São Vicente, we will transfer you to your accommodation in Sagres, a unique town in the Algarve, renowned for its rugged landscapes.
In Roman times, it was known as Promontorium Sacrum and was a temple dedicated to the god Saturn. The iconic red lighthouse that stands on the cape is also a small museum that highlights the importance of Sagres in Portuguese maritime history.
Today, it is one of the favourite destinations for bird lovers, as a large number of birds nest on the cliffs.
After enjoying the magic of Cape São Vicente, we will transfer you to your accommodation in Sagres, a unique town in the Algarve, renowned for its rugged landscapes.
Ascent: 140m (459ft) / Descent: 207m (679ft)
Overnight in Sagres
Mareta View
This is a boutique hotel with a privileged location in the heart of the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina National Park.
The rooms are air-conditioned and have a TV.In the common areas, there is a terrace, a hot tub, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking, and a bar where you can enjoy a drink or a snack.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
The rooms are air-conditioned and have a TV.In the common areas, there is a terrace, a hot tub, ideal for relaxing after a day of walking, and a bar where you can enjoy a drink or a snack.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Sagres
Say goodbye to these wonderful lands and head for Faro Airport to return to your place of origin.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms in charming hotels
- Daily Breakfasts
- Luggage transfers between accommodations
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available.
Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip.
The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip.
We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible.
The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms.
All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
You can get to the starting point of this hiking route by flying to Faro Airport and then taking a bus to Odeceixe.
There are local buses such as Alsa, Flixbus, or buses 56 or 57 that go to Lagos. In Lagos, you must take bus 79 that goes to Odeceixe.
Another option is to fly to Lisbon, as it is highly recommended to visit for a few days and from there take the bus, which always operates Rede Expressos. The following buses go to Lagos: 90, 92, 96, and 67.
At the end of your trip in Sagres, we recommend taking bus 47 to Lagos, since all buses from Lagos return to Lisbon and Faro.
There are local buses such as Alsa, Flixbus, or buses 56 or 57 that go to Lagos. In Lagos, you must take bus 79 that goes to Odeceixe.
Another option is to fly to Lisbon, as it is highly recommended to visit for a few days and from there take the bus, which always operates Rede Expressos. The following buses go to Lagos: 90, 92, 96, and 67.
At the end of your trip in Sagres, we recommend taking bus 47 to Lagos, since all buses from Lagos return to Lisbon and Faro.
FAQs
Is luggage transfer included? What are the luggage requirements?
Absolutely! Each traveller has included 1 piece of luggage that we will transfer between your accommodations. It's important that this piece of luggage meets the following criterias:
- Maximum weight of 45 lbs (20 kg).
- Must be only 1 piece of luggage without any attachments or accessories.
- Should not contain valuables, fragile items, food or medications.
- Must be correctly identified (booking reference of your trip and the full name of the trip holder).
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
We recommend that you take this walking trip between March and June or September and November, as the weather is quite pleasant.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-low difficulty, so the walks are designed to last between 3 and 6 hours per day over undulating terrain.
The walks are between 17 and 20 km (10.5 and 12.5 miles) in distance, with some ascents and descents, and are sometimes on cliff-top trails.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
What if I'm not able to finish one of the stages?
You can call us to arrange a private transfer for you.
If you prefer, you can also use public transport or local taxis to get to your next accommodation.
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