The Rota Vicentina hiking trail | Eurohike Walking Holidays

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Basic information about the Rota Vicentina

Experience pristine nature, authentic regional cuisine, the warmth of the locals, untouched coastlines, pristine beaches, and fantastic hiking paths on a walking holiday along the Rota Vicentina. Here, you won't find luxury accommodations, large hostels, or a hectic atmosphere. What you'll experience is simply unique. Embrace a slower pace, unwind, and immerse yourself in the authenticity of the country and its people. Discover for yourself the joy of long-distance walking in nature. This destination stands in contrast to places dominated by mass tourism, reflecting the pure originality of the region. Agriculture plays a significant role here and walking along the Rota Vicentina not only benefits you but also supports local service providers such as small-scale proprietors or operators of private guesthouses. And it's precisely the authenticity of the people and the exceptionally high quality of the food that you can taste, for example, in one of the tabernas, where you can indulge in freshly caught fish or delicious seafood.

Walking in Portugal

Hiking couple with a view of the sea in the Alentejo

The MOST BEAUTIFUL STAGES of the Rota Vicentina

WALKING & UNWINDING in Portugal

One of the most beautiful coastal walks in Europe awaits you in the southwest of Portugal. The Rota Vicentina offers a diverse network of trails and tours suitable for all levels of hiking. Here, you're guaranteed ample time to enjoy, relax, and get acquainted with the country and its people. Our eight-day hiking tour along the Rota Vicentina takes you from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve, passing through small fishing villages, sand dunes, and pine forests en route to Zambujeira do Mar. The following day, the route continues along fishing paths and beaches, including Carvalhal, Machados, and Alteirinhos, leading you to Odeceixe. Over the next two days, you can look forward to encountering an abundance of natural wonders, breathtaking scenery, and rich biodiversity as you journey towards Aljezur and Vila do Bispo. And now, the final stage to Cabo de São Vicente, the most southwesterly point of mainland Europe. This tour can also be extended to a 10-day excursion.

Typical yucca palms above the bay of Bordeira

Hiker overlooking the coast of the Rota Vicentina

Our EUROHIKE MOMENTS on the Rota Vicentina

Peace and tranquillity on the beach: When walking along the Rota Vicentina, the routes follow the coast and occasionally sandy paths or beaches. Particularly untouched are the beaches Praia da Arrifana and Praia do Amado.
On the stage from Vila do Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente / Sagres, you'll hike to the most southwestern point in Europe. Here, an incomparably beautiful atmosphere, a picturesque lighthouse, and imposing cliffs await you. This is also where you'll find Portugal's famous food truck "Letzte Bratwurst vor Amerika," serving the so-called "last sausage before America."

Experience the country and its people up close: The historical trail winds through countryside and quaint rural paths, leading to small towns and villages steeped in centuries of history. As you journey by foot, you'll immerse yourself in the rich regional culture, cuisine, landscapes, and people with a heightened sense of connection.
Certified walking pleasure: In 2016, the 263-kilometer-long historic trail was honored with the European "Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe" seal for its exceptional quality as a walking trail.

ROUTE & GUIDANCE along the Rota Vicentina

Enjoying nature and PRISTINE COASTAL LANDSCAPES in Portugal

The long-distance walking trail situated at the southwestern tip of Portugal spans the Alentejo region and stretches all the way to the western Algarve. It encompasses the Fishermen's Trail, the Historical Way, and various other loop trails. The Rota Vicentina offers a magnificent walking paradise nestled within the Sudoeste-Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Nature Park. On our walking tours, you'll have the opportunity to explore the breathtaking routes between Vila Nova de Milfontes and Cabo de São Vicente / Sagres. Walking in this pristine region is a sensory delight: from the fragrance of pine forests and herbs lining the path to the melodies of birdsong, the rhythm of the sea, and the comforting warmth of the sun, every moment of this active retreat in the southwest of Portugal promises an unforgettable walking vacation.

Hiker on the coastal path of the Rota Vicentina

FACTS & DETAILS about the Rota Vicentina

We have summarized all the important facts and details about the Rota Vicentina for you right here.

Location: Southwest Portugal
Length: Fishermen's Trail: 226.5 Kilometers; Historical Way: 263 kilometers; Loops: 258 kilometers
Course: The route of our walking tours runs from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Sagres.
Season: February to November (walking is also pleasant in the summer months as there is always a fresh breeze on the coast)
Trail marking: The official logo of the Rota Vicentina features a stylized "V" within a blue circle, commonly seen on signposts and markers along the route. The trail is well-maintained and regularly marked. Additionally, path markings in the form of blue or blue-and-green stripes indicate the Fishermen's Trail, while red or red-and-white stripes mark the Historical Way, guiding you in the right direction. These markings are typically found on trees, rocks, or posts along the trail.

Tour character: Our two walking tours lead you along sandy paths and hiking trails tracing the impressive coastline and meandering through unspoiled nature. The daily stages span approximately 16 to 22 kilometers with only minor changes in altitude. With a solid foundation of fitness, this active getaway transforms into an enjoyable adventure.
Special features: Even more variety awaits with the 24 additional loop trails totaling 258 kilometers, which can easily be incorporated into the tour. These shorter loops, ranging from approximately 3.5 to 17 kilometers, serve as wonderful supplements to the main routes, requiring only half a day or even less to complete. Furthermore, the Historical Way was honored with the European "Leading Quality Trails - Best of Europe" seal in 2016 for its exceptional quality as a walking trail.

Questions and answers about hiking along the Rota Vicentina

Where is the Rota Vicentina located?

The Rota Vicentina long-distance hiking trail is located in the south-west of Portugal.

How long is the Rota Vicentina?

The Rota Vicentina consists of the Fishermen's Trail with a total length of 226.5 kilometres and the Historical Trail with a length of 263 kilometres. A further 24 circular trails with a total length of 258 kilometres complete the hiking adventure and are a welcome change for all hikers looking for even more active time out.

Who is hiking on the Rota Vicentina suitable for?

Both of our hiking tours on the Rota Vicentina fall under our category walking. Although the daily stages only have slight differences in altitude, hiking on the sometimes sandy paths and hiking routes requires a good basic level of fitness and stamina.

What are the special highlights along the Rota Vicentina?

The almost unspoilt coastal landscapes, tranquil nature and beautiful, secluded sandy beaches are just some of the highlights that you will experience when hiking along the Rota Vicentina. Listen to the sound of the waves, savour the scent of the herbs along the way and simply let your mind wander. When hiking along the Rota Vicentina, it's easy to slow down and calm down.

How long are the daily stages on the Rota Vicentina?

The daily stages are 15 to 22 kilometres or 5 to 7.5 hours.

What is the route / stages along the Rota Vicentina?

Our hiking tour along the Rota Vicentina takes you from Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Vila do Bispo and finally to Cabo de São Vicente / Sagres (route of the 8-day tour).

When can you hike on the Rota Vicentina?

Our hiking tours on the Rota Vicentina can be booked from February to November.

Which hotels/accommodation do you stay in when hiking along the Rota Vicentina?

Overnight stays on our hiking tours on the Rota Vicentina are in selected 3*** hotels, typical guesthouses and cosy country houses.