The Fishermen's Trail walking itinerary 2026, GPX & PDF
The Fishermen's Trail in the Algarve region is a part of the Rota Vicentina hiking routes. The trail follows the coastline and offers breathtaking scenery; rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and crystal clear water, it's a perfect route for those who like the sea and outdoor activities. All stages of the route can be walked as day hikes. The Fishermen's Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking routes in the Algarve.
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Fishermen's Trail walking itinerary PDF
To help you with planning your walk we created a free downloadable PDF file with the Fishermen's Trail itinerary. The file contains walking stages and a list of accommodation options on the Fishermen's Trail of the Rota Vicentina.
For more details on the trail including the cost of walking, route options, transportation, and luggage delivery service read our detailed guide to the Fisherman's Trail.
Our YouTube video on the Fishermen's Trail
Do you want to know how the Fishermen´s trail compare with the famous Camino de Santiago? see our comparison of the Fishermen´s Trail vs The Portuguese Camino Coastal Routes.
Fishermen's Trail GPX files
You can download our GPX files for each day on the Fishermen's Trail and use them on your device during the hike. The files are the property of Stingy Nomads. They are for personal use only, no commercial use is allowed.
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The Fishermen's Trail Overview
- Distance - 230 km/143 mi
- The required time - 12 days or less; any section of the trail can be walked as a separate hike
- Total ascent (over 12 days) - 4418 m
- Total descent (over 12 days) - 4414 m
- Starting point - Porto Covo or S.Torpez Beach/Lagos
- Finishing point - Lagos/Porto Covo or S.Torpez Beach
- Walking surface - a mix of soft sand (dunes, beaches), footpaths, boardwalk, and gravel road
- Route marking - blue & green markers
- Average cost - from 45 Euro per person per day
- Accommodation - campsites, hostels, guesthouses, hotels
Our Fishermen's trail Cost Guide will help you to determine your budget so that you can plan your adventure with confidence.
Travel insurance for the walk
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The Fishermen´s Trail Hat.
Porto Covo, the beginning of the Fishermen's Trail
The Fishermen's Trail was extended. Now its official start is at Kalux Bar, S.Torpes Beach, 10 km/6.2 mi north of Porto Covo. We walked that stretch later. I don't see much of a point in this route extension. The trail starts in the middle of nowhere at a thermal power station, halfway between Sines and Porto Covo. It's not the most picturesque part of the trail. Most of the route goes along the road. I say it's up to you to decide to start at S.Torpes Beach or in Porto Covo.
Porto Covo is a nice town, one of our favorite towns on the Fishermen's Trail. It's small and cozy; cobblestone streets, two-story houses with red roofs, and the main square with many restaurants and bars. It has a great holiday vibe.
If you arrive in the morning you can start walking the same day but I recommend spending a night in Porto Covo.
More places to stay in Porto Covo
- Budget | Ahoy Porto Covo Hostel | MUTE Hostel |
- Middle price | Apartamentos Campos 1 |
- High-end | Hotel O Lugar |
The Fishermen's Trail - a 12-day itinerary
Day 1. Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes, 19 km/11.8 mi
- Distance - 19 km/11.8 mi
- Time – 5h10min.
- Ascent – 278 m
- Descent – 292 m
- Difficulty level – 3 out of 5 it was a short walking day but most of the time you walk on dunes sometimes ankle-deep in the sand.
It was an incredible walking day on the Fishermen's Trail. The route goes along the coast or on the beach with stunning views from the cliffs. The water temperature was about 17 °C a bit cold to go for a swim but nice to walk in ankle-deep water. Make sure to take enough water with. Walking on sand makes you tired and thirsty. You'll need at least 1,5l of water per person. There were a couple of amazing beaches on the way.
Highlights
- Many unspoiled sandy beaches; Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro, Praia dos Aivados, Praia do Saltinho, Praia dos Nascedios, Praia do Malhao. Every time we got a chance we took off our shoes and walked barefoot on the beach, basically first 10 km/6.2 mi you can walk on the beach.
- Wildflowers along the trail (we walked the Fishermen's trail in May).
- A couple of stork nests on the edges of the cliffs.
The entire walk was one big highlight we loved it despite the tough part of walking on sand.
Challenges
- As I already mentioned walking on sand was quite difficult, our shoes were full of it, and it didn't help to shake it out because it got in immediately.
- No place to stop for food or water for 16 km after the restaurant at Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro.
Stops on the route
- At 3,5 km at Forte do Pessegueiro, there is a restaurant
Vila Nova de Milfontes
This town is bigger than Porto Covo. The center of the town is nice with traditional white houses with blue, red and yellow color doors and windows. The big part of the town is hotels it wasn't the season yet the place was very quiet. There is a nice fortress Forte de Sao Clemente and a couple of beaches in the town.
- Hotel/guesthouse - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - yes
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes
Places to stay in Vila Nova de Milfontes
- Budget | Pirata Milfontes Guest House |
- Middle price | Sol da Vila |
- High-end | Patios Da Vila |
Day 2. Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve, 16 km/10 mi
- Distance - 16 km/10 mi
- Time – 4h15min.
- Ascent – 204 m
- Descent – 192 m
- Difficulty level – 1 out of 5, a short and easy walking day on the footpath with some sandy parts.
The route goes through Vila Nova following Rua Custodio Bras Pacheco (the main street in the town) from your hotel you just can get to this street and continue following the signs on the left-hand side of the street. The first 4 km/2.4 mi was not very scenic; out of the town, along the road, across the bridge to the other side, and then through the bush back to the coast. You can easily skip it and take a boat.
Alternative! In Vila Nova de Milfontes you can take a boat to the other side of the river instead of walking across the bridge. It'll make your walking day about 4 km/2.4 mi shorter. The boat leaves as soon as they have enough people. The pier is at the fortress. The boat drops you at the beach on the opposite side. You don't have to look for the trail just continue walking along the beach to Ocean Drive Beach restaurant.
Praia das Furnas is a great place to stop, the trail goes past the beach but we recommend going down and walking on the beach. After Praia das Furna the trail goes on and off the coast through forests and fields. At about 3.5 km/2.1 mi before Almograve, there is a split; the left route goes inland, the right route goes back to the coast. Both routes join in Almograve.
I recommend taking the coastal route it's more scenic and takes you past three beautiful beaches, though we missed the split and took the inland route.
Highlights
- Several spectacular beaches along the route; Praia das Furnas, Praia dos Picos, Praia da Angra.
- Stunning views from the cliffs, rugged coastline, and fields covered in flowers.
Challenges
- 1.5 km/0.9 mi of walking on the road from Vila Nova de Milfontes across the bridge to the other side of the river. You can skip this part by taking a boat.
- No places in between to stop for food and water. Make sure to have enough water and some snacks. There was a bar at Praia das Furnas at about 5 km/3.1 mi but it was closed (maybe because it was Monday).
Stops on the route
- At 5 km/3.1 mi at Praia da Furnas, there is a restaurant.
Almograve
- Hotel/guesthouse - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - no
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes, about 500 m away
A very small town much smaller than Vila Nova, about 500 km away from the beach. There are a couple of restaurants on the main square and several guesthouses.
Places to stay in Almograve
- Budget | Almograve Beach Hostel |
- Middle price | Al Casa Paquito |
- High-end | Refúgio do Almograve |
Day 3. Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar, 22.5 km/14 mi
- Distance - 22.5 km/14 mi
- Time – 5h45min.
- Ascent – 293 m
- Descent – 274 m
- Difficulty level – 2 out of 5
There are two options to walk out of the town; the first route goes to the beach, the second one goes inland. Both routes merge after about 1 km. We took the beach option, this route goes past the church and left through the bush to the beach.
After about 1 km/0.6 mi at the parking spot, the official route goes inland but it's possible to walk on the beach Praia da Longueirinha for about 500 m and then go upstairs back to the trail. It's the only place on the route for the whole day where you can get to the beach so don't miss this opportunity. For the rest of the day, you can enjoy the stunning sea scenery but have no chance to get close to the water.
For the first 10 km/6.2 mi, the route goes over the dunes you walk in deep sand. After the small town of Cavaleiro most of the time, you walk on the gravel road.
Highlights
- Breathtaking views from the trail; the sea, small beaches, rugged coast, cliffs, etc.
- Cabo Sardao – a beautiful cape and a lighthouse.
- Many storks nests on the edges of the cliffs. The best area for spotting storks was at 18 km/11 mi just before Entrada do Barca, there were some nests with babies that you could come pretty close to.
- Stunning views from the cliffs just before Zambujeira.
Challenges
- First 10 km/6.2 mi on the dunes
- A short stretch of boring walking along the road past Entrada do Braca, for about 1.5 km.
Stops on the route
- At 10 km/6.2 mi Cavaleiro; two restaurants, a shop, hotels, and a bus stop
- At 19 km/11.8 mi Entrada do Barca; two restaurants
Zambujeira do Mar
- Hotel/guesthouse - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - yes
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes
Another small town, a bit bigger than the previous one, with many restaurants and guesthouses. There are a couple of nice beaches around the town.
Places to stay in Zambujeira do Mar
- Budget | Hostel Hakuna Matata | Hostel Nature |
- Middle price | Sunset Beach House |
- High-end | Casa da Praia |
Day 4. Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe, 19 km/11.8 mi
- Distance - 19 km/11.8 mi
- Time – 4h50min.
- Ascent – 403 m
- Descent – 423 m
- Difficulty level – 2 out of 5, a couple of short ascends and descends, here and there some sandy parts.
From the beginning to about 4 km/2.4 mi before the end, the route goes next to the ocean so incredible views are guaranteed. The walk has a bit more ascents and descents than the previous days but nothing tough.
The last 4 km/2.4 mi to Odeceixe is along the road with the river on one side and green hills on the other side, not as stunning as the rest of the day but still beautiful. Just before Odeceixe, the Fishermen's Trail crosses from the Alentejo region to the Algarve.
Highlights
- Praia dos Alterinhos - an unspoiled beach right after Zambujeira with a cave (at the end of the beach) and interesting rock formations, the only beach on the route for the day.
- Breathtaking views along the trail; rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, pine forest, fields of flowers.
- Praia de Odeceixe – a stunning view over the beach.
Challenges
- Walking in deep sand from time to time
- A couple of steep but short ascents
Stops on the route
- At 3 km/1.8 mi Praia do Carvalhal there is a coffee shop.
- At 10 km/6.2 mi Azenha do Mar - a tiny village with a restaurant
Odeceixe
- Hotel/guesthouse - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - yes
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes, about 3 km/1.8 mi away at Praia de Odeceixe
It\s the first town on the trail that is not by the sea. The beach is about 3 km away. Odeceixe is the place where both Rota Vicentina routes; the Fishermen's Trail and the Historical Way merge.
If you prefer to stay closer to the beach you can walk 3 km/1.8 mi extra to Praia de Odeceixe, a tiny place with a couple of hotels and restaurants.
Places to stay in Odeceixe
- Budget | Hostel Seixe |
- Middle price | Sudoeste Guest House |
- High-end | Moradias Ode |
Day 5. Odeceixe - Aljezur, 23 km/14.2 mi
- Distance - 23 km/14.2 mi*
- Time – 5h30min.
- Ascent – 288 m
- Descent – 280 m
- Difficulty level – 2 out of 5
*if you don't do the Odeceixe beach circuit and follow the inland route the total distance is 18 km/11 mi
From Odeceixe there are two route options on the Fishermen's Trail; one is to continue inland, this route is 5 km/3.1 mi shorter; another option is to walk past Odeceixe Beach to the coast. This route is a bit longer but you get to see the sea and the beautiful Praia do Odeceixe.
Highlights
- Incredible scenery on the coastal route.
Challenges
- Occasional walking on the road, here and there but not for long and the road is not busy.
Stops on the route
- At 3.5 km/2.1 mi Praia de Odeceixe; restaurants, hotels
- At 14.5 km/9 mi Rogil (11 km/6.8 mi if walking inland); a supermarket, restaurants, hotels, ATMs
Aljezur
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - yes, 3 km before the town on the route
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - no
A nice town, bigger than Odeceixe with several accommodation options, many restaurants, and bars, about 5 km/3.1 mi away from the sea. If you're planning to camp the campsite is 3 km/1.8 mi before the town, on the Fishermen's Trail.
Places to stay in Aljezur
- Budget | Amazigh Design Hostel |
- Middle price | Homestay Attic |
- High-end | Casinhas Proença |
Day 6. Aljezur – Praia da Arrifana, 19 km/12 mi
- Distance - 19 km/12 mi or 12 km/7.4 mi*
- Time – 4h35min.
- Ascent – 418 m
- Descent – 362 m
- Difficulty level – 3 out of 5 with a couple of steep ups, in the beginning, 4-5 km of walking through the sand in the second half
*At 4.5 km/2.7 mi there is a split; one route is shorter with a total distance of 12 km/7.4 mi, and it continues inland. The second route goes to the coast, which offers great scenery but it's longer, the total distance 19 km/12 mi.
Note! You can skip Arrifana and walk directly from Aljezur to Carrapateira it's a long walk, about 31 km/19.2 mi.
We thought it was going to be a short walking day but it wasn't because we took the coastal route which was 6 km/3.7 mi longer but the scenery was worth it. The very beginning of the route for about 3 km/1.8 mi is through the countryside then you reach the coast. If you have time, stop at Monte Clerigo Beach, enjoy the swim, and drink a cup of coffee. It's the only place to stop for food or drinks on the way.
The last 3 km/1.8 mi to Arrifana is through the pine forest on a sandy footpath.
Highlights
- Praia de Monte Clerigo – a beautiful beach with a couple of restaurants and cafes
- On the coastal route stunning views from the cliffs, rugged coastline, and several pristine beaches
- Praia da Arrifana
Challenges
- A couple of steep ascents and descents at the start of the day.
- 4 km/2.4 mi of walking on the sand.
Stops on the route
- At 11 km/6.8 mi (coastal route) Praia de Monte Clerigo; a restaurant, coffee shop, hotel
Praia da Arrifana
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - no
- ATM - no
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes 2-3 km away
- Pharmacy - no
- Beach - yes
When you book a place in Arrifana make sure it's located in the town, the place is very small, there are many guesthouses around but some of them are located away from the beach and the trail.
More places to stay in Praia da Arrifana
- Budget | The Lighthouse Hostel Arrifana |
- Middle price | Hotel Vale Da Telha |
- High-end | Utopia |
Day 7. Arrifana – Carrapateira, 20 km/12.4 mi
- Distance - 20 km/12.4 mi
- Time – 4h30min.
- Ascent – 555 m
- Descent – 619 m
- Difficulty level – 3 out of 5 many ascents and descents
It was a nice walking day. If you walk in summer make sure to refill your water at every stop and put on sunscreen. After about 2 km/1.2 mi you get to the coast it's the only time today when the route comes that close to the sea. For the rest of the day you walk inland from time to time you can see the ocean in a distance.
If you have time you can do a detour and walk to the beach before heading to Carrapateira, the town is about 2 km/1.2 mi away from the sea.
Highlights
- Praia do Canal, a small beach at 2 km/1.2 mi with beautiful views from the cliffs.
- Green hills, vineyards, and flowers for most of the day.
- Many cork oaks along the road. The tree is Portugal's national tree, we did see them before on the route but not as many as here.
- Praia da Bordeira is a long sandy beach about 2 km/1.2 mi before Carrapateira. It's one of our favorite beaches on the Fishermen's Trail.
Challenges
- A couple of quite steep ascents and descents, and no shade to hide on a hot and sunny day.
Stops on the route
- At 8 km/5 mi a guest house/restaurant (was closed when we were there on Saturday afternoon).
- At 9.5 km/6 mi Nomad Surfers hostel and restaurant - a great place to stop.
- At 18 km/11 mi Bordeira is a small town with a couple of guest houses and restaurants.
Carrapateira
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - no
- ATM - no
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - no
- Beach - yes, 3 km away
It's a small town about 3 km/1.8 mi away from the sea.
Places to stay in Carrapateira
- Budget | Hostel do Mar |
- Middle price | Carrapateira Lodge |
- High-end | Casa D´Aldeia |
Day 8. Carrapateira – Vila do Bispo, 15 km/9 mi
- Distance - 15 km/9 mi
- Time – 4 hours
- Ascent – 504 m
- Descent – 430 m
- Difficulty level – 4 out of 5, several steep ascents and descents
Despite the short distance, the Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo stage is quite challenging due to several steep ascents and descents.
The first 1.7 km/1 mi from Carrapateira are inland. Between 1.7 km/1 mi and 8.5 km/5.2 mi, the trail goes along the coast past several beaches. It offers spectacular views from the top of the cliffs. Sometimes the trail goes on the edge of the cliffs.
There are several steep ascents and descents to the top of the cliffs and down to the beach between 3.5 km/2.1 mi and 8 km/5 mi. The second half of the route is inland. In spring the fields are covered in flowers.
Highlights
- It is a short but demanding walking day with spectacular coastal scenery in the first 8 km/5 mi.
Challenges
- Several steep ascents and descents. If you walk it in summer make sure you have enough water it gets very hot.
- A very steep and long ascent with a subsequent descent between 7.4 km/4.5 mi and 8 km/5 mi.
- No place to stop for food or drinks between 2.5 km/1.5 mi (Amado Beach) and 15 km/9 mi (Vila do Bispo).
Stops on the route
- 1.7 km/1 mi - a restaurant
- 2.5 km/1.5 mi - Amado Beach, restaurants, toilets
Vila do Bispo
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - no
- Campsite - no
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - no
Vila do Bispo is a small town with hotels, a couple of restaurants along the main street, and a big supermarket.
Places to stay in Vila do Bispo
- Budget | Vivenda Familia Pedro (1 km from the town) | Good Feeling Hostel & Guest House (2.5 km from the town) |
- Middle price | Cozy Rooms |
- High-end | Casa do Outeiro Westcoast Home |
Day 9. Vila do Bispo – Sagres, 21 km/13 mi
- Distance - 21 km/13 mi*
- Time – 4h50min.
- Ascent – 282 m
- Descent – 313 m
- Difficulty level – 2 out of 5
*If you don't feel like walking 6 km/3.7 mi from Cabo de S.Vicente to Sagres you can take a shuttle bus though the views along the route are worth the effort.
The Vila do Bispo to Sagres is a picturesque stage especially the second half of it. From Vila do Bispo the Fishermen's Trail goes past the market towards the sea. For the first 6 km/3.7 mi you walk through the fields. At about 6 km/3.7 mi there is a split; one route goes to the coast, another continues inland. The coastal route is marked with green and blue stipes, the inland route is marked with red and white. The distance on both routes is about the same, 14 km/8.6 mi.
Highlights
- If you take the coastal route there are some stunning views from the cliffs over the sea and the beaches. The scenery on this day reminded me of the scenery on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
- Cabo de S.Vicente – a cape with a lighthouse and a fortress and impressive scenery.
Challenges
- The walk from Cabo de S.Vicente to Sagres is mostly along the road though the scenery is still beautiful.
Stops on the way
- At 14 km/8,6 mi Cabo S.Vicente there are a couple of food stalls.
Sagres
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - yes, 2 km outside the town
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes
A small coastal town with a couple of nice beaches, good surf spots, many hotels, and restaurants.
Places to stay in Sagres
- Budget | Blacksheep Sagres Guesthouse & Surf |
- Middle price | Tonel Apartamentos Turisticos |
- High-end | Mareta Beach - Boutique Bed & Breakfast |
Day 10. Sagres - Salema, 20 km/12.4 mi
- Distance - 20 km/12.4 mi
- Time – 5-6 hours
- Ascent – 533 m
- Descent – 555 m
- Difficulty level – 5 out of 5
The Sagres to Salema walk is a challenging stage.
In Sagres, the route starts at the tourist information office near Mareta Beach. It goes across the town following the main street (Rua Cmte Matoso). You can do a loop along the cliffs from Mareta Beach past the Ponta da Atalaya viewpoint to the harbor. It adds 2.5 km/1.5 mi to your total distance. The views of the coast and the beaches from the cliffs are breathtaking. You can get back to the official Fishermen's Trail at Pinóquio Cafe.
The trail follows the coast for most of the day except for two stretches at 2.7 km/1.6 mi (for about 4 km/2.4 mi) and 13.5 km/8.3 mi (for about 3 km/1.8 mi) when it turns inland. The first half of the walk is pretty easy with a couple of ascents and descents on the top of the cliffs past beautiful beaches.
I suggest stopping for lunch at one of the restaurants at 10 km/6.2 mi at Ingrina Beach or at 10.7 km/6.6 mi at Zavial Beach.
The second half of the route is more challenging. Make sure you have enough water. You can buy more water at the restaurants. From Praia das Furnas which is at 13.5 km/8.4 mi you start going up and down non-stop till you reach Salema. In Salema, the stage finishes at the beach.
Highlights
- Views of Mareta Beach, Sagres Fortress, and the coast from the top of the cliffs (if follow the alternative route along the coast).
- Many spectacular beaches along the route: Martinhal Beach, Barranco Beach, Ingrina Beach, Zavial Beach, and Praia das Furnas.
- The beautiful coastal town of Salema with a picturesque beach.
Challenges
- Multiple steep ascents and descents with loose rocks in the second half of the day.
Stops on the way
- At 10 km/6.2 mi Ingrina Beach there is a restaurant that accepts only cash, closed on Tuesdays.
- At 10.7 km/6.6 mi Zavial Beach there is a restaurant, closed on Mondays.
Salema
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - no
- Campsite - yes, outside the town
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes
Places to stay in Salema
- Middle price | Salema Eco Camp - Sustainable Camping & Glamping |
- High-end | Salema Beach Village |
Day 11. Salema - Praia da Luz, 12 km/7.4 mi
- Distance - 12 km/7.4 mi
- Time – 3-4 hours
- Total ascent – 409 m
- Total descent – 420 m
- Difficulty level – 3 out of 5
The last 2 stages of the Fishermen's Trail are short. You can combine them and walk from Salema to Lagos. The total distance is 22.5 km/14 mi.
Salema to Praia da Luz is a beautiful walk along the coast with some breathtaking views from the cliffs. The first part from Salema to Burgau I enjoyed the most. There are not too many people on the trail, and the scenery is stunning. The second half from Salema to Praia da Luz is busier.
For the entire 12 km/7.4 mi, the route follows the coast you almost always see the sea and the beaches. The water in this part of the Algarve is a bit warmer than on the West Coast. You can stop on the way for a quick swim and relax on the beach.
Highlights
- Boca do Rio Beach is a beautiful unspoiled beach
- Almadena Fort - ruins of an old fort on the top of the cliffs with fantastic views
- Almadena Beach - a long sandy beach surrounded by cliffs
- Praia das Cabanas Velhas - a small hidden beach with a restaurant
- Burgau - a cozy town with a picturesque beach
- Praia da Luz is a charming beach town crazy busy in the summer and very quiet outside of the season.
Challenges
- Several short but sometimes steep ascents and descents
Stops on the way
- At 6.5 km/4 mi Burgau, a small beach town with several restaurants and cafes.
Praia da Luz
It's a charming little town with many cafes and restaurants. We come here quite often especially outside of the summer months when the beach is empty.
- Hotel - yes
- Hostel - yes
- Campsite - no
- ATM - yes
- Restaurant - yes
- Supermarket/shop - yes
- Pharmacy - yes
- Beach - yes
Places to stay in Praia da Luz
- Budget | Club House CVL |
- Middle price | Vilamar |
- High-end | Luzmar Villas |
Day 12. Praia da Luz to Lagos, 10.5 km/6.4 mi
- Distance - 10.5 km/6.4 mi
- Time – 2h30min. - 3 hours
- Ascent – 251 m
- Descent – 254 m
- Difficulty level - 2 out of 5
The walk from Praia da Luz to Lagos is one of our favorite parts of the Fishermen's Trail. Probably because we live in Lagos and often walk it as a day hike. The route takes hikers to some of the highlights of the area such as Porto de Mos Beach, Ponta da Piedade, Camilo Beach, Done Ana Beach, etc.
The beginning of the trail is the most challenging part with a long and steep ascent to the top of the cliffs. It's the part of the route with fewer people. The views from the top are spectacular. From Porto de Mos Beach the route goes through a quiet neighborhood of Lagos to Ponta da Piedade.
If you have time stop at Camilo Beach. This hidden beach with a long staircase is one of the most picturesque beaches in Lagos. Most of the route around Ponta da Piedade is on boardwalks.
The official end of the Fishermen's Trail is at the train station in Lagos. You don't have to walk all the way there, after Dona Ana Beach you can head straight to your hotel in Lagos.
Doing this stage as a day walk is very popular. Walking in the opposite direction from Lagos to Praia Luz might be more convenient if you are staying Lagos, you can start anywhere along the way and take an Uber back to your hotel.
Highlights
- Rocha Negra, a cliff with a lookout point
- Porto de Mos Beach, one of the best beaches in Lagos
- Ponta da Piedade, a picturesque cape with several lookout points, boardwalks, and a lighthouse
- Camilo Beach, is a small hidden beach with a long staircase
- Dona Ana Beach
- Old Town of Lagos
Challenges
- A long and steep ascent from Praia da Luz to the top of the cliff with a subsequent descent to Porto de Mos Beach.
Stops on the way
- At 4 km/2.4 mi Porto de Mos Beach with a couple of restaurants
- At 8 km/5 mi Camilo Beach with a restaurant
- At 9 km/5.5 mi Dona Ana Beach with a couple of restaurants
Places to stay in Lagos
- Budget | The Macarena Beach Hostel |
- Middle price | Hotel Mar Azul |
- High-end | Marina Club Lagos Resort |
Recommended books and guidebooks
- Walking in the Algarve: 33 walks in the south of Portugal including Serra de Monchique and Costa Vicentina
- Walking in Portugal: 40 graded short and multi-day walks throughout the country
- Wild Guide Portugal: Hidden Places, Great Adventures and the Good Life
Fishermen's Trail planning resources
- For more information on the route check our Fisherman's Trail detailed guide
- Enjoy walking along the coast? | The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail |
- If you are planning to spend some time in the Algarve check out our new blog | The Algarve Family |
The Fishermen's Trail T-Shirt designs. Click on the design to see t-shirt and various products with this design.
Questions or Comments?
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The pretty half of Stingy Nomads, responsible for all our land adventures (hiking, climbing, walking the Camino) and following them write-ups. Alya loves walking since she was a child, she prefers to walk 1000 km with a backpack rather than to do a 10 000 km road trip (actually any road trip). Alya is a big fan of Latin America, the Spanish language, and dancing. Every time we go away she desperately misses our dog Chile.
I start walking the same part as you did tomorrow so appreciating the guide.
The one thing that I would add is that there are two Rede Expressos buses from Odeceixe to Lisbon on Saturday and Sunday dep 9.50am and 12.05pm.
Hello, Nev. Thank you for the information. Rede Expressos extended their services a couple of weeks ago and now have more routes to Lisbon from different towns. When we walked the Fisherman's Trail there were no direct buses from Odeceixe to Lisbon. I see on the website 3 daily buses from Odeceixe to Lisbon. I've updated the post.
Cheers
Fantastic coverage. Thanks. I'm planning to go for the 4-day hike in early November. I'll be following your advice.
Hello, Rick. Thank you very much for the comment. We're glad our post is helpful. I'm sure you'll enjoy the FIshermen's Trail, it's a stunning route.
Cheers
Gruß vom Hakuna Matata in Zambujeira. Ganz allein am trail. Wegen Corona (hotspot in Almograve bei pakistanischen Farmarbeitern) sind wjr wohl die ersten, die den trail in diesem Jahr gehen. Restaurants geschlossen, take aeays offen, einige hostels geöffnet. Wir hoffen auf normale zeiten.
Hello, guys! We stayed at Hakuna Matata on the Fishermen's trail too. I hope you're enjoying the walk despite restrictions in the area. We live in Lagos, everything is open we're pretty much back to normal here.
Good luck!
Hi there. I'm thinking to walk it from Faro, crossing entire Portugal while doing so. Probably with a tent, in winter (experienced with this). I did the Camino Frances last year and this seems interesting, as I'm already in Portugal. Maybe I do it in 2 parts. Do you have any info on this (a guide including the part from Faro on) or know where I can find / buy this? I can only find tons of info from Lisbon/Faro on. Thanks! Buen Camino!
Hi, Stephanie! I'm not sure about walking from Faro there are day hikes along the coast maybe you can connect them we haven't done that part. If you want to cross from south to north you can start at Cabo St.Vicente near Sagres and follow the Rota Vicentina until Odeceixe from there continue on the Fishermen's Trail to Sines. The part Sines - Lisbon is not connected by the trail and I'm not sure if there are gravel roads you can walk on. From Lisbon, it gets easier you can continue on the Portuguese Camino past Porto all the way to the Spanish border. We've done the Rota Vicentina and the Portuguese Camino from Lisbon you can find detailed posts on both on our blog.
Cheers!
hi, thanks for the guide. Question: do all the camping sites only offer lodges/bungalows/cabins, no option for using a tent?
Hi, Jay! I'm not sure where in the post it says camping sites offer only lodges no camping in a tent. I can see on their websites campsites in Porto Covo (Costa do Vizir), Zambujeira do Mar (Villa Park Zambujeira) and in Odeceixe (Parque de Campismo São Miguel) that you can camp in a tent. As for two campsites in Vila Nova de Milfontes you can contact them over the phone or through their sites and inquire about camping in your own tent.
Cheers
Wow amazing what you guys have here this is so helpful!! We are planning a trip in the next week(Due to all the changes with this Virus going around) and We have to choose between the Porto Camino(Coastal or central..) or this route from Porto Covo down to Cabo Vincento..
Which one did you like more?
Thanks soo much again, this is awesome that you have this blog!
Hello, Kevin! Thank you very much for the comment! For us the Rota Vicentina from Porto Covo to Cabo was more impressive, there is no religious background in it but it's truly spectacular if we had to choose we'd walk the Rota Vicentina, it offers some of the best coastal scenery in Europe. We hope the virus won't affect your travel plans and you'll be able to enjoy the walk!
Safe travels!
I have exactly four days but need to be in Lisbon the night of the 4th day. I can start on either end but the latest bus I can take to Lisbon is from Porto Covo at 11:05 am which would involve a very early start from Villa Nova de Milfontes to Porto Covo AND more importantly I would miss a night in Porto Covo. Alternatively I could do Zambujeira _> Almograve -> Vila Nova all in one day leaving me an extra night at either end. Would you recommend skipping the night in Almograve? I am going this month from 3/22-3/25.
Hello, Ray! If you don't have four complete days to walk the entire route you can walk the first 2 or 3 days to Almograve or Zambujeira and take a bus back to Lisbon from there. I don't think it's worth it to rush through the trail and walk 3 days in one rather spend more time at every place and enjoy the scenery. If you're a strong walker you could walk four days in two but half of the route is over sand dunes which makes it quite difficult to walk, I'm not sure how much time you'll need to walk over 40km.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for the detailed guide! We hope to do an abridged version of this route in reverse. This was very very helpful!
Hello, Anna! Thank you for the comment! I'm sure you'll enjoy the walk, it's truly beautiful!
Cheers!
Hi there,
Thanks for the detailed information! Just wondering how long you would think one would need to combine this with the historical way continuing south to Cabo de Vicente and if you have any insight on whether it is worth it? 4 days is a shorter trek than I was looking for but it looks beautiful.
Hello, Dorothy! Thank you for the comment! We have a detailed post on the Historical Way https://stingynomads.com/rota-vicentina-trail-portugal/ where you can find the itinerary for the entire route and how to combine it with the Fishermen's Trail, we've completed both routes.
Cheers!
Hi there, Thanks this super-detailed description of the hike. I’ll be coming from the south of Portugal, and would need to store most of my luggage before hiking north. Would I get a bus back? Is there a place you recommend to store my luggage? Thanks! Natalie
Hello, Natalie! You'll have to arrange luggage storage with your hotel we don't know about any place to store extra luggage on the Route. Bus back from where to where? From Porto Covo to Sagres? If so, yes, there are buses.
Cheers!
Wow, thanks for all the great advise, looking forward to doing it in October.
I'm curious in what direction people mostly walk. You propose itineraries all traveling north to south -- does that reflect the predominant traffic flow? Thanks for the great website!
Hello, Anne! Thank you for the comment! You can walk it either way north to south or south to north, most people that we met walked the route north to south.
Cheers!
Hello,very very thanks for this helpful informations, really great! Please, can you tell me - it is possible to go this route -fishermans trail- between June/ July - I plan to go this time 27.6. - 8.7. 2020 - I have red in some discussion, that it is forbiden to go this time in summer, because of hot - is it true? Thank you for your info again 🙂
Hello, Nada! Thank you for the comment! I don't see anywhere on the official website that it's forbidden, it's difficult to close the trail because it goes along the coast and accessible by road at many points, there are no checkpoints anywhere. It does get very hot in July and August I believe the end of June will be better, you'll just have to start walking early in order to be finished by midday before it gets too hot.
Cheers!
You did great job!! Many thanks for all the information:)
We ( couple from Israel) will do it from the 24.10 starting from south in Sagres and you blog is very helpful
Hello, Arie! Thank you for the feedback! We're sure you'll enjoy the walk, the area is truly beautiful!
Cheers!
Very tempting! thanks for sharing such details, I'm planning this early December, hoping for better weather than Northern Europe. do you recommend?
Hello, Jean-Marc! Thank you for the comment! We walked it in May and had great weather in December it might rain quite a bit but it's definitely warmer than in Northen Europe.
Cheers!
Thank you so much for this guide. We are hiking the Fisherman's trail this month with our 10 year old daughter. Although we are starting at Odeceixe (getting the bus from Lagos) and ending with a couple of days at Vila Nova de Milfonts for a spot of surfing before a night in Lisbon.
I really appreciate the detail of the terrain and what food options there are at each town. Very helpful thank you.
I'm full of excitement now
Hello, Kayleigh! Thank you for the feedback! I'm sure you and your family will enjoy the walk.
Cheers!
Thanks so much for this great article!!! What time of year did you guys do this trail? Would it be possible to do it in late December or early January?
Alice
Hello, Alice! Thank you for the comment! We did it in May, I guess you can do it in winter but it might be cold and rainy.
Cheers!
Awesome post guys Very comprehensive and helpful. Many thanks
I'm impressed with the level of detail you have given. I'll be doing this trail in December and you have saved me a whole lot of planning! Appreciated.
Hello, David! Thank you for the comment! We're glad our post helped you with your planning!
Enjoy the walk!
Amazing write up- most compressive we have found yet! My wife is concerned by a few sources stating walking trails along cliff tops are narrow, steep and not good for those with vertigo.
Can you provide any insight? If there are sections like that could they be bypassed?
Hello, Matt! Thank you for the comment! The trail does go along the cliffs but it's not that narrow, you don't really come very close to the edge. The first two days you walk on sand dunes most of the time so I wouldn't say vertigo on the route is a big problem. You can get close to the edge if you want otherwise just stick to the trail and you'll be fine, you always can walk off the trail (away from the edge) a bit when it does get too close. We didn't meet anybody complaining about it.
Cheers!
Hello,
thank you for putting this guide together. It contains all the info I was looking for. As for the GoPro, most of the times I prefer it over my heavy DSLR. I have started using the 24 frames / sec format and shutter speed at 1/48 s and the footage have become more cinematic. If you fiddle with the ProTune Settings, it becomes even sweeter:)
Greetings from a fellow traveller!
Addams
Hello, Addams! Thank you for the comment! We're glad you've found our post helpful! We love GoPro and never take our DSLR camera when go hiking anymore. Enjoy the walk!
Cheers!