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?
Got any questions or comments? We would love to help! All questions and comments will be answered by us personally in Buy Me a Coffee. Click below and ask away.
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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.
You have really inspired our planning! Thank you for all you share. We will be walking the trail in early April. I cannot find any reference to walking with a dog. Is that permitted and practical for finding accommodations? Any advice is appreciated!
So looking forward to being there! Genevieve
Hello Genevieve. Thank you for the comment. Theoretically you can take a dog on the Fishermen's Trail but I'm not sure it's feasible from the practical point of view. Definitely not all accommodations are dog-friendly you'll be a bit limited with options. Second, some parts of the trail have steep and rocky climbs which might be difficult to ascend and descend for a dog (I don't know what kind of dog you have and how hiking trained it is). It's up to you to decide if you and your dog are up for this challenge. You can check if you can find dog-friendly accommodation in every town on the Fishermen's Trail using our PDF. If you can I would suggest booking places in advance.
Good luck
Thank you so much for your advice. That’s really what I thought - similar to the Camino de Santiago. She’s a great dog but it’s probably not practical to bring her on such a long hike. She won’t mind being home and won’t be alone!
My husband and I will be walking from Lagos to Porto Covo this March. We will then bus from Porto Covo to Lisbon where we are meeting other family members to walk the Portuguese Camino. We will arrive in Lagos in late afternoon and will spend half a day in Lagos the next morning before heading to Praia da Luz for the evening. What things should we see in Lagos? How easy is it to find the trail when we start walking? Will people recognize the name Fishermen's Trail or it is referred to by another name by the Portuguese people?
Looking forward to being in Portugal so very soon!!
Thank you for your blog!
Hello Nadine. Thank you for the comment. On the first day you can explore Old Town of Lagos, it's small but beautiful with many restaurants and shops, a couple of churches, and the wall. The next morning I would suggest a boat tour along the cliffs to Ponta da Piedade. You'll be able to see the famous limestone cliffs, beautiful beaches, caves, and Ponta da Piedade from the sea. Before going on a tour you can have breakfast at Lagos Marina (boat tours leave from there).
The Fishermen's Trail is marked with blue and green strips painted on poles, trees and rocks. In Lagos the trail start at the train station (near Lagos Marina) there you'll see a wooden board with a map and the first route marker. In the Algarve many people speak good English (we live in Lagos by the way) I'm sure you can use the English name of the trail. It's a well-known route.
Cheers
Any advice or suggestions on camping on the fisherman's trail in February?
Hello Susan. We haven't camped on the Fishermen's Trail but we live on the route and from our experience February is the coldest and the rainiest month of the year. I'm not sure camping is the best idea. It's the lowest season prices of accommodation are significantly lower which means you can get nice place for quite cheap. From money saving point camping is not worth the hassle. There are some campsites but not in every town on the trail. Even if you bring your camping gear with some nights you'll have to stay indoors unless you don't mind wild camping.
Cheers
Hi Guys,
I’m walking the trail in March ending at Lagos. My plan is to catch a bus direct to Seville and it looks doable. Is this a sensible plan and have you any advice.
Regards,Brian Heffron
Hello Brian. Thank you for the comment. Yes, there are direct buses from Lagos to Seville so it's doable to get there after finishing the Fishermen's Trail. I think Flixbus has direct buses. You can check on their website.
Cheers
Left a question with my coffees for ya;)
But not sure if the question went through.
Flying from western Canada. Do majority fly to Lisbon then a bus North to Porto?
Then again bus back to Lisbon when done?
Please tell me I’m not back tracking what I just walked 😜
Plan….September Fishermen trail spending couple extra days in Lisbon and Porto and ending the trail walking with a 1 stop location fun week in Algarve area to SUP and mtn bike. Does this sound doable?
And any suggestions for the best 1 week stay location? Hoping to persuade the hubby to join for the end 😉
Cheers
Natasha P.
Hello Natasha. Thank you very much for the coffee. Sorry, it took long to reply we're currently moving houses and our new place doesn't have Internet yet.
I'm not sure I understand what trail you want to walk. If it's the Fishermen's Trail then I don't know why you want to go to Porto. Just for sightseeing? The Fishermen's Trail starts in Porto Covo, a small town 170 km south of Lisbon, and finishes in Lagos, Algarve. The route doesn't go through Lisbon or Porto. If you come from Canada the easiest will be to fly to Lisbon and from there take a bus to Porto Covo.
In your first question (Buy me a coffee), you're talking about the Portuguese Route which is the Camino Portuguese (https://stingynomads.com/camino-portugues-stages/) that starts in Lisbon (most people start in Porto) and finishes in Santiago de Compostela, Spain. I'm a bit confused about which route you want to walk. The Fishermen's Trail or the Portuguese Camino?
If you're planning to walk the Fishermen's Trail and don't like heat then the end of September - early October is a better time than August - early September. As for a nice place to stay in the Algarve for SUPing and MTB I would recommend Lagos. It's a beautiful town with many nice beaches that are good for SUPing. There are several surf shops where you can rent a SUP. There are some companies that offer MTB tours or renting gear. The town has many other things to do you won't be bored staying here for a week. From Lagos, there are buses and trains to Lisbon
Please, let me know if you have any questions regarding the routes.
Cheers
Hello, thanks for this great walking itinerary. Planning to walk next week starting in Praia da Luz. I heard it would help to use some gaiters for walking. To keep the sand out. Experience with this? And also the wind is mostly from north to south it appears. So was thinking if north to south would be the less option. Greetings Roel from Holland
Hello Roel. Thank you for the comment. We have never used gaiters on the Fishermen's Trail. They might help to prevent getting sand in your shoes. We usually take off our shoes and shake the sand off. We live in Lagos and didn't have much wind in the last couple of weeks. We walked the trail from north to south and has some windy days but I don't know if the direction will make a big difference. You can expect cooler and windier weather on the West Coast from Sagres up north.
Cheers
Hi Guys, you are doing excellent job (I wish I could buy you virtual coffees but the system does not accept any of my cards :(), maybe we will have a chance to meet in Lagos, than I invite you for a drink :). Your site is very informative, and gives a lot of tips how to plan the hikes. I wish I knew about it earlier.
I have now a question about the Fisherme's trail. We are planning to do it end of March beginning of April 2024. I know you walked yours North to South. What do you think about doing it opposite direction (starting in Lagos going North by the coast)?
Many thanks for your advise,
Ewa
Hello Ewa. Thank you for the comment. We're having some issues with the Buy Me a Coffee plugin at the moment it's not working for anybody but thank you for trying.
The Fishermen's Trail can be walked in either direction. It's marked both ways. From our experience, some stages are even better to walk in the opposite direction e.g. Salema to Sagres.
It would be nice to meet up with you in Lagos. We're planning to be here end of March beginning of April let us know when you're coming.
Cheers
just a question. How do you return home when you are in lagos?
Hello Finn. I'm not sure I understand your question. Do you mean how you get back to your country after completing the Fishermen's Trail? If your flight is from Lisbon you can take a bus or a train from Lagos to Lisbon. If your flight is from Faro you can get there by train or bus as well. There is a direct shuttle bus from Lagos to the airport in Faro.
Cheers
Hello!
great info…
we are a family of 4 and we did Porto Covo-odeceixe last year in may and we are planning to do odeceixe to lagos in may 2023
I have heard that some paths are very narrow and close to the edge of high cliffs, especially from Sagres to Salema…
i don't have vertigo and i didn't have any problems from porto covo to odeceixe…
but I am wondering if i can manage Sagres to Salema…??
i have heard to that odeceixe to lagos is more demanding…??
Hello Rui. Thank you for the comment. I walked the Sagres to Salema part of the Fishermen's Trail 2 weeks ago and I didn't notice it was any dangerous or too close to the edge. The only thing is many steep ascents and descents in the last part from Praia das Furnas to Salema. Sometimes it's tricky to descend because of loose rocks it took me a bit longer than I thought to complete that part. You can find more details on the last stages from Sagres to Lagos here https://thealgarvefamily.com/sagres-to-salema-walk/. Other than that I don't recall any specifically dangerous parts of the trail from Odeceixe to Lagos.
Cheers
@Stingy Nomads,
Thank you
I think i will be able to do it all the way
Cheers
Hey, thank you so much for this awesome guide. I want to do the whole trail this December. Therefore I wanted to ask you if you have the route maybe on Komoot ?
Hello Leander. Thank you for the comment. No, we don't use Komoot or upload any trails. We will add GPX files for each stage of the Fishermen's Trail soon. The route is very well-marked we didn't use or need GPS at any time.
If you're in Lagos let us know we can meet up for coffee.
Good luck!
@Stingy Nomads, sounds perfect. See you in Lagos 🙂
I am thinking of doing the trail in February. Any thoughts on the weather and amenities at that time of year?
Hi Susan. Based on the last year's weather February was a nice month here in Lagos with many sunny days. On the West Coast, the part of the Fishermen's Trail from Porto Covo to Sagres it's usually a bit colder and rainier than in the southern Algarve. Overall I think February is a good month but be prepared to have some rain, especially in the first half of the trail.
Cheers
I plan on hiking part in December, starting from Lagos (stay there a few days) going north, any advice on the weather, cafes in Lagos, etc...
thanks
Shawn
Hello Shawn. The weather in December on the Fishermen's Trail is unpredictable. Last year we had a late winter so in December it was sunny most of the days. It does get chilly at night and early in the morning. This year it looks like winter's going to start earlier. It's already chilly with some rain here in Lagos and it's only mid-October. On the West Coast from Sagres to Porto Covo, it's usually colder, windier, and rainier it's very likely you'll get some rainy days there in December.
There are many cafes and restaurants in Lagos most of them are open in December. I don't know if you have any special diet (vegetarian, gluten intolerant, etc.). We often go for coffee and breakfast to Coffee Studio, O Ninho Family Bar, London Tiger, and Artesao. You can find more information on Lagos and things to do here https://thealgarvefamily.com/category/lagos/
Cheers
Hey, thanks for all this great info. The one thing I am not finding is what you carried in your packs, specifically for sleeping? Lightweight sleeping bag or just a sheet sack for hostels? Every hostel and mountain hut seems to be different as to what is advised or allowed. I am planning on beginning of November and come from New England in the States so I'm used to cold and variable weather.
Also, trekking poles are a must for me, but that means I can never just do a carry-on bag on a flight. Is there any option in Lisbon or closer to the trail to rent poles? I doubt this, but thought I would ask.
Hello Sandie. Thank you for the comment. Hostels, hotels, and guesthouses on the Fishermen's Trail have bedding, blankets/duvets. We never used sleeping bags or sheet sacks on the trail.
I don't think you'll be able to rent poles but you can buy them in Lisbon. I would recommend looking for them in the Decathlon store. I don't know in what area of Lisbon you're going to stay but there is a store in the center of the city (here you can see the location https://www.decathlon.pt/store-view/loja-de-desporto-lisboa-centro-0070114401144) and they have poles in stock. The poles are not expensive you can buy them for 17 or 25 euros. After completing the trail you can leave them at one of the hostels. I'm sure they won't mind if you do so.
Cheers
@Sandie, when I did my first camino spring 2022 I checked only my hiking poles.
Guys, what an awesome review!!
I did one day trekking last year, almost accidentally and unprepared, but I'm planning on going the longer one in October this year, will definitely follow your hints!!
Thanks a lot for your work and much success!
Cheers!
Hello Maria. Thank you for the feedback. October is a good time for hiking the Fishermen's Trai. I'm sure you'll enjoy the walk. We live in Lagos let us know if you're here we could meet up for coffee.
Cheers
@Stingy Nomads,
No doubts there!
Sure, i'll text you in FB once i'm in Lagos!
Cheers!
Hello, we are from India. Your blog was extremely useful for us. We hiked the last 4 days. We will be in Lagos tonight and if you're free we would love to buy you a drink.
Hi. Thank you for the feedback. That would be great to meet up with you, guys. Send us a message on FB it'll be easier to communicate. https://www.facebook.com/stingynomads
Cheers
Glad to see Nic at Ahoy Hostel is still in business. He's one of the best hosts I've ever encountered. He helped me find a fantastic meal--fresh sargo, cooked by a fisherman's wife. My trip through was in about 2015.
Hi guys, many thanks for your blog, it inspired me to walk Rota Vincentina! Just finished Fishermen Trail, now in Sagres. I enjoyed the hike very much.
Just wanted to add about Carrapteira - there is good restaurant in the village center -Microbar, reasonably priced, and the food is excellent.
I don't have time to do Sagres - Salema hike, hope to come back once again to this area.
Congratulations with baby-stingy nomad!
Have great trips in future, I hope to read about them here!
Cheers,
Andra (from Latvia)
Hello, Andra. Thank you very much for the comment and for the restaurant recommendation. The Fishermen's Trail is a spectacular route. We're planning to start hiking/walking with our daughter soon. Hoping to walk the Portuguese Camino in May.
If you decide to come to Lagos one day we'll be happy to meet up for coffee.
All the best!
We will be walking from P.Covo to Sagres starting 09 April this year.
Then two days relaxation in Lagos- would love to meet for coffee. There 19-20 April.
Also been warned about some paths being very narrow and close to the edge of high cliffs. ESP on the Zam. Do Mar to Odeceixe section. If this is so, are there alternative paths inland a little. Vertigo could be an issue.
Hello, guys. It would be great to meet up with you. Just send us a message on FB where and when in Lagos. As for walking close to the edge of the cliffs, I wouldn't say it ever felt dangerous but if vertigo can be an issue you can always walk on a gravel/tar road next to the trail. The road follows the coast pretty much all the way along the Fishermen's Trail there are not many cars it should be fine if from time to time you switch from the trail to the road and back.
Enjoy the walk and hope to see you soon!
Terrific blog, thank you. We are looking to walk 4 or 5 days this spring. What portion of the trail would you recommend?
Hello, John. Thank you very much for the comment. I'd suggest walking the first 4 days of the Fishermen's Trail from Porto Covo (Praia S.Torpes) to Odeceixe or the last 3 days (you can split it into 4) from Vila do Bispo to Lagos. Both parts are along the coast in the middle part you walk more inland it's beautiful as well but not as spectacular as the scenery along the coast. You can always combine both parts and walk 3 days from Porto Covo to Zambujeira do Mar and the last 2 days from Sagres to Lagos and take a bus in between. We haven't walked the last part from Sagres yet but we live in Lagos and know the area well I can say that the scenery on that part of the trail is breathtaking.
Cheers
Hello,
Thanks for the detail trail information, very informative and helpful.
Not sure if this is new but the official Rota Vicentina website has the Fisherman's trail covering S. Torpes in the north to Lagos in the south. Your article mentioned it starts at Porto Covo in the north to Odeceixe in the south. I'm going to start at Vila do Bispo and head north ending in Porto Covo. Just want to point this out so other readers are aware the Fisherman's Trail is munch longer.
Much appreciate the information you share on your traveling.
Cheers
Hello. Thank you for your valuable input. The Fishermen's Trail used to be from Porto Covo to Odeceixe with an optional start in Sines. The route from Odeceixe to Cabo de Sao Vicente and Sagres used to be called just the Rota Vicentina. Most hikers walked the 4-day route. In order to promote the longer route, the name was changed. We walked to Sagres from Porto Covo you can find details and stages in this post - https://stingynomads.com/rota-vicentina-trail-portugal/. We're well-aware of the new extension to Lagos (we live in Lagos) but we want to complete the Sagres - Lagos part before adding it to the post. Hopefully, we'll be able to do it in the next month it's a little bit complicated now for us as we have a 2-month-old child.
Enjoy the walk