Stage 2: Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes

Table of Contents

📏 Stage Overview

Distance: 19 km / 11.8 mi
Time: 5h 10min
Ascent: 278 m
Descent: 292 m
Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ (3/5 – sandy paths

Walking in the sand next to the ocean from this beautiful little seaside village is a spectacular start to the Rota Vicentina. This 19 km stretch is filled with sweeping ocean views, wild beaches, and plenty of sand underfoot. Starting in Porto Covo, one of the prettiest towns on the trail, it’s a day that will both challenge and inspire you.

Stage 1 is a dream for anyone who loves unspoiled coastline, with almost every step offering a postcard-perfect view. The sand makes it a physical challenge, but the beauty of the beaches, cliffs, and wildlife more than make up for it.

It’s the kind of day that sets the tone for the rest of the Fishermen’s Trail – wild, beautiful, and unforgettable.

Accommodation in Vila Nova de Milfontes

ACCOMMODATION	BOOKING INFO	NAVIGATE
	BUDGET
Campsite Coast do Vizir	+351 269 959 100 +351 968 526 833	જ⁀➴📍
Campsite Porto Covo	+351 269 905 136 +351 269 905 942	જ⁀➴📍
Campsite Ilha do Pessegueiro (4 km outside the town)	+351 269 905 178	જ⁀➴📍
Hostel Ahoy Porto Covo	book here*	જ⁀➴📍
	MID-RANGE	જ⁀➴📍
Apartamentos Campos	book here	જ⁀➴📍
Parque de Campismo Porto Covo	book here	જ⁀➴📍
Apartamentos Campos 1	book here	જ⁀➴📍
Ze Inácio Apartments	+351 269 959 136	જ⁀➴📍
	HIGH-END	જ⁀➴📍
Calmaria Guesthouse	book here	જ⁀➴📍
Apartamentos Campos 2	book here	જ⁀➴📍
A Casinha da Baia	book here	જ⁀➴📍
Porto Covo Hotel Apartamento	book here	જ⁀➴📍
Hotel O Lugar	book here

🗺 Route Description

Leaving Porto Covo, the trail hugs the coastline almost the entire way. You’ll walk along cliff-top paths, through dunes, and on long stretches of golden sand. The scenery is stunning from the very first kilometre – turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and beaches that seem to go on forever.

Elevation profile of the route from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes. As you can see it’s very flat with barely any hills on the route

Depending on the walking season you will be greeted by carpets of wildflowers and storks nesting on the cliff edges. The water temperature is usually on the colder side, a nice swim for the brave, and perfect for cooling tired feet.

Tip: Walking on sand can be exhausting and makes you thirsty faster. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person. There are no services for 16 km after Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro.

🌊 Highlights

Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro – Famous for its offshore island and historic fort. There’s a restaurant here at the 3.5 km mark (last food and water until the end of the stage).
Praia dos Aivados, Praia do Saltinho, Praia dos Nascedios, Praia do Malhão – Wild, unspoiled beaches where you can walk barefoot in the surf.
Wildflowers & Storks – Seasonal blooms and dramatic birdlife add colour and life to the walk.
Cliff-top Panoramas – Sweeping Atlantic views almost the entire way.

⚠️ Challenges

Long sandy sections – Beautiful but energy-draining.
Limited services – Stock up in Porto Covo; there are no shops until Vila Nova de Milfontes.

🏁 Vila Nova de Milfontes – End of Stage 1

This larger coastal town has plenty of places to eat, sleep, and relax. It’s home to Forte de São Clemente, several beaches, and colourful traditional houses. A great place to rest up before Stage 2.

🏘 Vila Nova de Milfontes

Vila Nova de Milfontes is larger than Porto Covo, but still has that relaxed coastal charm. The town centre is a maze of whitewashed houses with brightly painted doors and windows in shades of blue, red, and yellow.

A highlight is Forte de São Clemente, a historic fortress guarding the river mouth. The town also boasts several beaches, and when we visited in the off-season it was calm and peaceful.

Facilities in Vila Nova de Milfontes
✅ Hotel / Guesthouse
✅ Hostel
✅ Campsite
✅ ATM
✅ Restaurants
✅ Supermarkets / Shops
✅ Pharmacy
✅ Beaches