The Rota Vicentina is a network of hiking trails in the Alentejo and Algarve provinces in Southern Portugal. The network includes two long-distance routes the Fisherman’s Trail and the Historical Way, and several short circular routes some of which can be incorporated into one of the long-distance trails. We’ve walked both multi-day routes of the Rota Vicentina as well as some of the day hikes. In this post, we describe different route options, costs, transportation, and accommodation on the Rota Vicentina.
Table of Contents
What is the Rota Vicentina in Portugal?
Rota Vicentina is a network of walking routes in the Alentejo and Algarve provinces in Southern Portugal. The Rota includes two long-distance trails the Fishermen’s Trail and the Historical Way and many circular day hikes. The coastal trails (Fishermen’s Trail and some day hikes) ranked as some of the most scenic routes in Europe. Living on the South Coast of Portugal for a couple of years we have spent a lot of time exploring the Best Hiking Trails in the Algarve.
How long does it take to hike the Rota Vicentina?
The time and distance of the Rota Vicentina depend on the chosen route. If you do the Fishermen’s Trail it’ll take 12-13 days to complete the route. If you hike the Historical Way you’ll need 6 days to complete it. You can do any section of the Rota Vicentina as an independent hike. If you don’t have enough time to finish the entire trail you can choose a part of it.
Where does the Rota Vicentina start?
The Fishermen’s Trail of the Rota Vicentina starts at S.Torpes Beach 10 km north of Porto Covo, Alentejo, and finishes in Lagos, Algarve.
The Historical Way of the Rota Vicentina starts in Santiago do Cacém, Alentejo, and finishes in Odeceixe, Algarve. From Odeceixe, you can continue walking south following the Fishermen’s Trail.
Both trails can be walked in either direction: north to south or south to north.
Day hikes start in different locations throughout the region.
What is the best part of the Rota Vicentina?
In my opinion, the part of the Fishermen’s Trail from Sagres to Lagos and the walk from Carrapateirs to Vila do Bispo are some of the most beautiful parts of the Rota Vicentina. Overall the entire route is spectacular; pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, charming towns, and untouched nature.
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Rota Vicentina guidebooks
The official guidebook is the best one to use for the Rota Vicentina. You can buy it online on the official website or at one of the information offices along the route. You can get one at Papelaria O Correiro, Vasco da Gama Street 7b in Porto Covo the start of the Fishermen’s Trail and at the tourist information office in Santiago do Cacém (the start of the Historical Way).
There is a Cicerone guidebook on the Rota Vicentina that has a lot of information on the trail that you can buy on Amazon.
Rota Vicentina’s routes
As I already mentioned there are two long-distance trails and many circuit routes/day hikes most of the short routes can be incorporated into one of the multi-day trails.
Different routes of the Rota Vicentina
| Name | The Historical Way | The Fishermen’s Trail | Day hikes (circular routes) |
| Starting point | Santiago do Cacém | S.Torpes Beach (Porto Covo) | Different points along the Vicentina Coast |
| Finishing point | Odeceixe | Lagos | Different points along the Vicentina Coast |
| Total distance | 120 km/74 mi | 230 km/143 mi | 265 km/164 mi (24 trails) |
| Number of days | 6 days | 11-13 days | 1 day |
The Historical Way
- Total distance – 120 km/74 mi
- Number of days – 6 days
- Starting point – Santiago do Cacém
- Finishing point – Odeceixe
- Route marking – red & white markers
The Historical Way has significantly fewer hikers than the coastal trail. We saw between 2 and 5 hikers a day on this route. Overall the area is not touristy compared to the coast which is just 20 km away. As a result, accommodation options are pretty limited. There are no hostels or campsites on the Historical Way. The only campsite and hostel on the route are in Odeceixe. Accommodation works out more expensive here than on the Fishermen’s Trail. Most places don’t have a kitchen so you can’t really cook if you want a proper meal, not just a sandwich you have to eat in a restaurant or bar.
Eating out in this part of the Rota Vicentina is cheaper than along the coast restaurants cater to locals, not to tourists. You can get a set menu for 7-8 Euros, a dish for 6-7 Euros, a cup of coffee for 0,60 Euro, etc.
The scenery on the Historical Way is nice and peaceful with a lot of walking through the fields (if you walk it in April-May it will be covered in flowers), a bit of forest, and quite a lot of hills. It’s the route with the most ascents and descents though nothing is very steep or long. Overall the Historical Way is a nice route to walk if you want to see off-the-beaten-path areas in southern Portugal. In our opinion, the scenery is not as impressive as on the coastal route.
If you’re planning to walk the Historical Way you can download our free PDF file with walking stages and places to stay on the route.
The Fishermen’s Trail
- Total distance – 230 km/143 mi
- Number of days – 11-13 days
- Starting point – S.Torpes Beach, Porto Covo
- Finishing point – Lagos
- Route marking – blue & green markers
The Fishermen’s Trail (the Coastal route) of the Rota Vicentina is a popular route with many day walkers and weekend groups. The trail goes through the touristy parts of the Alentejo and Algarve regions. Besides hikers in the season, there are many holidaymakers. If you walk this route during the summer months you’ll see many people. It’s highly recommended to book accommodation on the route beforehand.
The Fishermen’s Trail has more accommodation options and campsites because it is a popular summer holiday destination. It’s possible to find budget places to stay. Eating out on this trail is more expensive compared to the Historical Way. For a set meal in a restaurant (Menu do Dia), you pay 25-30 Euro for two people vs 15-20 Euro on the Historical Way. You can reduce your food expenses if you stay in places with a kitchen and cook yourself. Every town on the trail has a supermarket or at least a grocery store.
The part of the Fishermen’s Trail from Odeceixe to Lagos is not as busy as the part from Corto Covo to Odeceixe. Most people finish walking in Odeceixe probably because it used to be the end of the route before it was extended first to Cabo de S. Vicente (Sagres) and later to Lagos.
The scenery on this route is truly spectacular; rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, turquoise water, picturesque bays, hidden caves, breathtaking lookout points, and charming towns. If you ask me I’d definitely choose the Fishermen‘s Trail over the Historical Way.
If you’re planning to walk the Fishermen’s Trail you can download our free PDF file that includes walking stages and places to stay along the route.
Day hikes on the Rota Vicentina
There are 24 circular day hiking trails on the Rota Vicentina with a total distance of 265 km/164 mi. Distances of the day hikes vary from short 4-5-kilometer trails to 12-12-16-kilometer routes. All hikes are circular routes. You don’t have to worry about getting back to your car or your hotel after finishing a hike. Many circular routes are partly included in one of the long trails. We haven’t walked any of the 24 trails yet but now living in Lagos we’re planning to start hiking them in order to prepare for walking the Portuguese Camino de Santiago with our 2-year-old daughter. The day hiking trails are indicated with red and yellow markers.
The circular routes offer a combination of coastal and forest/field scenery. You can easily incorporate a couple of day hikes into a road trip or a beach holiday in southern Portugal.
How to combine the trails?
You can walk the entire Fishermen’s Trail or the Historical Route separately, you can walk only parts of the routes, or combine them. The two routes merge in Odeceixe.
Option 1. Porto Covo – Odeceixe – Santiago do Cacém. You walk on the Fishermen’s Trail from Porto Covo to Odeceixe. From Odeceixe instead of continuing along the coast, follow the Historical Way and walk to Santiago do Cacém. This way you combine both country and seaside scenery and get to see different parts of the Alentejo region. The total distance of this route option is 196 km/121 mi. To complete it you need 10 days. The route can be walked either way starting in Porto Covo or in Santiago do Cacém.
Option 2. Santiago do Cacém – Odeceixe – Lagos. You walk the Historical Way from Santiago do Cacém to Odeceixe and from there continue on the Fishermen’s Trail through Cabo de S. Vicente to Lagos. The total distance of this route is 274 km/170 mi. You need 13-14 days to complete it. It can be walked either way. You can cut it shorter if you don’t have enough time to complete the route.
You can walk any stage of the two routes separately as a day hike or you can choose a couple of stages and do a 2 or 3-day hike.
There is a great option for those who want to combine two outdoor activities (hiking and surfing) and enjoy the sea as much as possible. You can start walking in Porto Covo and finish in Arrifana. Where you can stay in a surf hostel rent a board or take a couple of lessons. Days needed – 6, total distance – 118 km.
The cost of walking the Rota Vicentina
The Algarve and Alentejo provinces are very popular summer holiday destinations which means in the peak season, between June and September the coast gets very busy and accommodation prices increase significantly. How much money you’ll spend walking Rota Vicentina depends on when you go. If you walk during the off-season, between November and March it will be the cheapest, the bordering season, October, April, and May are more expensive. The summer months from June to September are the most expensive period. We walked the Rota Vicentina in May and did find accommodation prices quite high in some popular touristy places.
On average you’ll spend 35-40 Euro per person per day on the Rota Vicentina. It includes accommodation (a room for two people or a dorm bed in a hostel), food, and transport. If you’re going to use a luggage transfer service you have to add 15 Euro per day extra.
Accommodation
Accommodation is the main expense of the Rota Vicentina. Depending on the type of place you’ll pay between 10 Euro (camping) and 30 Euro (a room in a hotel) per person.
Camping is the cheapest option though not every town on the route has a campsite. Even if you like camping you’ll have to stay sometimes indoors. Prices for camping are between 10 and 12 Euro per person per day depending on the season. A drawback of camping is that you have to carry your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, pad, cooking stuff, etc.) which adds significant weight to your backpack.
Hostels are the cheapest indoor accommodation option on the Rota Vicentina. Just like with camping, not every town on the trail has one. On the Fishermen’s Trail, there are hostels but not on the Historical Way. A bed in a dormitory costs between 15 and 20 Euros per person depending on the season. In July, August, and September the prices are at their highest. The lowest prices are during the offseason; from November to March.
Hotels/guesthouses are the most popular accommodation type on the trail. Prices vary between 40 and 60 Euros for a double room. We had one or two places where we paid around 30 Euro per two people. During the off-season, you’ll find more places offering rooms in this price range.
Food
Eating out
Eating out at the restaurants on the Rota Vicentina was quite expensive compared to some other areas in Portugal where we traveled. Even in the same area, there was a significant price difference between places located inland and beach towns. Prepare to pay 10 Euros for a dish, plus 2-4 Euros extra if you order drinks, bread, coffee, etc. Our average bill was about 30 Euros for two people when we went out for dinner. If you order a sandwich (Tosta Mista) and a coffee or a cool drink it’ll cost around 3 Euros.
Portugal has one of the cheapest coffee in Europe; Espresso costs 0,70 Euro, and coffee with milk (Galao) – 1,2-1,5 Euros. If you order Americano you’ll pay about 1 Euro.
Shopping
The cheapest food option is to buy stuff in a shop and make your own food. To be able to cook you have to stay in places with a kitchen otherwise, you’ll be limited to eating sandwiches. Food shopping for 3 meals will cost you around 10 Euros per person. Bigger supermarkets (Lidl, InterMarche, Pingo Doce) have cafes or canteens where you can buy a well-priced meal, a sandwich, or a pastry.
Transport
Almost every town on the Rota Vicentina can be reached by public transport. A bus from Lisbon to one of the starting points (Porto Covo or Santiago do Cacém) costs between 15 and 20 Euros one way. Getting from Lagos or Odeceixe to Lisbon will cost you 20 Euros. On the RedeExpressos website, you can often find bus tickets to Lisbon for 7 or 10 euros. We often travel between Lagos and Lisbon by bus and usually pay between 7 and 10 euros per ticket. Buses between the towns on the route cost between 3 and 7 Euros depending on the distance.
Based on all these I’d suggest an estimated budget of 25 Euros per person per day if you’re planning to camp (when possible) and make your own food; 35-45 Euros per person if staying indoors (hostels and budget rooms) and cooking for yourself most of the time. And 50+ Euros to stay in hotels and eat out at least once a day.
When is the best time for walking the Rota Vicentina?
Summer in general (July and August in particular) is the busiest season in Southern Portugal with the most people and the highest prices. It gets very hot in the south of Portugal day temperatures go over 30°C. If you decide to walk the route in the summer months it’s recommended to start walking early in the morning in order to be finished before it gets too hot. Booking accommodation on the Rota Vicentina in advance is a must-do in the summer.
Border season (April-May and October) is a perfect time for walking the Rota Vicentina; there are significantly fewer people than in the summer. It’s warm but not too hot, accommodation is cheaper, and you don’t have to book it months in advance. We really like hiking in Portugal in the spring the scenery is very beautiful this time of the year.
Off-season (November-March) is great if you want to have a solitary and quiet walk with very few tourists. Weather-wise it doesn’t get really cold on the Vicentina Coast and in the Algarve. The average temperatures in winter are between 13°C and 16°C but it might rain quite a bit in November and December. The wind can be a problem as well. As for accommodation prices, they are at their lowest (excluding Christmas and New Year) so you can get a really nice place for not expensive.
Luggage transfer service (Vicentina Transfers)
It’s possible to arrange a backpack delivery on the Rota Vicentina. If you don’t want to walk carrying a big backpack with all your stuff it can be transferred every day between your accommodation places. You can walk with a small day pack carrying only valuables, water, and snacks.
Vicentina Transfers is the company that provides luggage delivery service on the trails. The price is 15€ per luggage item per stage, and ech additional piece of luggage costs 5 euros. The weight limit is 20 kg per luggage. It’s a door-to-door service your backpack is picked up in the morning (around 9 am) at the reception and delivered to the next place.
What is the accommodation like on the route?
Every town on the Rota Vicentina has hotels and guesthouses, some more popular touristy places have hostels. Most of the places can be booked online through booking sites. Some areas have more accommodation options some less. On the Historical Way, there are not many places to stay. The route goes through not touristy areas of the Alentejo region. On the Fishermen’s Trail, there are more accommodation options including hostels and campsites, especially in some towns such as Sagres, Vilanova de Milsfontes, or Lagos. During the peak summer season, it’s highly recommended to book your accommodation on the Rota Vicentina a couple of months in advance.
If you want to make your own food it’s better to stay in hostels or rent apartments to have access to the kitchen. If you stay in hotels/guest houses you’ll have to buy ready-made food or eat at restaurants.
On the Fishermen’s Trail campsites can be found in Porto Covo, Zambujeira do Mar, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Sagres, Salema, and Lagos. All campsites are not far from the route. On the Historical Way, there is only one campsite in Odeceixe. On the stretch between Santiago do Cacém and S.Teotónio there are no places to camp only indoor accommodation options.
How to get to the Rota Vicentina?
Most towns on the Rota Vicentina have direct buses to Lisbon. It’s very easy to get from the capital to the trail and back.
Getting from Lisbon to Santiago do Cacém, the Historical Way
There are 9 daily buses from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus Station to Santiago do Cacém, the journey takes 2 hours, and the price is 14 Euros. If you’re planning to start walking on the same day it’s better to take the earliest bus. You can buy tickets and confirm the departure time on the Rede Expressos website.
Getting from Lisbon to Porto Covo, the Fishermen’s Trail
As of April 2023, there are 6 daily buses from Lisbon to Porto Covo. 5 buses leave from Sete Rios Bus Station and 1 from Oriente Station. The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours. The price is 16,5 Euros.
Getting back to Lisbon from Odeceixe and Lagos
There are buses from Odeceixe (the end of the Historical Way) and Lagos (the end of the Fishermen’s Trail) to Lisbon. There are 4 buses from Odeceixe to Lisbon (3 to Sete Rios and 1 to Oriente), the journey takes 3h30min., the price is 19 Euros.
From Lagos, there are many buses to both bus stations in Lisbon: Sete Rios and Oriente. The standard price is 20 Euro. Sometimes you can get a ticket with a discount of 7 or 10 euros. We often go to Lisbon from Lagos by bus and most of the time pay 10 euros per ticket. The journey takes 4 hours. You can check the itinerary and buy tickets online.
There are trains from Lagos to Lisbon with one connection in Tunte. The connection is usually 5-10 minutes. You can check departure times and prices on the official website.
Walking the Rota Vicentina vs the Camino de Santiago
We met many people on the Camino de Santiago that want to do the Rota Vicentina. I decided to compare both walks based on our experience. We’ve walked 9 different routes of the Camino de Santiago; French Camino, Portuguese Camino, Camino Primitivo, Camino del Norte, Vía de la Plata, Camino Finisterre, Camino Inglés, Camino del Salvador, and Camino Gran Canaria and two routes of the Rota Vicentina; the Fishermen’s Trail and the Historical Way. Below I’m comparing the scenery, the cost, and the facilities on the Camino de Santiago and on the Rota Vicentina.
Scenery
It’s a tough choice but we are both hands for the Fishermen’s Trail we both love the sea it’s not often when the entire route follows the coastline; dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, hidden bays – all these sound like a perfect holiday trail. You do get sea scenery on the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino and on the Northern Camino as well.
If you want to hike a spectacular coastal route in the Algarve region and don’t have time to complete a long-distance trail then the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a perfect option for you. It’s a one-day hike that offers one of the best sceneries in the region.
Cost
The Rota Vicentina is definitely more expensive than the Camino de Santiago. The main reason is accommodation there are no albergues for pilgrims on the route only hostels and hotels (some towns have campsites). You pay for accommodation between 20 and 40 Euros pp. depending on the season and type of accommodation you choose. Camping will cost you between 10 and 12 Euro pp. The season is an important factor and you’ll have to carry camping gear with you.
Like any other popular holiday destination, the area is quite expensive compared to the rest of Portugal. On the Camino, you can get Menu del Dia for 7-10 Euro on the Fishermen’s Trail you pay the same for one dish. On the Historical Way eating out is cheaper you can get a menu for 7-8 Euros or a sandwich for 2 Euros.
Facilities
Both the Rota Vicentina and the Camino are well-marked you don’t really need GPS or a map to follow the route. As I already mentioned there are no albergues on the Rota Vicentina but there is accommodation in every town on the route as well as ATMs, restaurants, and shops.
Walking surface
Unlike on some Camino routes on the Rota Vicentina you hardly walk on the tar road, most of the time it’s a footpath or a gravel road which is much better for walking as it’s not as hard on your feet as asphalt. Some stages of the Fishermen’s Trail are on the beach or dunes which makes walking more difficult and slower.
Final thoughts
I would say the Rota Vicentina, especially the Fishermen’s Trail is more of a holiday trek. It has nothing to do with the pilgrimage. If you want to hike for a couple of days or a week and combine the walk with a beach holiday the Rota Vicentina is the perfect option. If you’re seeking a spiritual or cultural experience (architecture, historical towns, etc.) rather walk one of the Camino de Santiago routes.
Rota Vicentina planning resources
- Combine the Historical Way with the Coastal Route | The Fishermen’s Trail walking itinerary |
- Want to know more about the Camino de Santiago in Portugal? | The Portuguese Camino de Santiago detailed guide |
- Try another coastal walk in Portugal! | The Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago |
- Learn more about the Rota Vicentina | Rota Vicentina the official website |
- Rent a car and visit more places in the Algarve | Find the best car rental deals|
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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.
Robert
Saturday 10th of August 2024
Hi Alya Thank you so much for wonderful guide. We are planning to walk in October and we are still trying to decide whether to walk North to South, or South to North. I noticed in one of your replies to questions you recommended walking North to South, but you did not say why. Am i correct in thinking that you will be looking directly into the sun by walking South, and the sun will always be on your back if you walk North? What other reason did you have for suggesting a South to North option? Thanks again for really helpful guide. Te desejo bem!!
Stingy Nomads
Monday 12th of August 2024
Hello Robert. Thank you for the comment. Usually I recommend walking south to north for those who walk in spring so they start in the south where it's warmer and as they progress it gets warmer on the West Coast. If you walk in fall it's the opposite, you start in the north (where it gets cooler and rainier early) and walk to the south where it's usually warmer and sunnier. In southern Algarve it's usually warm and sunny in October. On the West Coast it might be windy and the swell gets bigger closer to winter. Cheers
Sandra
Saturday 10th of February 2024
Hi, thanks so much for this guide. I'm planning to come in May for a bit of a solo walk/ time to myself kind of experience. So in terms of combining Historical and Fishermen's trail, I'm leaning towards starting in Santiago do Cacem with the Historical Trail and then switching to Fishermen's Trail in Odeceixe as you suggest. Only thing is I do already really love the sea, too, and feel it might also be too long a wait until the second half to see it. I know there's a connector from Cercal de Alentejo to Porto Covo, and the guide book I'm reading suggests that taxis are relatively cheap and easy to get, so I'm wondering if I could start in Historico, connect to Porto Covo to walk along the beach a few days, and then connect back into Historico by taxi, say from Almograve to Odemira. Would that make sense? If so, any particular unmissable bits that you would highlight on either route. Having two parallel tracks to chose from gives me massive fomo - I'll definitely still have to work on that if that whole contemplative thing is to work :-)
Bonus question: What type of food is typically being served/ sold along the trail? I'm generally a non-fussy eater, but I have to stick to a gluten free diet for medical reasons (intolerant, not coeliac), so unfortunately sandwiches tend to be a problem. Would you find things like oats, rice,.. in supermarkets? I've done previous hikes with freeze dried food packs and will probably take a few for emergencies, but carrying supplies for two weeks would obviously be quite a heavy lift (literally).
Thanks so much! Sandra
Stingy Nomads
Sunday 18th of February 2024
Hello Sandra. Thank you for your question. From the scenery point of view we definitely prefer the Fishermen's Trail over the Historical Way. If you like the coast I'd suggest walking the Fishermen's Trail from the start to the end. You'll get to see some flower fields and a bit of a forest walking along the coast. There are more food options as well along the coast as it's a more touristy area. If you really want to combine your idea is good. Taxis are not expensive and I'm quite sure you'll be able to find one from any town along both routes. We like Santiago do Cacem and the walk from there. The part from Odemira to Odeceixe is beautiful too. As for food you'll be able to find fish, meat, vegetable and egg dishes in restaurants. It's not only sandwiches. Shops and supermarkets in bigger towns have a standard selection of products. I'm sure you'll be able to find food suitable for your diet. Good luck
cory
Saturday 20th of January 2024
Hi There,
Thanks so much for this helpful site. Like Adrian, we plan to walk in late March/early April. However, we don't have enough time to walk the whole Fisherman's Trail.
Can you recommend a five-day stretch? We'll be relying on hostels for accommodation.
Love the south-to north-suggestion!
Thanks again,
Cory Indiana, USA
Stingy Nomads
Friday 26th of January 2024
Hello Cory. Thank you for the comment. For that time of the year I'd suggest starting the Fisherman's Trail in Lagos and walking north. If you have 5 days you'll probably finish in Carrapateira. Weather-wise it's the best option. Cheers
Adrian
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
What a fabulous and informative website you have put together! Bravo!
I would prefer to walk the coast and very much like your description of the Rota Vicentina.
I have the last two weeks in March 2024 and all of July and August.
Is the weather in the latter half of March OK enough to walk the trail? Or would you recommend two weeks in July or August instead?
I would prefer to avoid the high season crowds and prices of summer. But I would not want to walk in non-stop rain in March either.
I would also be open to walking a 10-12 day section of the north coast too, if that was preferable in March.
Thank you both again for providing such a valuable guide for us all.
Adrian Vancouver, Canada
Adrian Juric
Thursday 8th of February 2024
@Stingy Nomads,
Hello Campbell and Alya,
Thank you for your reply above. I will follow your advice about starting the Fisherman's Trail in Lagos and going north to Porto Covo.
Some questions if I may:
1. Does the FT route go west to Sagres first before heading north? Or does it skip the SW tip altogether? 2. I plan to stay in 3* hotels along the way. Is it advisable to book a day or two (or more) in advance? 4. If I walk 15-20km/day how many days would you say the trip will take? 5. Since I will begin in Lagos would you recommend doing the 7 Hanging Valley hike before beginning the FT? 6. Recommended iPhone map app for the FT? 7. Purchase SIM card at the airport or somewhere in Lagos?
Many kind thanks. Your site is such a gift to us all.
Adrian, Vancouver
Stingy Nomads
Tuesday 2nd of January 2024
Hello Adrian. Thank you for the comment. July and August are the peak season in the south of Portugal it's not the best time to come if you want to escape crowds and high prices. If you want to walk along the coast then the Fishermen's Trail is a great option. The second half of March is usually sunny. I would suggest walking the trail south to north, starting in Lagos and heading towards Porto Covo. The route is marked both ways. The spring usually comes a bit earlier in the south compared to the West Coast as you progress it will get warmer. Cheers
Ri
Thursday 23rd of November 2023
Hi there, thank you so much for posting this...so very inspiring. I was hoping to do the walk in January by myself. But am a bit worried about the weather. What will be be like then? And would I have too book accommodation in advance? Or do you think I could rock up on the day?
Stingy Nomads
Friday 24th of November 2023
Hello Ri. Thank you for the comment. You can expect chilly days especially on the West Coast with rain. You might be lucky and get very few rainy days or unlucky and walk in the rain for days. Overall December and January are the rainiest months in the Algarve. January is a low season you don't have to book anything in advance just keep in mind that some places might be closed for winter. Cheers