The unspoilt Alentejo coast in south-west Portugal is a place of tranquil villages where life unfolds at an unhurried pace, with tiny harbours and wide sandy bays with rolling breakers.
- Admire the distinctive charm of the Alentejo
- Hike part of the Fisherman's Trail
- Enjoy coastal walking with exquisite views
- Walk amongst a variety of habitats including sand dunes
- Stay in characterful accommodation
- Sample some of the region's famous cuisine
The Trilho dos Pescadores (Fisherman’s Trail) links a series of footpaths that provide access to the various remote beaches and tiny fishing harbours that lie along a 111-kilometre stretch of coastline between Porto Côvo and Odeceixe in Alentejo.
Alentejo is the region of south-central Portugal that lies southeast of the Tejo (Tagus) River, bounded to the east by Spain and to the south-west by the Atlantic Ocean with a dramatic coastline of surf-lashed beaches. This walk takes you along the Alentejo coast to discover unspoilt nature at its best, amidst a simple and uncomplicated environment that we can only dream of. The Alentejo may be one of Portugal’s least visited regions, but you cannot fail to be seduced by its low-key allure.
Enjoy a 2-week walking holiday in Portugal with our Walking the Algarve Coast itinerary.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrive Portugal
Fly into either Lisbon or Faro and meet a local guide who drives you to your accommodation. Depending on your flight time, you should reach Vila Nova in time to enjoy sunset over the Atlantic Ocean, followed by dinner.
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Day 2: Walk from Ponte Côvo to Vila Nova de Milfontes
Today’s walk is quite long but highly rewarding! After a short transfer to picturesque Porto Côvo you pick up a scenic trail that follows the coast south. On leaving the whitewashed cottages and cobbled streets, you pass the Ilha do Pessegueiro with its ruined 15th century fortress and Roman ruins, and the long sandy beaches of Aivados.
Walking distance: 20 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200 m
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Day 3: Coastal path to Almograve
This morning, you cross the Mira River by small traditional boat to the start of today's walk, where you’re likely to meet no more than a handful of other people. The hillsides are covered with a unique Mediterranean-like maquis of plants and herbs that fill the air with aromatic perfume. The birdlife includes numerous storks, whose nests you can see on the rocks. After a few hours you reach your nightstop at Praia Longueira, near Almograve, where you can spend the afternoon relaxing.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200 m
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Day 4: Coastal path to Touril
Today's route continues south past Praia Almograve to Lapa das Pombas, a charming tiny fishing port where ancient techniques are still in everyday use. Next comes the lighthouse of Cabo Sardão, the westernmost point of the Alentejo. This is a place of immense natural beauty, popular with ornithologists, where land and sea come together in perfect union. In the afternoon you reach a rural farm on the clifftop with pleasant accommodation where you can rest and relax.
Walking distance: 21 km | Ascent: 300 m | Descent: 300 m
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Day 5: Coastal path to Brejão
Another unforgettable day lies ahead: walking along the largely deserted coastline of rugged cliffs and deserted beaches. The first stop is at Entrada da Barca, a tiny natural harbour in a rocky inlet. From here you continue to Zambujeira do Mar, which has an excellent view over the broad beach, to the Vale de Figueira, which owes its name to the fig trees that once covered it, although the valley is now intensively cultivated with paddy fields; those and sand dunes explain its rich biodiversity. Passing Carvalhal, with its surf beach, you reach your accommodation near Brejão.
Walking distance: 14 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200 m
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Day 6: Coastal path to Odeceixe
Much of the day is spent crossing the Southwest Alentejo & Vicentine Coast Natural Park, whose abundant wildlife includes sea otters and many raptors. To reach the end of your trip in the pleasant village of Odeceixe, you cross the Ribeira de Seixe, which marks the boundary between the Alentejo and the Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost regions.
Walking distance: 13 km | Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 200 m
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Day 7: Depart Portugal
Transfer by road to the airport in Faro or Lisbon for your international flight back to the UK.
Price and Other Information
- Duration and price excluding international flights: 7 days from £1,095 per person
- Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 7 days from £1,345 per person
- Single room supplement: On request
- Walking grade: Moderate
- Guiding: Self-Guided
- Max alt: Low
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When to go: View Dates & Prices
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Route map:
View map 
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What’s included
- Hotel x 2 nights, guesthouse x 4 nights
- 6 breakfasts & 5 picnic lunches
- Airport transfers
- Luggage transfers
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Choose your preferred departure date from the 5 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.
| Year | Daily Departures† | Price From (Exc. Flights) | Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| All prices are per person. † Daily departures subject to availability. | |||
| 2024 | From 27 Apr to 26 May | £1,265 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 27 May to 26 Jun | £1,265 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 27 Jun to 26 Sep | £1,325 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 27 Sep to 28 Oct | £1,245 | Book or Enquire |
| 2024 | From 29 Oct to 15 Dec | £1,095 | Book or Enquire |
If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
