What you get on this adventure: An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area 8-day hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal (6 days of walking) Accommodation for 7 nights in ensuite, twin-shared rooms 4 nights in Porto Covo 3 nights in Vale de Telha, Aljezur Local tourist tax 7 breakfasts at the hotel Airport transfer at 3pm on Day 1 from Faro Airport to the hotel in Porto Covo Airport transfer at 9am on Day 8 from the hotel in Vale da Telha to the airport All transports to walks and activities, as outlined in the itinerary Walks and activities according to the itinerary What’s not included: Flights to Portugal Entry tickets to castles, attractions, events Any food other than breakfasts Any personal expenses Single supplement — available at an additional cost Extra nights at the hotel — available at an additional cost Guide gratuities — optional Travel and medical insurance — mandatory

How fit do I need to be?

This hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal requires decent base fitness and some familiarity with hiking or walking. You’ll walk 10-16 km / 6.2-10 miles daily for six days, with up to 4.5 hours on the trail each day. The steepest sections involve climbs of about 270 m / 886 ft. Regular walkers and weekend hikers should find the route comfortable. The terrain ranges from flat coastal paths to undulating woodland trails, but no technical climbing or mountain hiking experience is required. If you’re someone who can walk for a couple of hours on uneven ground without feeling overly tired, and if you stay regularly active through walking, cycling, swimming, or similar activities, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure. For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here !

What do I need to bring?

Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring: Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag) Hiking poles — optional Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity) Lightweight hiking boots or shoes Comfortable hiking clothes Hiking socks Functional sports underwear Spare clothes for layering Waterproof rain jacket Scarf (if required) Sunhat or cap Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.) Personal medications Headlamp or flashlight Sunglasses Camera — optional (but recommended) Valid passport or ID International travel health insurance certificate Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

Group sizes and age requirements

Group sizes and pricing For this hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal, the maximum group size is set at 20 participants. There will be one guide accompanying the group. For group tours, it takes a minimum of 2 people to operate. Private tours can be arranged for 6 or more people. The tour will be confirmed 60 days prior to the departure date at the latest. If the minimum of 2 people for group tours is not reached, the tour will be canceled. A hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements. Min. age requirements If you are older than 18, you’re good to go. Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian. If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

Getting there and meeting location

The starting point of your hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal is Porto Covo. To get there, most people fly into Faro Airport (FAO) . Your guides will organize a group transfer from Faro Airport at 3pm, taking you directly to your hotel in Porto Covo. Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 6pm on Day 1 at your hotel.

Safety measures and insurance

Medical and travel protection is mandatory to join this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner! Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered. Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

Hiking the Costa Vicentina: Explore Portugal's Wild Edge

A brown cow and her calf graze in a green pasture, with a dirt road and hikers in the background

A group of hikers ascending a steep, grassy hillside in southwest Portugal

Hikers walking the rugged coastline on the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal

Two women walk along a sandy beach in Portugal, with a small island in the distance

Aerial view of the city of Faro, Portugal

A fisherman casts his line from a rocky cliff in southwest Portugal

A group of hikers walk on a dirt path through a forest in Portugal

The lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent, Portugal

Panorama of Pessegueiro beach fort and Pessegueiro Island

Sand dunes at Bordeira beach, Carrapateira, Portugal

White and blue houses in the village of Porto Covo

ALENTEJO | PORTUGAL

Hiking the Costa Vicentina: Explore Portugal’s Wild Edge

Season

Year-round

Duration

8 days (6 days of walking)

Accommodation

2-star and 3-star hotels

Difficulty

Guide

BeCool Travel

Book a call

From $1,030 () / 8 days

Intro
Itinerary
Brochure
Guides
Things to know

Back when ships dreaded the edge of the world, Portugal’s southwest was as far as maps went. Now we know better, but Costa Vicentina still feels like nature’s last stand. For 8 days, we’ll walk from Porto Covo’s fishing village to Cape St. Vincent’s dramatic cliffs, finding a mix of hidden coves, lush forests and villages where time takes it slow. Our pace is flexible: walk the full trails or pause to explore markets and harbors. No matter our rhythm, this walking adventure along Europe’s old edge will show us a Portugal that refused to be tamed.

Adventure highlights

Double the discovery

Switch between the ocean-side Fishermen’s Trail and the inland Historic Route as you journey south
Leave the tourist trail

Walk through the villages of Alentejo and Algarve, where local life and tradition still set the pace
Hike at your own pace

Pick your daily challenge: walk the full route or opt out along the way to explore hidden coves and villages

Download itinerary

Itinerary

Got a week to explore one of the last wild corners of Europe? Along Portugal's Costa Vicentina, rugged cliffs and traditional villages offer a glimpse into life on the edge of the Atlantic. We'll spend 8 days discovering the Alentejo and Algarve regions, walking both coastal and inland trails with an experienced local guide with deep knowledge of the area's nature and culture. Everything is arranged: 7 nights in comfortable hotels with ensuite rooms, daily breakfasts, and all transfers—from meeting at Faro Airport to reaching each day's trailhead. With logistics handled seamlessly, we're free to focus on what matters: experiencing this unique corner of Portugal at our own pace.

Our adventure begins with a transfer from Faro airport to Porto Covo, reaching our hotel by 6pm to meet the guide. If we arrive early enough, we’ll take a short walk to stretch our legs and get our first glimpse of the coast.

Accommodation: Hotel Porto Covo, Porto Covo
We begin our journey from the charming fishing village of Porto Covo, known for its white houses with blue trim. Our path leads us along rugged cliffs and past hidden beaches with crystal-clear waters. We’ll stop at the 16th-century Fort of Pessegueiro before continuing to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 4.5 hours
Hiking distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Elevation: +90 m / +295 ft, -100 m / -328 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Covo, Porto Covo
Today we explore a greener side of Alentejo along the Ribeira do Torgal. We’ll walk through forests of ash, willow, and alder trees. This area is rich in wildlife, so we might spot signs of wild boars and various birds! In spring, we’ll see genista flowers, in summer oregano grows wild, and in autumn we can spot wild asparagus.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 4 hours
Hiking distance: 15 km / 9.3 miles
Elevation: +170 m / +558 ft, -275 m / -902 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Covo, Porto Covo
Our route takes us past remote beaches to Azenhas do Mar, a natural fishing harbor. The highlight is Odeceixe beach, one of Portugal’s most stunning coastal spots. We’ll cross a maze of wetlands where the Seixe River meets the ocean, creating a rich habitat for local wildlife.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 4 hours
Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation: +270 m / +886 ft, -300 m / -984 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Porto Covo, Porto Covo
Today’s walk along the Fishermen’s trail will take us on a journey through time. We’ll walk along cliffs containing prehistoric remains and stop at the Ponta da Atalaia, where we’ll find the Ribat of Arrifana, a 12th-century Islamic fortress-monastery. The rocky coast below us is where local fishermen practice a dangerous tradition: harvesting goose barnacles during low tides.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 3.5 hours
Hiking distance: 13 km / 8.1 miles
Elevation: +100 m / +328 ft, -100 m / -328 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha, Aljezur
The calm village of Carrapateira is a unique place that attracts surfers, walkers, fishermen, and birders alike. We’ll walk through the village and along stunning sand dunes. Along the way, we’ll see and smell local plants like thyme, rosemary, lavender, and rockroses as we walk between limestone cliffs and the ocean.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 3 hours
Hiking distance: 10 km / 6.2 miles
Elevation: +80 m / +263 ft, -80 m / -263 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha, Aljezur
Our final walk starts in Vila do Bispo, takes us along the expansive open countryside, and ends at Cape St. Vincent, Europe’s southwestern tip. Once thought to be the end of the world, the cape is now known for its dramatic cliffs and migrating birds.

Meals: Breakfast
Hiking time: 4 hours
Hiking distance: 14 km / 8.7 miles
Elevation: +80 m / +263 ft, -120 m / -394 ft
Accommodation: Hotel Vale da Telha, Aljezur
We’ll gather for a farewell breakfast and leave our hotel at 9am for our transfer to Faro Airport.

Meals: Breakfast

Hiking the Costa Vicentina: Explore Portugal’s Wild Edge

Adventure Brochure

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Talk with us and let one of our adventure experts help you plan your perfect adventure.

Meet your guide

5.00

BeCool Travel

BeCool Travel offers all sorts of guided and self-guided holidays in Portugal, with an emphasis on sustainability through partnerships with local operators. Whether it’s a walking or a cycling adventure, a historical, wellness, or wine tour, they’ve got you covered, all the while providing top-notch services and logistics. With a focus on safety, environmental protection, and customer satisfaction, BeCool Travel ensures a responsible and enriching travel experience, designed and carried out by locals.

Things to know

What you get on this adventure:
- - An experienced, local hiking guide with extensive knowledge of the area
  - 8-day hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal (6 days of walking)
  - Accommodation for 7 nights in ensuite, twin-shared rooms
    
    4 nights in Porto Covo
    
    3 nights in Vale de Telha, Aljezur
  - Local tourist tax
  - 7 breakfasts at the hotel
  - Airport transfer at 3pm on Day 1 from Faro Airport to the hotel in Porto Covo
  - Airport transfer at 9am on Day 8 from the hotel in Vale da Telha to the airport
  - All transports to walks and activities, as outlined in the itinerary
  - Walks and activities according to the itinerary
What’s not included:
- - Flights to Portugal
  - Entry tickets to castles, attractions, events
  - Any food other than breakfasts
  - Any personal expenses
  - Single supplement — available at an additional cost
  - Extra nights at the hotel — available at an additional cost
  - Guide gratuities — optional
  - Travel and medical insurance — mandatory
This hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal requires decent base fitness and some familiarity with hiking or walking. You’ll walk 10-16 km / 6.2-10 miles daily for six days, with up to 4.5 hours on the trail each day. The steepest sections involve climbs of about 270 m / 886 ft. Regular walkers and weekend hikers should find the route comfortable.

The terrain ranges from flat coastal paths to undulating woodland trails, but no technical climbing or mountain hiking experience is required. If you’re someone who can walk for a couple of hours on uneven ground without feeling overly tired, and if you stay regularly active through walking, cycling, swimming, or similar activities, you’ll be well prepared for this adventure.

For more hiking adventures in Portugal, click here!
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
- - Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  - Hiking poles — optional
  - Water bottle or hydration bladder (2L capacity)
  - Lightweight hiking boots or shoes
  - Comfortable hiking clothes
  - Hiking socks
  - Functional sports underwear
  - Spare clothes for layering
  - Waterproof rain jacket
  - Scarf (if required)
  - Sunhat or cap
  - Toiletries (sunscreen, hand sanitizer, bug spray, etc.)
  - Personal medications
  - Headlamp or flashlight
  - Sunglasses
  - Camera — optional (but recommended)
  - Valid passport or ID
  - International travel health insurance certificate
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
- - For this hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal, the maximum group size is set at 20 participants. There will be one guide accompanying the group.
  - For group tours, it takes a minimum of 2 people to operate.
  - Private tours can be arranged for 6 or more people.
  - The tour will be confirmed 60 days prior to the departure date at the latest. If the minimum of 2 people for group tours is not reached, the tour will be canceled.
A hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

Min. age requirements
- - If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  - Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join this hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal is Porto Covo. To get there, most people fly into Faro Airport (FAO). Your guides will organize a group transfer from Faro Airport at 3pm, taking you directly to your hotel in Porto Covo. Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at 6pm on Day 1 at your hotel.
Medical and travel protection is mandatory to join this adventure. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits

You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

Cancellations

Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

Basic
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.
Super Flexible
- - In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
  - For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
  - For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.