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
What you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
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.
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Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
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
A hiking tour of Costa Vicentina in Portugal can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
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!