the best of the Alentejo coast

Put it on the agenda: the Vincentian route trail was voted one of the best in all of Europe. Come and discover its main stages.

O Vincentian route trail or historic path of the Vincentian route received the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe certification. In other words, it was elected one of the best trails in Europe by the European Ramblers Association.

The reason is simple. The Rota Vicentina trail meets all the quality criteria, as a result of the improvements and adjustments that have been made to the trail in recent times.

This route extends through the southwest of Portugal and includes a network of trails that follow that beautiful coastline. There are 230km, 13 stages, and a unique combination of the Historic Path and the Fishermen’s Trail.

So, venture to discover a piece of the Portuguese coast that is absolutely unmissable.

Itinerary: Rota Vicentina Trail

This city is in the interior of the Alentejo coast. It is a region full of medieval marks and vestiges that are worth exploring and getting to know. Dedicate a day to this location and spend the night there.

Start the trail of the Vincentian route, along the coastline of Alentejo. Get ready to walk through several forests and pastures, full of cork oaks. Be attentive and be able to observe several endemic species of birds that have their nests there.

Explore the countryside, crossing farms and farmland. Before reaching Cercal, you will pass through forests, olive groves, small lakes and water reservoirs. If the day is hot, pass by Lake Campilhas and take the opportunity to take a dip.

Now, he starts walking along the trail of the Rota Vicentina towards the ocean, approaching the so-called fishermen’s trail. After passing the fields and gardens, you will feel the wonderful aroma of the eucalyptus plantations. At the end of the route, you can see the blue color on the horizon line.

do not miss
Porto Côvo: cliffs, rest and a peach tree on the island

This is a demanding stage from a physical point of view, during which you must take groceries to eat and gain energy. The views in milfontes are magnificent! This is a path that has not yet been explored, with several areas with loose sand.

The challenge of this day along the Vincentian route is to cross the river through the bridge and face a very peaceful and restorative stage. Cross fields and small cliffs that give access to the extraordinary beaches of the region. Have lunch in the region and make the most of the local cuisine, until you reach the village of Longeira, in the countryside.

Return to the incredible landscapes of the Alentejo coast. Pass by the fishing port of Zambujeira (Entrada da Barca) and follow the cliffs and the spectacular views that you can admire from there. And don’t forget to watch the storks!

The village of Cavaleiro is a good place to stop and have lunch. Then, pass the Cabo Sardão lighthouse until you reach the extraordinary beaches of Zambujeira do Mar🇧🇷

This is a stage full of attractions on the trail of the Vincentian route, towards the first village in the Algarve region, Odeceixe. On the way, you will pass by Praia do Carvalhal, the residence of the fado singer Amália Rodrigues and the port of Azenha do Mar. Have lunch and end the day in the Algarve.

Continue south along the coast to the village of Aljezur🇧🇷 Pass by the agricultural village of Rogil, where you can delight yourself with its tasty sweet potato.

The fishermen’s trail follows Arrifana beach and offers the best views of the ocean. Take the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and calm of the beach.

Head south, between the sea and the mountain. Enjoy the hills, dunes and beaches. A path along the Vincentian route trail still untouched and offering countless surprises, such as a garden, charming at any time of year.

Hills, meadows, rivers and lagoons guarantee the beauty of a stage characterized by an incredible local biodiversity. Close to Vila do Bispo, you can observe some unique species of birds.

The Vincentian route trail ends at the most southwestern point of continental Europe. Saint Vincent it’s an excellent bird watch, so don’t forget to take your binoculars with you!