Portugal - the Historical Way of the Rota Vicentina in Alentejo and Algarve

Day 1

Santiago do Cacem
Arriving to Santiago do Cacém, located away from Alentejo’s coast, is well worth exploring, it is an interesting town, passage point of walkers since the medieval age, it is nowadays council’s head-office; great panoramic views over the city and towards the hill with the castle and city’s church on top.
Hotel: Overnight in Santiago do Cacém

Day 2

Santiago do Cacém » Vale Seco - 18 km
This long distance path along Sw Portugal begins at the emblematic Santiago do Cacém Church, a city with a strong connection to the pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela. Since the Middle Ages pilgrims pass here coming from the Promontorium Sacrum, the mythical destination of this historic journey now recovered through Rota Vicentina

Day 3

Vale Seco » Cercal do Alentejo -23 km
This is the most arid section of Rota Vicentina. It crosses a profoundly agricultural and rural Alentejo where, in spite the proximity to the ocean, you will be able to smell the fragrances and feel the might of this inland area. At Campilhas Dam, make a pause for a picnic and a dip on hotter days

Day 4

Cercal do Alentejo » Porto Covo -18 km
This is the section connecting the Historical Way to the Fishermen’s Trail on Rota Vicentina’s northern region, allowing the hiker to feel this area’s strong connection to the ocean, as you approach the coast line and Porto Covo, a picturesque fishermen’s village

Day 5

PORTO CÔVO to VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES - 19km (6h)
Wonderful walk along the coastline always with an amazing sea view. Starting in a very picturesque historical village called Porto Côvo, passing by a small Island called "Ilha do Pessegueiro" with the option to go by the beach taking the hard sand or going a little bit more inland by the dunes path. You will find some stunning beaches, some of them desert, and after that, almost at the end you have a fishing harbour in the north area of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 6

VILA NOVA DE MILFONTES to LONGUEIRA/ALMOGRAVE - 17km (4h) -
Easy walk along the coast with path winds through pinewoods, sand dunes and along cliff tops. You will find some desert beaches and after that you have a tiny fishing village called Almograve. From there you can have a rest and try local gastronomy (seafood is a good tip). After lunch there is a 30minutes walk to Longueira, where Maria do Carmo will be expecting you at her Turismo Rural. Accommodation: Rural Tourism

Day 7

LONGUEIRA/ALMOGRAVE to ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR - 21km (6h)
- Leaving the village of Almograve behind you will be once again exploring landscapes along the unspoiled coastal Alentejo. Passing by a fishing harbour (Entrada da Barca – on route). Allowing to walk next to the cliffs with panoramic sceneries. It´s possible to watch cliff-nesting storks. You can use the little village of Cavaleiro to do a stop, have supplies and enjoy a good and homemade local dish just before heading West to the beautiful lighthouse of Cabo Sardão. The end will be in Zambujeira do Mar, with one of the most amazing urban beaches in Portugal.
Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 8

ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR to ODECEIXE - 18km (6h)
Maybe one of the most popular hiking routes used by the fishermen´s that goes South direction to the first Algarve village (Odeceixe). But before getting there, plenty do explore, feel and smell, being the Carvalhal Beach, the residence of the famous "fado" singer Amália Rodrigues and the locally famous harbour "Azenha do Mar", some of the highligts. After recharging your batteries at these Azenha do Mar seafood restaurant after you will have the energy needed to get Odeceixe River and cross the bridge to get to the Algarve.
Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 9

Odeceixe » Aljezur-18 km
Today you will be walking along Mira’s watering channel, fed by the waters of Santa Clara’s dam. You can see for miles around you, with the mountains to the east and the ocean to the west. You’ll have a choice between two complementary circuits that will take you to the coastal cliffs and allow you to get to know Odeceixe and Amoreira beaches.Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 10

Aljezur » Arrifana -18 km
This is a short day, but one that can be extended by going along the Fishermen’s Trail towards Arrifana or continuing to the south, towards the villages of Bordeira and Carrapateira. You will cross scented valleys and small farms as you approach the coast. Wonderful place to enjoy the beach.Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 11

Arrifana » Carrapateira -24 km
Pedra da Agulha seen from Canal beach, Vale Figueira’s vast sand stretch revealed during low tide and a succession of hills and valleys, confirm the most aggressive and inaccessible side of this coastal area. Upon arrival, a privileged view over Bordeira beach’s sand dunes and the creek that meets the ocean here, in a setting that repeats itself over and over again and characterizes Vicentina Coast’s beaches.Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 12

Carrapateira » Vila do Bispo-22 km
After magnificent views over Bordeira beach, the beauty of pristine valleys, where one can barely feel the human presence, the picturesque villages of Vilarinha and Pedralva, you will be ready to face the strong winds that are expected with the arrival in Vila do Bispo. A section where is possible to experience the essence of the Vicentina Coast. Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 13

VILA DO BISPO to SAGRES - 21km (5h)
Last stage of our adventure will take us to the most South-western point of continental Europe. A special place, not only because of it’s particular position, but also due to it’s important role during the Portuguese discovery era. Also destination of many pilgrims faithful to St. Vincent. A very strong and rich area for bird watching, so pay attention and keep your binoculars ready. Accommodation: B&B Hotel

Day 14

End of the walk in the morning