A guidebook to trekking Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, a 224km (139 mile) trail comprised of the Historial Way (Caminho Histórico) and the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores). With the central stages hugging the Atlantic seaboard, the route stretches from Santiago do Cacém to the southwestern tip of mainland Europe at Cabo de São Vicente. The trail is suitable for most walkers, with stages graded easy or moderate.

The main route is presented in 12 stages of between 12 and 24km (7–15 miles). Also included in the guidebook is a four-stage inland variant running north from Odeceixe to form a circuit with the northern half of the main route.

• Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping
• GPX files available for download
• Refreshment and accommodation information provided for each trek stage
• Accommodation listings
• Advice on planning and preparation

The Rota Vicentina Association  
Route summary table 

Introduction  
The Rota Vicentina  
Highlights and shorter walks  
Wildlife  
Plants and flowers  
Getting to Portugal  
Getting to the trek start  
Local transport  
Information  
When to go  
Accommodation  
Food and drink  
What to take  
Waymarking and maps  
Dos and don’ts  
Emergencies  
Using this guide 

The Rota Vicentina  
Stage 1 Santiago do Cacém to Moinhos do Paneiro  
Stage 2 Moinhos do Paneiro to Cercal do Alentejo  
Stage 3 Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo  
Stage 4 Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes  
Stage 5 Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve  
Stage 6 Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar  
Stage 7 Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe  
Stage 8 Odeceixe to Aljezur  
Stage 9 Aljezur to Arrifana  
Stage 10 Arrifana to Carrapateira  
Stage 11 Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo  
Stage 12 Vila di Bispo to Cabo de São Vicente 

Inland route  
Stage 1IR Odeceixe to São Teotónio  
Stage 2IR São Teotónio to Odemira  
Stage 3IR Odemira to São Luis  
Stage 4IR São Luis to Cercal do Alentejo 

Appendix A Accommodation  
Appendix B Useful information  
Appendix C Portuguese–English glossary 

Seasons

The perfect time to go is spring (March to May/early June) then late summer to autumn (September to November). September to June is fine although the winter can be wet. Midsummer can be stiflingly hot and not recommended.

Centres

Santiago do Cacém, Cercal do Alentejo, Porto Covo, Vila Nova de Milfontes, Almograve, Zambujeira do Mar, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Arrifana, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo, Cabo de São Vicente, Sagres, Odemira.

Difficulty

The stages are on mostly level ground and are straightforward, with no special difficulty involved (Grade 1 and 2). This hike is suitable for all fit walkers who are capable of walking around 20km per day.

Must See

Dramatic cliff scenery along the Fisherman's Trail; vast sandy beaches; white storks nesting on sea stacks; 15th-century Age of Discovery sites and history of Henry the Navigator; Arab-era castles; welcoming fishing villages and Portuguese hospitality; Europe's most southwestern point of Cabo de São Vicente.

February 2025

Stages 1 and 2 (rerouting)

January 2023

Stage 9, Aljezur

Free Royal Mail 48 postage on UK orders. European postage is £3.50 per item. Worldwide postage is £5.50 per item. If you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, we'll give you a full refund.