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Portugal's Rota Vicentina
The Historical Way and Fishermen's Trail
ISBN
9781786311436
Availability
Published
Published
21 Nov 2022
Edition
Second
Pages
112
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x .60cm
Weight
130g
Delivery & Returns
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.
More information...
Guidebook to walking Portugal's Rota Vicentina, a stunning yet remarkably little-visited 220km route down the south-western Atlantic coast, through the Alentejo and Algarve districts. The route, which is suitable for all fit walkers and is not technically difficult, is described across 12 stages, making it perfect for a 2-week holiday.
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.ISBN
9781786311436
Availability
Published
Published
21 Nov 2022
Edition
Second
Pages
112
Size
17.20 x 11.60 x .60cm
Weight
130g
Delivery & Returns
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.
More information...
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Overview
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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
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Table of Contents
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The Rota Vicentina Association
Route summary tableIntroduction
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 guideThe 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 VicenteInland 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 AlentejoAppendix A Accommodation
Appendix B Useful information
Appendix C Portuguese–English glossary -
Updates
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February 2025
Stages 1 and 2 (rerouting)
Stage 1 has been partially rerouted. See https://rotavicentina.com/en/walking/santiago-do-cacem-vale-seco-2/#dm=1
Stage 2 has also been partially rerouted. See https://rotavicentina.com/walking/vale-seco-cercal-do-alentejo/#dm=1
January 2023
Stage 9, Aljezur
You can also stay at Boutique Guesthouse Releash
Aljezur tel 963 984221 https://releash-aljezur.com/ -
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By Gillian Price
Gillian Price has trekked throughout Asia and the Himalayas, but now lives in Venice. Gillian has steadily explored the mountain ranges of Italy, and Corsica, and brought them to life for visitors in a series of outstanding guides for Cicerone. She is an active member of the Italian Alpine Club (CAI) and Mountain Wilderness.
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