Itinerary
- Day 1
Vila Nova de Milfontes
You'll arrive in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a coastal village where whitewashed houses line the streets and golden beaches meet freshwater springs. After getting settled, take time to walk through the town and check out the historic fortress. The Mira River and Praia das Furnas are nearby, giving you a good sense of the landscape before your walking adventure along the Costa Vicentina begins.
- Start point
- Aeroporto Da Portela, 1700-056 Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal (According to the flight details)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Stroll through the village with whitewashed houses and historic fortress
- Discover the beauty of the Mira River
- Visit Praia das Furnas
Landmarks/POIs Praia das Furnas Mira River Vila Nova de Milfontes Fortress - Day 2
Vila Nova de Milfontes to Porto Covo
Your first walking stage starts with a transfer to Porto Covo for a 20 km/12 mi trek. This fishing village was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake, so you'll see whitewashed buildings and bright red doors throughout. The trail takes you past hidden beaches and coves along the Atlantic, and the colorful dunes here support rare plant species found nowhere else on this stretch of Portuguese coast.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Transfer to the start of Stage 1
Optional Activities
- Explore Porto Covo fishing village
- Walk Stage 1 trail (20 km/12 mi) along the Costa Vicentina
- Discover beaches and hidden coves
- Experience the Atlantic coastline and rare dune vegetation
Landmarks/POIs Porto Covo - Day 3
Porto Covo to Almograve
Stage 2 covers 13-16 km/8-10 mi with views of Vila Nova de Milfontes and the Mira River estuary ahead. You have the option to cross by boat or bridge, both offering different perspectives on the landscape. Along the way, you'll pass ancient flint mills and signs of Stone Age settlements. By evening, you reach Almograve, a village set between cliffside beaches and Praia das Furnas.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk Stage 2 trail (13-16 km/8-10 mi) from Porto Covo to Almograve
- Cross the Mira River by boat (ticket not included)
- Enjoy views of the estuary and Mediterranean scrub landscape
- Explore ancient flint mills in the dunes
- Visit Praia das Furnas near Almograve
Landmarks/POIs Praia das Furnas Mira River Estuary Almograve - Day 4
Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar
Stage 3 is a 22 km/14 mi section following the Fishermen's Trail toward Zambujeira do Mar. The route takes you past wild beaches, red dunes, and small fishing harbors. A major highlight comes at Cabo Sardão where high cliffs overlook the Atlantic. You'll end the day in Zambujeira do Mar with its clifftop location and the small chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk Stage 3 trail (22 km/14 mi) along the Fishermen's Trail
- Visit Cabo Sardão
- Explore wild beaches and red dunes
- Experience local fishing traditions
- Visit the chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar in Zambujeira do Mar
Landmarks/POIs Cabo Sardão Nossa Senhora do Mar Chapel Zambujeira do Mar - Day 5
Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe
Stage 4 runs 19 km/12 mi with steep climbs and descents that reveal several notable beaches: Alteirinhos, Carvalhal, Machados, and Praia de Amália (named after a famous Portuguese Fado singer). The day finishes at Odeceixe, which sits on one of Portugal's 7 Wonders where the river flows into the sea. Explore the village and check out Odeceixe Mill and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk Stage 4 trail (19 km/12 mi) through dramatic coastal scenery
- Visit Praia de Amália
- Explore Odeceixe beach where river meets sea
- Visit the Odeceixe Mill at Serro da Igreja
- Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade
Landmarks/POIs Praia de Amália Odeceixe Beach Odeceixe Mill Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade - Day 6
Odeceixe to Aljezur
Stage 5 covers 23 km/14 mi and shifts inland through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. Rolling hills and green fields offer a change of pace from the coastal cliffs. You'll reach Aljezur, a town founded by Moors in the 10th century. The Castle of Aljezur sits above town and provides views of the landscape where mountains meet sea.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk Stage 5 trail (23 km/14 mi) through inland countryside
- Explore Aljezur town with its Moorish heritage
- Visit the Castle of Aljezur for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Castle of Aljezur Aljezur Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park - Day 7
Aljezur to Arrifana
Your final walking stage is 17 km/10 mi through fragrant valleys and small farms as you head back toward the coast. Monte do Clérigo beach greets you first, then the Atalaia Bridge shows you the ruins of Ribat da Arrifana, Portugal's only known monastic fortress. The walk ends at Arrifana bay with dramatic cliffs and turquoise water, and you can stop at Arrifana Fortress for a final panoramic view.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Walk Stage 6 trail (17 km/10 mi) through valleys and farmland
- Visit Monte do Clérigo beach
- Explore the ruins of Ribat da Arrifana monastic fortress
- Discover Arrifana bay and its dramatic cliffs
- Visit Arrifana Fortress for panoramic views
Landmarks/POIs Monte do Clérigo Beach Ribat da Arrifana Arrifana Fortress Arrifana Bay - Day 8
Arrifana to Faro Airport
Your Costa Vicentina trek concludes as you arrange a transfer to Faro Airport based on your flight time, bringing your walking adventure along this rugged Portuguese coastline to an end.
