8-day Rota Vicentina Walking Tour: From Arrifana to Lagos

After arriving in the coastal village of Carrapateira, a small and picturesque place surrounded by dunes and dramatic cliffs, you can take some time to explore its quiet streets and relaxed atmosphere. Perhaps visit the beach of Bordeira, one of the most stunning along the Vicentine Coast, or walk up to the Pontal da Carrapateira viewpoint for sweeping ocean views.

Your first route will depend on the tides, as the Fishermen's Trail near Carrapateira can only be done at low tide as there is no escape route on some parts of the 100m-high cliffs when the tide comes in. Inland is the alternative Rota Vicentina route, the so-called Caminho Histórico, which leads through a surprisingly beautiful rural setting alternating between maquís, pine forests and open meadows with old cork and holm oaks. Whatever you do, the day starts with a short taxi ride to the fishing village of Arrifana (or even further south to Monte Novo, hence shortening the route).

Challenge: 4.5 / 6 / 7 hrs, 16 - 19 - 23 km / 10 - 12 - 15 mi, 175 / 200 / 325 m ascent, 250 / 265 / 425 m descent

Villages along the way: Arrifana, Bordeira, Carrapateira

Today you can pick from two loop walks. The first route is a short circular walk, which takes you along the coast and the beaches of Carrapateira. If you feel up for a challenge, you can take the longer option of 21.9 km with both coastal and inland sections, to the completely restored village of Pedralva.

Challenge: 3 - 6.5 hrs, 10 - 22 km / 6 - 14 mi, 125 - 215 m ascent / descent

In the morning, you continue further south following the fisermen's trails on top of the cliffs and partly through the undulating inland, until suddenly the historic town of Vila do Bispo comes into sight. Especially at the start of the walk, you are very likely to encounter fishermen, balancing on protruding rocks.

Challenge: 6-7 hrs, 19 km / 12 mi, 400 m ascent , 350 m descent

Villages along the way: none, only the beach do Amado

A spectacular stage today as you round the south-western most point of Europe via barren lime stone cliffs. Visit the old fortress and light house at the windswept Cape São Vicente and then follow the coastline eastwards to the fortress of Sagres. In this beach town you will stay for two nights close to the beach and near the marina of Baleeira.

Challenge: 5-6 hrs, 20 km / 12 mi, 120 m ascent, 200 m descent

The section between Sagres and Salema is one of the most challenging stages of the Fishermen's Trail, as you constantly ascend and descend the cliffs following stony foot paths. But it is also one of the most beautiful stages: wind and water have formed the bizarre rock formations here, for which the Algarve is famous. You will be rewarded for all the effort with beautiful views and numerous opportunities to swim at the beaches of Martinhal, Barranco, Ingrina, Zavial, Furnas, Figueira or Salema. There were pottary factories on the plains in roman times and the remains of a 18-century fortress at Ponte de Fisga. 
If you find 20 km too much you can ask the taxi to pick you up in Figueiras (after 16 km) instead of Salema as you will return to the hotel in Sagres in the afternoon.

Challenge: 5 - 6.5 hrs,  16 - 20 km / 10 -12 mi, 260 or 345 m ascent, 230 or 370 m decent

Villages along the way: Martinhal, Figueira

A taxi takes you back to Salema  this morning, or a little bit further east to Burgeau, where you will begin the final hike along the Fishermen's Trail. Along the way, you can admire the famous natural caves and arches at Ponte do Piedade and Praia do Camilo beach. Along this coast, several forts were built by Romans, Arabs and Portuguese to protect the population from pirates. The route and journey ends in the historic town of Lagos, on the banks of the river Bensafrim.

Challenge: 5.5 -7 hrs, 17 - 23 km / 11 -14 mi, 330 - 530 m ascent & descent

Villages along the way: Brugeau, Luz, Lagos

After breakfast your arrangement ends.