Located on the breathtaking southwestern coast of Portugal, the Costa Vicentina is part of the Alentejo and Algarve regions. Stretching from the picturesque fishing town of Porto Covo to the dramatic cliffs of Cape St. Vincent (Cabo de São Vicente), this region is renowned for its rugged coastline, unspoiled beaches, and charming villages.
It forms a significant portion of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park. The Costa Vicentina’s raw, untamed landscapes, spectacular cliffs, and traditional Portuguese charm make it a sought-after destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The Rota Vicentina
At the heart of this region lies the Rota Vicentina, a network of hiking trails showcasing the best of what the Costa Vicentina has to offer. Divided into two main paths—the Fishermen’s Trail and the Historical Way—the Rota Vicentina provides a journey through hidden beaches, ancient paths, quaint towns, and lush greenery, giving travellers an intimate glimpse of this remarkable stretch of Portugal.
This is also where two big hiking routes intersect: Via Algarviana and Rota Vicentina, which end in Sagres village.
Our experience
We made a small part of this big route. We started at Vila do Bispo here begins the last route of the Rota Vicentina. We started by crossing through the crop fields until we crossed the Environmental Trail Castelejo, which is a pine forest area that extends to the sea. The route took us around the pine trees and then towards Sagres always near the ocean.
After walking for almost 4 miles we decided to leave for a moment on the Rota Vicentina trail and go in the direction of the Viewpoint of Grota, next to an old house of Fiscal Guard. The fog wasn’t lifting and still covered the adjacent beach.
Continuing our walk, we entered again in the route and near the 10 miles we decided to follow the Trail of Fishermen, following the spectacular cliffs. Before we also visited and enjoyed the Ponta Ruiva Beach.
The Trail of Fishermen follows the trails that fishermen use to access their fishing spots. It is a single track with some degree of difficulty, but always with the ocean nearby. On the horizon, we can always see the lighthouse of Sagres that will receive us at the end of this route. Altogether it’s 20 miles of various landscapes and a presence of persistent nature.
Try this route, and you won’t regret it.
The Rota Vicentina offers hikers an unforgettable journey through one of Portugal’s most beautiful and culturally rich regions. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquillity these trails provide a unique opportunity to connect with nature and Portugal’s coastal heritage.
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