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Rota Vicentina Self-Guided Walking Holiday
A one week self-guided walk along the spectacular Portuguese Vicentina Coast
Highlights
Fishing Villages
Local architecture and archaeological sites
Stunning views of the coast and Atlantic
Local gastronomy prepared with fresh produce
Discover a wild expanse of low hills and limestone cliffs carved by the wind and pounding waves on our Rota Vicentina Self-Guided Walking Holiday in mainland Portugal.
Walk past endless miles of golden beaches and discover authentic rural life, fishing communities and old villages that seem to be lost in time.
The walk is undulating with a few steep ascents and descents. With each step, you will collect an experience and with each scenery, a story that will stay with you forever. At the end of the day, our specially selected charming B&B and Guesthouses are like an oasis to recharge your batteries.
Please note that there are many variations of the Rota Vicentina route, and you can discuss with us, which one would be most suitable for you.
Day 1
You will be picked up by your guide from Faro airport and taken to Zambujeira (about 2hr 30min).
Enjoy the rest of the day at the Touril Guesthouse, a lovely seaside farm, where you can enjoy the comfort and tranquility of a rural setting and the privileged access to the sea for the next two nights.
Accommodation on this day: Herdade do Touril
Day 2
Cavaleiro to Touril.
After breakfast you will be taken to the starting point of your hike – the cliffs just above the Cavaleiro Beach. From here you walk to Cape Sardão, just after passing by the village of Cavaleiro.
Here you will find an old lighthouse with magnificent views. Continue along the coastal route passing small isolated beaches. Once you arrive at Tonel Beach, head inland towards Touril Guesthouse. Walking distance 11.5km / +350m
Accommodation on this day: Herdade do Touril
Day 3
Touril to Brejao.
This morning another brilliant day of high cliffs and deserted beaches awaits you.
You’ll first head towards the the town of Zambujeira do Mar and will have a feeling that you have gone back in time as you pass through Entrada da Barca, a local fishing port.
At the end of the day enjoy a delicious dish with fresh fish such as sea bass, sea bream or grey bream at Brejão. Walking distance 15km / +350m
Accommodation on this day: Casa da Seiceira
Day 4
Brejao to Odeceixe
Continue your journey through time. As you reach Odeceixe, cross
the river that separates the two most southern regions of Portugal, Alentejo and Algarve. Walking distance 12km / +300mAccommodation on this day: Casas do Moinho
Day 5
Monte Clerigo to Arrifana
Your day starts with a short transfer to Monte Clérigo beach.
From there your walk follows the coast, passing the mythical Ponta da Atalaia, a fantastic promontory where you can see ruins of an ancient Moorish fortress.After this point the trail carries on along the top of the cliffs with with a mixture of mediterranean bush land and dunes. You finally arrive at your final destination, the beautiful village of Arrifana. Walking distance 13km / +350m
Accommodation on this day: Herdade Monte do Sol
Day 6
Carrapateira to Pedralva
Continue your walk along the coastal and inland trails and you soon arrive at Pedralva, a small village that has been deserted for a few years. It has now been revived as a charming guest house hamlet whilst keeping the original traditional design. Walking distance 16km / +300m.
Accommodation on this day: Aldeia da Pedralva
Day 7
Salema to Sagres
The last walking day is not only the longest and most challenging of the trip, but also the most spectacular.
Wander through unspoiled remote beaches, lagoons and high cliffs to Baleeira Beach, with its five small islets. The final stretch is to the town of Sagres. Walking distance 17km / +600m
Accommodation on this day: Memmo Baleeira Sagres
Day 8
Today it’s time to put all the incredible memories of the past few days in your luggage and return home. You will be transferred back to the airport in time for your flight.
Jeep Tours
Our jeep tours are the best way to explore those off the beaten track locations that you’d otherwise miss. Our guides will always have a plan for your day, but our tours are very relaxed and can be personalised to your particular interests.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of the most popular pastimes in Portugal – a sport in which you scramble, jump, swim and abseil along a narrow river gorge. It’s a great sport for beginners and experts alike, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of country has some of the most beautiful rivers and canyoning routes in the whole of Portugal.
Guided tuk tuk city tour
Let the tuk tuk take the strain as you explore the seven hills of Lisbon in the company of our guides. You'll duck in and out of the tuk tuk to see the sights, architecture and history of this fascinating city. As it's electric, your guide can describe the passing streets to you as you travel to your next stopping point. The best possible introduction to Lisbon.
Food and wine
Portugal’s cuisine is very underrated. It’s always been wonderfully seasonal; an all important philosophy on food that the country’s never lost. As you’d expect, it’s also very regional; Lisbon has its famous crowd-pleasing dishes - the Pasteis de Bacalhau and Pasteis de Belem, but it’s down her narrow back-streets that you’ll find unexpected seasonal gems like coal-roasted blue lobster and Bulhao Pato clams.
Heading north, Porto’s famous Port wine Lodges are the gateway to the Douro Valley wine region. Portugal’s wines are some of the best in Europe however we don’t see them very often here in the UK as they don’t really produce enough for export. The rural heartlands of Alentejo also produce more amazing wines (including the unique ‘Invisivel’ - a white wine produced from red grapes), and arguably a superior Iberian Pork to their Spanish neighbours just across the border!
Horse riding
The Parque National da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only National Park - a great way to explore the river valleys and high serras is on horseback, and there are trails to suit all abilities.
Cooking
Cook your own delicious meal under the watchful eye of expert chefs.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a wonderful way to experience Portugal’s beautiful waterways. The calm waters of the Caniçada reservoir in the north are perfect for beginners and younger children to get to grips with a kayak. For more experienced kayakers, the upstream rapids of the Cávado river offer some more challenging routes.
Memmo Baleeira Sagres
Depending on your start of the Rota Vicentina self-guided walk, you’ll stay at the Memmo Baleeira Sagres either at the beginning or end of your week long coastal hike. This 4 star design hotel in the lovely port town of Sagres is surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and has 144 rooms with magnificent ocean views.
Here you can relax before you prepare yourself for your walk or give your tired body and feet that well-deserved spa and massage treatment after your six day walk. You could of course always extend your holiday and learn how to surf at the hotel’s own surf centre, rent a bike to explore the region or arrange a jeep tour.
Herdade Monte do Sol
The comfortable villas at Herdade Monte do Sol along the Atlantic coast are popular all year round as they’re wonderfully positioned along the famous Rota Vicentina walking trail. Each villa has its own private entrance with two private terraces, one facing northwest and a larger one that overlooks the garden, the southwest.
Lovingly decorated and with beautiful furniture, they consist of a bedroom, bathroom with shower, a living room with fireplace and an open dining room with a small kitchen.
Herdade do Touril
Close to the best beaches of the Costa Alentejana, the Herdade do Touril is a welcome stop on your self-guided Rota Vicentina walk. Divided between 5 houses, you’ll find 18 double rooms of different standards, each with en-suite bathrooms, a terrace. A/C, and free internet access.
The 365 hectare property has a saltwater pool, ideal to relax in at the end of a day’s walk, or if you still have some energy left you can visit the nearby Cabo Sardao, a stunning cape with breath taking views of the Atlantic, and where in spring time you can find storks nesting on the rocky cliffs.
Casas do Moinho
Casas do Moinho, right next to the windmill in the village of Odeceixe, is another place where you wished you could stay longer than just the night when you’re walking the Rota Vicentina coastal route.
The Casas do Moinho are part of a tourist village project, which means that the different category houses are spread within the existing village, but share a swimming pool, playground and breakfast room. There’s a B&B with 6 en-suite rooms; 5 houses with a double suite; one with a junior suite and three with a double suite and mezzanine.
You can dine in the Altinho Bistro in the village, which serves a delicious Spanish tapas with a Portuguese twist and other Iberian delicacies.
Casa da Seiceira
When you’re walking the self-guided Rota Vicentina coastal walking trail you will spend a night at Casa da Seiceira in the Southwest Alentejo. A large estate, once owned by the famous fado singer Amalia Rodrigues, it comprises a farmhouse and separate apartments.
The Farmhouse has 4 rooms all with direct access to the garden and decorated in different colours and attractively furnished. Each has all the modern comforts like TV, fridge, A/C and a tea and coffee station.
The three apartments, each with one bedroom, also have direct access to the garden and the same amenities as the rooms in the farmhouse.
Casa da Seiceira is also ideal for families, as it has an outdoor swimming pool as well as a children’s playground and is within walking distance of some stunning beaches.
Aldeia da Pedralva
The cottages of Aldeia da Pedralva are part of a complex urban recovery process to restore the old village of Pedralva near Vila do Bispo along the Rota Vicentina coastal route. In 2006, with only 9 original inhabitants, the village was given a second life and completely restored using traditional building materials.
Nowadays there are several holiday cottages in the village, ideal for couples and families who want to experience life in a real Portuguese village. The cottages vary and either have one or two bedrooms, all with modern amenities and fully equipped kitchen. There is a common area with a swimming pool and a restaurant.
As well as the coastal trail, the area has more than 300 km of mountain biking trails, and the activity centre in the village has bikes that you can rent, as well as a surf and dive school.
Hi Max,
Just to let you know that we had a great holiday which went too fast. Each hotel was unique and amazing and each place gave us new experience and interest.
Glowing feedback on the arrangements which all went very smoothly right from start to finish. Keep performing your magic!
All the best,
Sue
Sue
Hi Max,
Tuktuk ride with Mario was exceptional. Lovely chap and made our trip memorable. This evening in a Fado restaurant was just fabulous. Hotel Solar do Castelo is amazing. After 2 postponements this holiday is truly worth it.
At the moment Archipelago Choice is on a pedestal.
John
John
Where is Portugal?
Portugal is the most-western country in mainland Europe, bordered by Spain in the north and east.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Portugal’s mild in the Autumn and Winter, and hot from around May through to November. It can be very hot (+40⁰C) in the Summer months.
How do I get to Portugal?
The UK is well-connected to Lisbon, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can also fly direct to Porto from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.
What languages do they speak on Portugal?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Portugal?
Very – the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Portugal?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Portugal?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in Portugal?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in Portugal?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the country.
What is the food like in Portugal?
The restaurants in cities like Porto and Lisbon have a good mix of Portuguese more European style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional Portuguese menus.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Portugal?
Yes, although in more rural locations you can find it’s a bit more cash-only in restaurants and cafe bars.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Portugal?
You will need a type F adaptor in Portugal.
Is tap water safe to drink in Portugal?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Portugal.
Do I need to tip in Portugal?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Portugal with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Portugal?
Our advice is to start planning around six months prior to your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Portugal?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit of flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Highlights
Fishing Villages
Local architecture and archaeological sites
Stunning views of the coast and Atlantic
Local gastronomy prepared with fresh produce
Discover a wild expanse of low hills and limestone cliffs carved by the wind and pounding waves on our Rota Vicentina Self-Guided Walking Holiday in mainland Portugal.
Walk past endless miles of golden beaches and discover authentic rural life, fishing communities and old villages that seem to be lost in time.
The walk is undulating with a few steep ascents and descents. With each step, you will collect an experience and with each scenery, a story that will stay with you forever. At the end of the day, our specially selected charming B&B and Guesthouses are like an oasis to recharge your batteries.
Please note that there are many variations of the Rota Vicentina route, and you can discuss with us, which one would be most suitable for you.
Day 1
You will be picked up by your guide from Faro airport and taken to Zambujeira (about 2hr 30min).
Enjoy the rest of the day at the Touril Guesthouse, a lovely seaside farm, where you can enjoy the comfort and tranquility of a rural setting and the privileged access to the sea for the next two nights.
Accommodation on this day: Herdade do Touril
Day 2
Cavaleiro to Touril.
After breakfast you will be taken to the starting point of your hike – the cliffs just above the Cavaleiro Beach. From here you walk to Cape Sardão, just after passing by the village of Cavaleiro.
Here you will find an old lighthouse with magnificent views. Continue along the coastal route passing small isolated beaches. Once you arrive at Tonel Beach, head inland towards Touril Guesthouse. Walking distance 11.5km / +350m
Accommodation on this day: Herdade do Touril
Day 3
Touril to Brejao.
This morning another brilliant day of high cliffs and deserted beaches awaits you.
You’ll first head towards the the town of Zambujeira do Mar and will have a feeling that you have gone back in time as you pass through Entrada da Barca, a local fishing port.
At the end of the day enjoy a delicious dish with fresh fish such as sea bass, sea bream or grey bream at Brejão. Walking distance 15km / +350m
Accommodation on this day: Casa da Seiceira
Day 4
Brejao to Odeceixe
Continue your journey through time. As you reach Odeceixe, cross
the river that separates the two most southern regions of Portugal, Alentejo and Algarve. Walking distance 12km / +300mAccommodation on this day: Casas do Moinho
Day 5
Monte Clerigo to Arrifana
Your day starts with a short transfer to Monte Clérigo beach.
From there your walk follows the coast, passing the mythical Ponta da Atalaia, a fantastic promontory where you can see ruins of an ancient Moorish fortress.After this point the trail carries on along the top of the cliffs with with a mixture of mediterranean bush land and dunes. You finally arrive at your final destination, the beautiful village of Arrifana. Walking distance 13km / +350m
Accommodation on this day: Herdade Monte do Sol
Day 6
Carrapateira to Pedralva
Continue your walk along the coastal and inland trails and you soon arrive at Pedralva, a small village that has been deserted for a few years. It has now been revived as a charming guest house hamlet whilst keeping the original traditional design. Walking distance 16km / +300m.
Accommodation on this day: Aldeia da Pedralva
Day 7
Salema to Sagres
The last walking day is not only the longest and most challenging of the trip, but also the most spectacular.
Wander through unspoiled remote beaches, lagoons and high cliffs to Baleeira Beach, with its five small islets. The final stretch is to the town of Sagres. Walking distance 17km / +600m
Accommodation on this day: Memmo Baleeira Sagres
Day 8
Today it’s time to put all the incredible memories of the past few days in your luggage and return home. You will be transferred back to the airport in time for your flight.
Jeep Tours
Our jeep tours are the best way to explore those off the beaten track locations that you’d otherwise miss. Our guides will always have a plan for your day, but our tours are very relaxed and can be personalised to your particular interests.
Canyoning
Canyoning is one of the most popular pastimes in Portugal – a sport in which you scramble, jump, swim and abseil along a narrow river gorge. It’s a great sport for beginners and experts alike, and the Peneda-Gerês National Park in the north of country has some of the most beautiful rivers and canyoning routes in the whole of Portugal.
Guided tuk tuk city tour
Let the tuk tuk take the strain as you explore the seven hills of Lisbon in the company of our guides. You'll duck in and out of the tuk tuk to see the sights, architecture and history of this fascinating city. As it's electric, your guide can describe the passing streets to you as you travel to your next stopping point. The best possible introduction to Lisbon.
Food and wine
Portugal’s cuisine is very underrated. It’s always been wonderfully seasonal; an all important philosophy on food that the country’s never lost. As you’d expect, it’s also very regional; Lisbon has its famous crowd-pleasing dishes - the Pasteis de Bacalhau and Pasteis de Belem, but it’s down her narrow back-streets that you’ll find unexpected seasonal gems like coal-roasted blue lobster and Bulhao Pato clams.
Heading north, Porto’s famous Port wine Lodges are the gateway to the Douro Valley wine region. Portugal’s wines are some of the best in Europe however we don’t see them very often here in the UK as they don’t really produce enough for export. The rural heartlands of Alentejo also produce more amazing wines (including the unique ‘Invisivel’ - a white wine produced from red grapes), and arguably a superior Iberian Pork to their Spanish neighbours just across the border!
Horse riding
The Parque National da Peneda-Gerês is Portugal’s only National Park - a great way to explore the river valleys and high serras is on horseback, and there are trails to suit all abilities.
Cooking
Cook your own delicious meal under the watchful eye of expert chefs.
Kayaking
Kayaking is a wonderful way to experience Portugal’s beautiful waterways. The calm waters of the Caniçada reservoir in the north are perfect for beginners and younger children to get to grips with a kayak. For more experienced kayakers, the upstream rapids of the Cávado river offer some more challenging routes.
Memmo Baleeira Sagres
Depending on your start of the Rota Vicentina self-guided walk, you’ll stay at the Memmo Baleeira Sagres either at the beginning or end of your week long coastal hike. This 4 star design hotel in the lovely port town of Sagres is surrounded by stunning deserted beaches and has 144 rooms with magnificent ocean views.
Here you can relax before you prepare yourself for your walk or give your tired body and feet that well-deserved spa and massage treatment after your six day walk. You could of course always extend your holiday and learn how to surf at the hotel’s own surf centre, rent a bike to explore the region or arrange a jeep tour.
Herdade Monte do Sol
The comfortable villas at Herdade Monte do Sol along the Atlantic coast are popular all year round as they’re wonderfully positioned along the famous Rota Vicentina walking trail. Each villa has its own private entrance with two private terraces, one facing northwest and a larger one that overlooks the garden, the southwest.
Lovingly decorated and with beautiful furniture, they consist of a bedroom, bathroom with shower, a living room with fireplace and an open dining room with a small kitchen.
Herdade do Touril
Close to the best beaches of the Costa Alentejana, the Herdade do Touril is a welcome stop on your self-guided Rota Vicentina walk. Divided between 5 houses, you’ll find 18 double rooms of different standards, each with en-suite bathrooms, a terrace. A/C, and free internet access.
The 365 hectare property has a saltwater pool, ideal to relax in at the end of a day’s walk, or if you still have some energy left you can visit the nearby Cabo Sardao, a stunning cape with breath taking views of the Atlantic, and where in spring time you can find storks nesting on the rocky cliffs.
Casas do Moinho
Casas do Moinho, right next to the windmill in the village of Odeceixe, is another place where you wished you could stay longer than just the night when you’re walking the Rota Vicentina coastal route.
The Casas do Moinho are part of a tourist village project, which means that the different category houses are spread within the existing village, but share a swimming pool, playground and breakfast room. There’s a B&B with 6 en-suite rooms; 5 houses with a double suite; one with a junior suite and three with a double suite and mezzanine.
You can dine in the Altinho Bistro in the village, which serves a delicious Spanish tapas with a Portuguese twist and other Iberian delicacies.
Casa da Seiceira
When you’re walking the self-guided Rota Vicentina coastal walking trail you will spend a night at Casa da Seiceira in the Southwest Alentejo. A large estate, once owned by the famous fado singer Amalia Rodrigues, it comprises a farmhouse and separate apartments.
The Farmhouse has 4 rooms all with direct access to the garden and decorated in different colours and attractively furnished. Each has all the modern comforts like TV, fridge, A/C and a tea and coffee station.
The three apartments, each with one bedroom, also have direct access to the garden and the same amenities as the rooms in the farmhouse.
Casa da Seiceira is also ideal for families, as it has an outdoor swimming pool as well as a children’s playground and is within walking distance of some stunning beaches.
Aldeia da Pedralva
The cottages of Aldeia da Pedralva are part of a complex urban recovery process to restore the old village of Pedralva near Vila do Bispo along the Rota Vicentina coastal route. In 2006, with only 9 original inhabitants, the village was given a second life and completely restored using traditional building materials.
Nowadays there are several holiday cottages in the village, ideal for couples and families who want to experience life in a real Portuguese village. The cottages vary and either have one or two bedrooms, all with modern amenities and fully equipped kitchen. There is a common area with a swimming pool and a restaurant.
As well as the coastal trail, the area has more than 300 km of mountain biking trails, and the activity centre in the village has bikes that you can rent, as well as a surf and dive school.
Hi Max,
Just to let you know that we had a great holiday which went too fast. Each hotel was unique and amazing and each place gave us new experience and interest.
Glowing feedback on the arrangements which all went very smoothly right from start to finish. Keep performing your magic!
All the best,
Sue
- Sue
Hi Max,
Tuktuk ride with Mario was exceptional. Lovely chap and made our trip memorable. This evening in a Fado restaurant was just fabulous. Hotel Solar do Castelo is amazing. After 2 postponements this holiday is truly worth it.
At the moment Archipelago Choice is on a pedestal.
John
- John
Where is Portugal?
Portugal is the most-western country in mainland Europe, bordered by Spain in the north and east.
When is the best time to visit Portugal?
Portugal’s mild in the Autumn and Winter, and hot from around May through to November. It can be very hot (+40⁰C) in the Summer months.
How do I get to Portugal?
The UK is well-connected to Lisbon, with direct flights from London, Manchester, Glasgow and Edinburgh. You can also fly direct to Porto from Gatwick, Manchester and Edinburgh.
What languages do they speak on Portugal?
Portuguese, and English is widely spoken.
Is it safe to drive on Portugal?
Very – the quality of the roads is excellent and it’s very easy to navigate.
Do I need an international driver’s license for Portugal?
All you require is a valid UK driving licence.
Do I need travel insurance to visit Portugal?
We highly recommend that you have the right type of travel insurance that will cover your medical expenses, baggage loss, accidents and personal liability and repatriation.
Can I get WiFi in Portugal?
All our hotels offer WiFi – mostly in your room but in some smaller places it’s available in the shared, public areas.
Can I use my mobile phone in Portugal?
There’s an excellent mobile reception right across the country.
What is the food like in Portugal?
The restaurants in cities like Porto and Lisbon have a good mix of Portuguese more European style menus, and there’s usually a nice selection of vegetarian options available. In the smaller towns and villages, you’ll tend to find more traditional Portuguese menus.
Are credit & debit cards accepted in Portugal?
Yes, although in more rural locations you can find it’s a bit more cash-only in restaurants and cafe bars.
What type of plug adapter do I need in Portugal?
You will need a type F adaptor in Portugal.
Is tap water safe to drink in Portugal?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Portugal.
Do I need to tip in Portugal?
Tipping is not compulsory but if you feel your guide or driver has done a good job then they’ll always be happy to receive a tip.
How do I go about booking my holiday to Portugal with Archipelago Choice?
We offer two options, either book one of our ‘Best of’ holidays from the website. Alternatively, many people choose the bespoke approach where we have an insightful conversation and create a personalised itinerary that gives you the unique holiday experience you’re looking for.
How far in advance should I book my trip to Portugal?
Our advice is to start planning around six months prior to your visit, as this helps us offer the best value airfares and secure your hotels of choice.
Can I book a last-minute holiday to Portugal?
Absolutely; it helps if you have a bit of flexibility with your dates as some of our hotels might be fully booked.
Talk to someone who loves Portugal!
If you’re interested in our holidays and want to know more, then send us a few details using this quick fill form.
