Guided walking
Rota Vicentina & Algarve Coastal Hikes
Nine days walking the Rota Vicentina and the Algarve coast with a local guide, from the cork oak country around São Luís to the Fishermen's Trail cliffs and the cape at Cabo de São Vicente.
Reserve with a 30% deposit. Balance due 30 days before you start.
Licensed
Track record
On Google
The walk
What is this walk like?
This is Portugal's southwest, where the Alentejo and Algarve meet the Atlantic. Over nine days, a local guide leads you along the Rota Vicentina and the Fishermen's Trail, from the cork oak country around São Luís out to the coast at Praia do Malhão and Porto Covo, then south through the Algarve to the cliffs of Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of Europe, and the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade near Lagos.
The days are varied and the walking is moderate: clifftop paths and soft beach sand on the coast, farm and forest tracks inland, with shorter stages broken up by a chocolate tasting in Odemira, a visit to Moorish Silves and a boat trip among the sea caves at Lagos. Groups are kept to a maximum of 12, so the pace stays relaxed and the guide has time for everyone. The tour runs on request: tell us your dates and group size and we confirm availability. Accommodation is in small country hotels and guesthouses, with breakfast daily and several dinners included.
- Walk the Fishermen's Trail along the Alentejo coast
- Follow clifftop paths to Praia do Malhão and Porto Covo
- Reach Cabo de São Vicente, the southwestern tip of Europe
- Walk through the Alentejo's cork oak forests
- Explore the historic town of Lagos and Moorish Silves
- See the rock formations of Ponta da Piedade by boat
- Stay in small country hotels along the route
At a glance
The numbers
Trail detail
The route at a glance
Is this walk right for you?
Some sections of this route involve exposed cliff edges. This walk is not recommended for those with a significant fear of heights.
This is a moderate guided walking tour rather than a long-distance trek. The daily stages are short to moderate, roughly 4 to 10 km, and several days are broken up by a transfer, a tasting or a boat trip. The ground is varied: clifftop paths and soft beach sand on the coast, farm and forest tracks inland. Parts of the Fishermen's Trail run close to the cliff edge, so a head for heights helps. If you walk regularly, you will be comfortable. Groups are kept to a maximum of 12.
Practical
What's included
Included
- Guided tour from Lisbon to Faro
- 8 nights in comfortable accommodations
- 8 breakfasts, 6 dinners
- Personal Accidents Insurance
Not included
- Additional meals and drinks (approx. €150)
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional excursions and activities
Your guide
Walking with Paulo
Paulo is the founder of Farol Discover and is often the lead guide on our walking programmes. He knows Portugal's long-distance trails intimately and works with small groups to keep the experience personal.
Our guided programmes are conducted in English, Portuguese and German. Farol Discover is a licensed tour operator (RNAVT 10982 / RNAAT 148/2024), so every departure meets Portuguese legal standards for guided tourism.
Our walkers
What people say about walking with us
Why book with Farol
A licensed, local operator
Founded in 2019 · 300+ trips organised · 1,000+ walkers hosted.
Licensed & insured
Registered travel agency (RNAVT 10982) and tourism-activities operator (RNAAT 148/2024).
Official trail partner
Partner of Rota Vicentina and Via Algarviana. Registered with Visit Algarve and Visit Alentejo.
Independent & supported
Walk solo, as a couple or a small group at your own pace. We arrange everything and stay reachable.
Portuguese-owned
Run from Lisbon and Tavira by a small team who know every stage first-hand.
Getting there
Arrival & transfers
Fly into Lisbon, out of Faro
The tour begins with a transfer from Lisbon to the Alentejo and ends with a transfer to Faro airport, both included.
Where you'll walk
The Alentejo coast and cork oak country around São Luís, then the Algarve coast from Aljezur to Cabo de São Vicente and Lagos.
Getting around
Transfers between bases and trailheads are included and arranged by Farol, along with a boat trip among the sea caves at Lagos.
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