Discover Portugal’s Atlantic Coast on the Fishermen's Trail

The Fishermen’s Trail is brimming with varied landscapes: You hike through desert and pine groves, discover stork nests on craggy cliffs, admire dreamlike blossoms in spring and watch waterfalls cascade into the sea. The wild ocean is your constant companion as it rolls gently across a flat beach or thunders suddenly against the rocks. Here, the air tastes of salt, the wind tousles your hair, and the sunsets over the Atlantic create the perfect photo opportunities. The Fishermen’s Trail is a varied four-day hike along Portugal’s Atlantic Coast.

The 80 kilometres (50 miles) of the Fishermen’s Trail make up part of the Rota Vicentina, a long-distance hiking trail network in the southwest of Portugal that totals around 400 kilometres (248 miles). The Fishermen’s Trail consists of four stages along the coast in the Alentejo region. You discover the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park (Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina) en route too.

You will be amazed by both the flora and fauna and also the wildlife here. Look out for otters and the white stork which builds its nest in a special way on the steep cliffs. The best time to hike the Trail is between September and June. July and August are too hot for walking. Portugal is a great winter escape – in January and February, it’s around 15 degrees and sunny.

The trail conditions vary from coastal paths to beach hiking. Trudging through the deep sand can be quite strenuous so wear choose that don’t let sand in at the top. Otherwise, you’ll spend more time shovelling sand out of your shoes than hiking. Gaiters may also be helpful.

In addition to good footwear, sun protection like a hat and sunscreen is essential. You should also pack a windbreaker and rain jacket as it can be very windy. On some narrow stretches of beach, you should be aware of the changing tides. You may also encounter stray dogs, but most of them are friendly. Places to stop for refreshments along the route are limited so you should always stock up on supplies and at least two litres of water.

At the end of each section, you reach a village where you can find accommodation such as small guesthouses, hostels or holiday rentals. There are also campsites in the stage destinations. I recommend reserving in advance, especially in the high season, when the coast can get very busy. Wild camping is prohibited and enforced in some areas.

You can easily travel from Lisbon to Porto Covo with public transport – take the Rede Expressos bus from the Rodoviaria de Sete Rios bus terminal to Porto Covo. You can get a map of the trail and ask any questions at the tourist information in Porto Covo. The route is well signposted. From Odeceixe, your destination, you can catch a bus to Lisbon or any other major town in Portugal.