Portugal - Fishermen's Trail Walking Holiday

Upon arrival at Faro airport, we will be met by our local representative and transferred by coach to our hotel in Porto Covo, a charming seaside village known for its whitewashed cottages trimmed in blue, cobbled lanes, and golden beaches framed by dramatic cliffs overlooking the sparking Atlantic Ocean.
Each evening during our stay in Porto Covo, dinner will be included at our hotel. 
 

4-star hotel in Porto Covo (3 nights)

Let’s get ready to experience one of the most spectacular sections of Portugal’s southwest coast. This stage of the Fishermen’s Trail takes us from the picturesque fishing village of Porto Covo to the charming riverside town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Our walk will lead us along golden sands, across beach stretches, and along dramatic cliff-top paths, revealing stunning highlights such as the historic fortress and island of Ilha do Pessegueiro, striking sea-view lookouts over ancient ruins, and the expansive Praia do Malhão with its sweeping coastline.

Although the elevation gain is gentle, the sandy terrain can make the walk more challenging.

At the end of the day, we’ll return to our hotel in Porto Covo by coach (approx. 30 minutes).

Level: moderate / Walking distance 20km / Duration: 5h15 / Ascent: +76m / Descent: -71m / Highest point: 46m
 

In the morning, we’ll transfer back to Vila Nova de Milfontes to continue our journey along the Fishermen’s Trail. Starting in Vila Nova de Milfontes, we’ll cross the scenic Mira River before reaching the striking beauty of the beach at Praia das Furnas. From there, the path leads us along a beautiful mix of dunes, cliffs, and farmland within the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina National Park.

This stage is an out-and-back coastal walk, offering ever-changing views of the rugged shoreline.

At the end of the walk, we’ll return by coach to our hotel in Porto Covo (approx. 30 minutes).

Level: moderate / Walking distance 15km / Duration: 5h15 / Ascent: +75m / Descent: -80m / Highest point: 44m

Following breakfast, we’ll transfer back to Almograve to continue our walk. Setting out from Almograve, we’ll follow the coastline past secluded bays and coves before traversing dune fields and sandy trails that offer sweeping views of the Atlantic. Midway along the route, we’ll reach the iconic landmark of Cabo Sardão, home to a lighthouse perched on dramatic cliffs and rocky shores where seabirds, including white storks, nest along the edges.
The final stretch into Zambujeira do Mar leads us along rugged clifftops and wooden walkways as the trail winds toward the village.

Today’s route offers a delightful variety of terrain, combining dramatic coastal cliffs, sandy dunes, pine woodland, and firmer tracks toward the end.

After the walk, we’ll transfer to our hotel in Lagos (approx. 1 hour and 15 minutes).

Level: moderate / Walking distance 22km / Duration: 6h / Ascent: +162m / Descent: -162m / Highest point: 80m

Each evening during our stay in Lagos, dinner will be included at our hotel. 
 

4-star hotel in Lagos (4 nights)

Today is yours to relax and make the most of the hotel’s amenities, or to take a gentle stroll and discover Lagos, one of Portugal’s most enchanting coastal towns. Enclosed within its 16th-century city walls, Lagos boasts a charming old town of cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings, and lively squares filled with cafés and boutique shops. Down by the palm-lined marina, elegant yachts set the scene for scenic boat trips exploring the renowned sea caves and striking rock formations of Ponta da Piedade.

Spend a leisurely morning exploring the vibrant covered market in Loulé, set within an eye-catching Moorish-style building dating back to 1908. Inside, colourful stalls overflow with the freshest local produce, fragrant herbs, sun-ripened fruits, olives, cheeses, and cured hams, as well as beautifully crafted ceramics, cork goods, and lace. It’s a feast for the senses and a wonderful opportunity to meet local vendors and savour the authentic flavours of the Algarve. 

Please note that optional excursions are subject to minimum numbers. 
 

In the morning, we’ll transfer to Arrifana (approx. 45 minutes) to begin today’s walk. The route offers a captivating mix of coastline and countryside, starting near the popular surf beach at Arrifana, following cliff-top paths, descending to sandy stretches like Praia da Bordeira, and concluding in the charming village of Carrapateira.

Today’s trail features towering cliffs, often over 100 m high, expansive dune fields, sandy paths, and spectacular Atlantic Ocean views.

At the end of the walk, we’ll return by coach to our hotel in Lagos (approx. 40 minutes).

Level: moderate / Walking distance 20km / Duration: 5h10 / Ascent: +227m / Descent: -298m / Highest point: 159m
 

This morning, we’ll transfer to Vila do Bispo (approximately 30 minutes) to begin today’s walk. Setting out from Vila do Bispo, we’ll move through the scenic natural park of southwest Algarve, gradually making our way toward the coastline. Soon, the trail takes us along cliff-tops with sweeping Atlantic views, culminating in the unforgettable arrival at Cabo de São Vicente, where the iconic lighthouse and vast sea vistas provide a true sense of achievement.

On our final day, we’ll enjoy a mix of gentle coastal paths, dirt tracks, and dramatic headland walks. The route has modest elevation gain but significant exposure to wind and open sea views.

At the end of the walk, we’ll return by coach to our hotel in Lagos (approx.  45 minutes).

Level: easy / Walking distance 14km / Duration: 3h30 / Ascent: +105m / Descent: -147m / Highest point: 147m

Time has come to say good-bye to the Portuguese coast and fly back home as we travel with guide assistance to Faro airport.