Updated in 2026
I wrote this hiking guide after completing the Fisherman’s Trail days 5 – 12 in Algarve, Portugal.
If you’re planning to hike the Original Fisherman’s Trail between Porto Covo and Odeceixe, I’ve written a guide specifically for that here.
ORIGINAL FISHERMAN’S TRAIL HIKING GUIDE
What is The Fisherman’s Trail?
The Fisherman’s Trail is a 226.5 km coastal trail starting at São Torpes beach in Sines, Alentejo and ending in Lagos, Algarve. The trail is part of the Rota Vicentina network of hiking trails in SW Portugal. Although it is primarily a coastal trail it also meanders inland for some of the sections.
You may also hear about the ‘original Fisherman’s trail’ which is the 4 day hike between Porto Covo and Odeceixe, covering the majority of the Alentejo coast. This is considered the original trail but has since been expanded to include much more of the SW coastline. The first expansion took the trail all the way south to Sagres. The trail now also includes São Torpes (10 km above Porto Covo) and expands all the way to Lagos on the south coast. The new Fisherman’s trail is 226.5 km and can be completed in 12/13 days.
How to do a one day hike from Lisbon
If you don’t have time to do the full Fishermen’s trail you can still experience one of the best and most beautiful sections of the trail.
How to hike the Fisherman’s Trail in one day from Lisbon
My Fisherman’s Trail Hike Story
I hiked this trail in two parts. The first section was the original trail Porto Covo >> Odeceixe and later in the same year I hiked the second part between Aljezur >> Lagos. Both times I hiked solo. I’ve been living full time in Portugal since 2016 and this hike was one of my favourite experiences to date. I’m a beach lover and the trail really showcases some of the best coves and bays in the country.
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The Original Fisherman’s Trail, Alentejo Coast
The original fisherman’s trail remains one of the most popular hiking routes in Portugal thanks to the fact it is easily accessible from Lisbon and fits neatly into a long weekend. This trail runs almost the entire length of the Alentejo coast for a total of 76 km.
ORIGINAL FISHERMAN’S TRAIL HIKING GUIDE
The Fisherman’s Trail, Algarve Coast
The Algarve section covers the Fisherman’s Trail from Odeceixe all the way to Lagos and takes 8/9 days to complete. After completing the original trail I was keen to try the rest of the trail and I went on to complete it 6 months later.
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Fisherman’s Trail Alentejo Coast vs Algarve Coast
If you don’t have time to do the full Fisherman’s trail you may be considering which section is the best to hike. The first consideration is time. If you have 4 days I absolutely recommend doing the original Fisherman’s trail from Porto Covo to Odeceixe.
If you have a week worth of hiking you can consider hiking the Algarve section between Odeceixe or Aljezur and Lagos.
The two sections of coast differ from each other in a few ways. My main observation is that the Algarve coastline (apart from Sagres and Lagos >> Luz) is much more remote than the Alentejo coastline. Both have stunning beaches and views but overall the cliffs in the Algarve are much more dramatic. Consequentially Algarve, particularly the south coast, is more challenging to hike as the trail follows a series of steep ascents and descents. Of the two, Alentejo is easier to hike but hosts its own challenges, due to its many sections of soft sand.
Of the two coastlines it’s hard to choose a favourite because my favourite days of hiking are split across both parts but I have the best memories of the Original Trail in Alentejo and I think it’s a great introduction to Portugal’s beaches and villages, in a region otherwise unexplored.
Fisherman’s Trail Day/Short hikes
If you want to experience the Fisherman’s trail but without the multi-day challenge then there is opportunity to hike half or full day trails out and back.
Some popular day trails include :
- Porto Covo >> Praia de São Torpes (Sines) 20 km out and back
- Porto Covo >> Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro 8 km out and back
- Sagres >> Praia do Telheiro and Cabo São Vicente 15 km out and back
- Lagos >> Praia da Luz 22 km out and back
- Salema >> Burgau 13 km out and back
When to do the Fisherman’s Trail Hike
Thanks to southern Portugal’s mild temperature year round it is possible to hike the Fisherman’s trail all year with the right gear and preparation. Winter brings less daylight hours and higher chances of rain. Summer is scorching hot, especially on the south coast so I would avoid hiking multi-day trails during July and August unless you start at first light. Both the west and south coast of Portugal are prone to strong wind, especially in the summer around Sagres and Lagos. Spring (late April/May and June)and autumn (late September/early October) are the best times to hike the Fisherman’s trail. Spring brings wildflowers and the most colour to the coastline whereas Autumn landscapes are more arid.
How to get to the Fisherman’s Trail – Logistics
This depends on which way round you are doing the trail and whether you are doing one section or all of it.
Hiking the full Fisherman’s Trail
If you are planning on doing the whole trail from Sines to Lagos (or vice versa) you can either fly into Lisbon or Faro. To start in Sines, fly into Lisbon and take a bus to Sines (1h50). To start in Lagos, fly to Faro and take a bus to Lagos (1h45).
Of the two towns Lagos is a far nicer place to stay with much more to see/do so consider staying a few days before or after your hike if you can. Sines is less impressive but if you have a car then you can explore the Arrábida natural park which is close.
If you’re hiking the trail as a part of a bigger trip you may have hired a car in Portugal. Portugal is an amazing country to explore by car, especially if you wan to reach the lesser known interior and small towns and villages. I’m a huge fan of road trips and you can find them featured in many of my guides. I recommend hiring with the broker Zest as I have personal experience of using them all over Portugal, Spain and Italy. They have competitive prices and excellent insurance. Plus the customer service team is lovely and patient!
One thing to consider. The official start (or end) of the Fisherman’s Trail is São Torpes beach in Sines. The São Torpes trail head >> Porto Covo section is 10 km but the trail head is an 8km walk from Sines bus station, so whichever way round you do it make sure you account for this extra distance, or consider getting a taxi to or from Sines bus station to the trail head.
Alternatively you can skip this stage and start or end in Porto Covo which has a bus station with direct link to Lisbon.
Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail Alentejo Coast
I was surprised at how easy it was to organise this hike. A few options:
- Take a bus from Lisbon to Porto Covo the day before you start and take a bus from Odeceixe to Lisbon the day after you finish. This is what most people do.
Alternatively, if you have a car you have two options.
- Drive to Porto Covo and leave your car there. At the end of the hike, stay in Odeceixe and take the bus from Odeceixe back to Porto Covo the next day. This is what I did.
- Or drive straight to Odeceixe, leave your car there and take a bus to Porto Covo for the start of the hike. Your car will be waiting for your arrival in Odeceixe.
Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail Algarve Coast
You’re going to want to start in Odeceixe or skip the first day and start in Aljezur. Both places can be reached by bus from Lisbon Oriente. You can book tickets through Flixbus or Rede Expressos.
At the end of the trail in Lagos you can take either train (www.cp.pt) or bus to Faro or Lisbon.
What to pack for the Fisherman’s Trail
- Walking Shoes/Sandals/Boots – These should be designed for walking/hiking. Flip flops are not going to cut it.
- Water bottle – At least 1.5/2 litres per person each day.
- Sun gear – including sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lightweight cover for your shoulders – Whatever time of year you hike the Fisherman’s Trail you’re likely to get sun exposure.
- Swimwear & beach towel – For any sea dips along the way.
- Mosquito spray/protection. Due to warm, damp weather I was bombarded with mosquitos on two of the days in Algarve.
- A warm layer – This stretch of coast can get windy so make sure you have a warm cover up for the windy days and the evenings.
- Change of clothes and flip flops – Something comfortable to change into for the evenings once the hiking is done.
- Bag for rubbish – Hopefully this goes without saying but in places where there are no rubbish bins, take your litter with you.
- Cash & cards – While some places accept cards and there are ATMs in the main towns it’s recommended to bring a little bit of cash for coffees and snacks. If you’re coming from outside the EU I recommend getting a free WISE card to avoid terrible conversion rates from your home bank.
The Fisherman’s Trail Full Itinerary
The full trail is usually completed in 12/13 days. Of course, you have the option to do it in less days if you are comfortable hiking longer distances. The stops are strategically placed in towns where accommodation is available. Stopping between these towns can make it more tricky, unless you choose to wild camp.
Direction São Torpes >> Lagos
Alentejo
- Day 1 São Torpes >> Porto Covo
- Day 2 Porto Covo >> Vila Nova de Milfontes
- Day 3 Vila Nova de Milfontes >> Almograve
- Day 4 Almograve >> Zambujeira do Mar
- Day 5 Zambujeira do Mar >> Odeceixe
Algarve
- Day 6 Odeceixe >> Aljezur
- Day 7 Aljezur >> Arrifana
- Day 8 Arrifana >> Carrapateira
- Day 9 Carrapateira >> Vila do Bispo
- Day 10 Vila do Bispo >> Sagres
- Day 11 Sagres >> Salema
- Day 12 (+ 13) Salema >> Lagos
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The Fisherman’s Trail | Where to Stay
Hotels/ Guesthouses and Hostels
The easiest way to stay on the Fisherman’s trail is in hostels and guesthouses. You can find both in each town along the route. However the fisherman’s trail is gaining more popularity which means many of these do become fully booked especially spring and summer. Once you have your hiking dates I recommend you booking accommodation in advance. The three places I struggled finding affordable/available accommodation were Zambujeira do Mar, Carrapateira, Salema. I recommend booking via BookingCom. Most have a free cancellation and/or flexible change policy so if you need to change your dates you can.
Tip: Always use the map feature when booking accommodation to check the stay is close enough to the trail that you don’t have to add on extra distance.
Camping
There are traditional campsites located along many of the stops on the trail. Some are close to the trail, others involve more walking to reach.
Wild Camping
Some people choose to wild camp along the coast. Wild camping is illegal in mainland Portugal but if you do choose to wild camp, do it responsibility.
- Stay safe. Avoid camping on beaches or on exposed cliffs. Always be aware of the tide and stay away from the edge of cliffs.
- Leave the area better than you found it. Arrive late and leave early. Leave zero trace (including toilet paper). Do not disturb wildlife. Absolutely no fires.
The Fisherman’s Trail, Algarve Coast
Here is a run down the Algarve coast section of the Fisherman’s Trail with suggestions on where to stay and where to eat.
To read about the original Fisherman’s Trail on the Alentejo coast (Porto Covo >> Odeceixe) check out my Original Fisherman’s Trail Guide.
Odeceixe >> Aljezur (23 km)
This is the only day on the trail I have yet to complete. However since I lived in Algarve for 4 years I know both towns well. I plan on completing this day by the end of 2024 so I’ll update trail information then.
Odeceixe Where to stay
- Camping Campismo São Miguel (not central)
- Hostel Hostel Seixe
- Hotels/ Apartments Casas do Moinho , SulSeixe Guesthouse, Odeceixe Verde
Odeceixe Where to Eat
- Restaurante Chaparro Great typical restaurant with good prices. Hello, €8 for a litre of wine.
- Ao Largo coffee, breakfast, lunch and snack spot in the main square. Lots of healthy choices too.
Aljezur Where to Stay
- Hostels Amazigh hostel & suites
- Hotels/ Apartments Vicentina Hotel, Hillside Apartments, Guesthouse Aljezur centre
Aljezur Where to Eat
- Ponte Pé Traditional restaurant by the river, book table in advance to guarantee space
- Arte Bianca Pizzeria (also available in Sagres)
Aljezur >> Arrifana (19 km)
To begin, follow the red and yellow trail markers. 5 minutes out of town there is a short dip into the forest where the smell of eucalyptus is heavy. Then almost immediately you start tracking uphill and through a small holiday village. It’s all incline until you reach the main road where you will start noticing the blue and green Fisherman’s Trail markings. You’ll follow the road for a while and then onto sand to the southern side of Praia da Amoreira. The next stretch follows closely to the sea past fishermen on the cliffs and then you’ll round the corner to Monte Clérigo. A good place to stop for coffee/food. A Rede opens from 10am but is not open year round. After Monte Clérigo you’ll head back up a steady incline to the top of the cliffs and a lesser known car parking area for some remote beaches. You’ll then stay on a sand trail the remainder of the way. Just before reaching Arrifana the trail will take you to the lowest point in the day before making you go straight back up again. Once in Arrifana you can walk down to the surfer’s paradise praia da Arrifana.
Arrifana Where to Stay
- Hostel The Lighthouse Arrifana with pool (same owners as Lighthouse Sagres)
- Hotels/ Apartments Falésias da Arrifana, Herdade Monte Do Sol
Arrifana Where to Eat
- CAL Trendy restaurant with sharing plates and cocktails, outdoor seating with sea ans sunset view, cosy indoor seating. Book in advance for dinner.
- Sea You Surf Laid back café with smoothies, soups, snacks and meals. Also offer beach delivery for €4.50.
Arrifana >> Carrapateira (20 km)
This was one of me least favourite days of the Fisherman’s trail because apart from the beginning section the trail tracks inland through forest and agricultural land, which in autumn is dry and colourless. Quite a boring and quiet day. The approach to Bordeira was a nice end to the day but beware the route isn’t straight forward here. I ended up walking through a farmers field to get to the road for the last 1km to Carrapateira. I was assured this is ok but I’m not convinced.
Carrapateira Where to Stay
- Hostel Hostel do Mar
- Hotels/ Apartments Carrapateira Lodge, Carrapateiramar guesthouse, Hortas do Rio
Carrapateira Where to Eat
- Microbar Carrapateira, in the main square with a huge menu full of refuelling goodies like salads, omelettes and burgers, plus all the drinks
Carrapateira >> Vila do Bispo
The carrapateira to Villa do Bispo stretch is one of the more difficult days on the Fishermans trail. I cheekily managed to skip the first 5 km of this day because I camped with a friend further a long the trail. I started my day at Praia do Muração which is one of the many remote beaches with steep entry and exit. The hike down to Praia da Manteiga is tough but breathtaking. This stretch of coast is one of the most remote on the whole trail. It feels like another world. After the coast you head inland away from the sea for the majority of the trail. There is nothing exciting to note and I found myself putting my head down and stomping on through to Vila do Bispo. Vila do Bispo is a residential town with a few cafes and bars, known by the surfing crowd because of its proximity to Cordoarama and Sagres. There’s not much to see here and accommodation is surprisingly expensive so I chose to book a rural stay 4 km towards Sagres. The extra 4km was totally worth it as Monte de Santo António was a peaceful and rejuvenating place to spend the night and a lovely example of what it’s like to stay in rural western Algarve.
Vila do Bispo Where to Stay
Hotels/ Apartments Monte de Santo António, Pure Fonte Velha
Vila do Bispo >> Sagres (21 km)
Since I was already 4 km towards Sagres I missed out on the first few km of the official trail and instead walked through the barren countryside towards the coast for the first 3 km or so. I then made it back on to the Fisherman’s trail which runs along the coast the whole way to Sagres. I loved this day. It was the sunniest of the days so that put an extra spring in my step but the coast in general here is amazing. Tall, dramatic red stoned cliffs plunge into deep blue ocean with roaring waves. The views are spectacular and for this day I recommend packing a picnic or at least some sandwiches to enjoy on the windswept cliffs. One annoying thing about this day was the few km of uneven, rocky path before the lighthouse. It’s not dangerous but you do have to focus on your footing to make sure you don’t roll an ankle. It got annoying quite quickly but the views more than made up for it. I didn’t bother going to the lighthouse because I’ve visited before but the official trail does include this. The stretch of trail into Sagres is mostly on a straight paved road and I found myself putting my earphones in and cranking up some music to get me through the last 4km. Sagres is a really pleasant town to roll up to. It has a young vibe with a surf crowd in addition to the tourists. Double check your accommodation is close to the trail. I accidentally booked The Lighthouse which was an amazing hostel, but also 1.6 km from the trail head which was not a fun start to the day the before the big coastal stomp to Salema.
Sagres Where to Stay
- Hostel The Lighthouse (1.6 km from centre)
- Hotels/ Apartments Martinhal Resort, Memmo Baleeira, Pousada de Sagres
Sagres Where to Eat
- Adega dos Arcos Traditional restauramt, no frills, yummy dishes
- Picnic Coffee/Snacks sunrise to sunset
- Arte Bianca Italian freshly prepared pizza and pastas dishes for good prices great range of drinks including Ocean beer.
- Laundry Lounge popular vegan spot with non vegan dishes, cocktails
Sagres >> Salema (20 km)
This is the hardest day on the Fisherman’s trail as the route takes you up and over cliffs to Algarve’s most remote beaches. It also has some of the best views of the whole trail as you descend into beaches such as Praia do Zavial and Praia da Furnas. Starting in Sagres you’ll cross 1 km of soft sand and onto fairly low cliffs, through fields and more cliffs until you reach lovely Praia da Ingrina (beach cafe open from 10am, closed Tuesdays). Praia do Zavial beach restaurant opens at 11am and is your last chance to pick up food and water before Salema. The stretch of trail between Zavial and Salema is tough!
To note: When I was booking accommodation Salema was already fully booked so I ended up hiking further to Burgau – this made the day 30 km and extremely challenging. I was in the pain locker for the last 10 km which meant I didn’t enjoy it as much as I could have. Avoid doing this whole stretch in one go if you can.
Salema Where to Stay
- Hostel / Camping Salema Eco Camp (1km walk)
- Hotels/ Apartments Nau Salema Village, Villamar (seafront)
Salema >> Lagos (22.5 km)
If you choose to do this section all in one day you’ll experience plenty of elevation again, the worst of it being at the beginning between Salema and Burgau but you’ll also gain a lot of height on the other side of Luz. Basically, lots of ups and downs again but not as hardcore as the previous day between Sagres and Salema.
Some people choose to split this section into two short days, Salema to Luz (12 km) and Luz to Lagos (10.5 km). However, I don’t recommend staying in Luz itself. Of all the towns on the trail Luz is the most touristy and uninspiring (even if it does have a nice beach). I would do one short day Salema >> Burgau (which in my opinion is one of the best beach towns in Algarve) and then Burgau to Lagos for the last day. Alternatively double up and hike straight from Salema to Lagos.
The stretch from Luz to Lagos is one of the busiest sections of trail, 2nd only to Cabo São Vicente in Sagres. The trail is well maintained and attracts a lot of day hikers. The final few km take you to Ponta de Piedade and some of Lagos’ best beaches via a new wooden boardwalk. This can also get busy, especially in the summer. The trail officially ends at the train station but I highly recommend stopping off in the historical centre to toast your achievement! This is where most accommodation can be found also.
Fun Fact: I lived in Lagos for 4 years when I first moved to Portugal and I visit multiple times a year.
Lagos Where to Stay
- Hostel Olive Hostel
- Hotels/ Apartments Casa dos Peixeiros apartment, Apartamentos Pinhão
Lagos Where to Eat
- Black & White for coffee/brunch
- Adega da Marina for traditional food in huge dining space
- Tasca da Lota Fish and seafood, no frills
Other Hikes in Portugal
Portugal has a tangle of hiking trails all over the mainland and the islands too. Here are a few ideas for some epic hiking adventures in Portugal
Severn Hanging Valleys, Algarve : An easy but beautiful 6 km coastal hike in Algarve
PR1, Madeira : Make your way across the jagged central mountain massif and climb Portugak’s 3rd highest mountain Pico do Ruivo.
Pico Grande, Madeira : If you love a mountain hike without the crowds then Pico Grande is for you. This challenging summit has breathtaking views from the very start.
Mt.Pico, Pico, Azores : Pico island offers an opportunity to summit Portugal’s highest point and sleep in a mountain crater while you do it.
Ready to hike? I hope this travel guide helped you plan your Fisherman’s trail adventure!
Planning a trip elsewhere in Portugal and want local tips? I can help…
Planning a trip to Portugal, Spain or Italy? I’m here to help.
If you want to plan the perfect trip but you are overwhelmed, make use of my local knowledge and travel planning experience. Choose a one hour call to get you off the ground or add on full personalised itinerary for a stress-free trip planned by a local travel expert.
- Bespoke Travel Itinerary 7 – 21 days (optional 1 hour travel consultation included)Price range: €300.00 through €645.00
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