Starting in São Torpes, in Setúbal district, and finishing it in Lagos, in the district of Faro, the Trilho dos Pescadores is the perfect way to explore the Costa Vicentina, if you have 13 days free from work, and are eager to know more about this Portuguese hidden gem.

The official trail is divided into 13 stages, with no more than 20 kilometres each. With different levels of difficulty, this walk will not only be challenging, but also flabbergasting, as the sea will always be present and its atmosphere will eventually make the walk easier.

São Torpes to Porto Covo

The first stage of the walk is considered one of the easiest, with the highest point being 28 metres high. In this stage, in the municipality of Sines, in the Setúbal district. While walking to Porto Covo, people may experience the local culture of drying octopus, for example. The stage has 10,2 kilometres, and can be done in 2 hours and 40 minutes.


Porto Covo to Vila Nove de Milfontes

New day, new stage and with moderate difficulty. In Vila Nova de Milfontes, fantastic beaches may be found, like the Praia dos Aivados and admire it beautiful round rocks. The stage has 19,6 kilometres, and can be done in 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

The third stage is greatly recognised, because it is possible to view the Mira River connecting to the Atlantic Ocean. The connection brings not only a freshness to the air, but also mammals and birds that will try to find food in the waters. The 14,7 kilometres walk is considered to be of moderate difficulty, and can be done in 3 hours and 52 minutes.

Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar

While walking along 21,5 kilometres, through 5 hours and 50 minutes, it is possible to feel the smell of pine trees, while looking for the most amazing bird’ species of the region. The stage is considered to be moderate, with the highest point being 80 metres high.


Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe

One of the most difficult stages of the trail, because of the narrow paths and filled with rocks. In this stage, extra care is necessary, especially for those who are already tired. The 17,9 kilometres walk can be done in 5 hours and 15 minutes.

Odeceixe to Aljezur

While arriving in the Algarve, another hard stage may be found, in what is probably the longest of all on this trail. In total, 22,6 kilometres must be walked to finish the stage, which can be done in 5 hours and 50 minutes. However, the difficulty is forgotten as soon as arriving at the gracious Aljezur’s beaches.

Aljezur to Arrifana

This stage allows walkers to go back in time, while passing through a place filled with history along the beach of Monte Clérigo and the mythical Ponta da Atalaia. The moderate difficulty 17,1 kilometres walk may be done in 4 hours and 46 minutes.

Arrifana to Carrapateira

The 19,4 kilometres walk passes through ancient fishing ports that are still working, catching species like sardines, the most appreciated fish in the region. The walk can be done in 5 hours and 10 minutes, and is considered to be of moderate difficulty.

Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo

The end is arriving and during the 15,3 kilometres walk, it is possible to see amazing beaches like Amado, Murração and Manteiga. In springtime, the smell of flowers is abundant and will accompany the walkers through 4 hours and 18 minutes.


Vila do Bispo to Sagres

From Vila do Bispo walk 20,2 kilometres until arriving at Sagres and admire the most beautiful sunset in the Algarve at Cabo de São Vicente. After 5 hours and 18 minutes of walking, nothing could be better than feeling the breeze, watching the sunset and, if possible, visiting the lighthouse.

Sagres to Salema

Another difficult stage, but still amazing to see beaches like Martinhal, Barranco, Ingrina, Zavial, Furnas and Figueira. Ending in Praia da Salema, the 19,5 kilometres walk can be done in 5 hours and 30 minutes, but the path may be wet, being slippery, especially when going down to the beaches.

Salema to Luz

Closer to the end, walkers will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Praia da Luz after an 11.5-kilometre walk, finished after 3 hours and 24 minutes. The moderate walk, done really close to the sea, while being able to see some orchids and other species of flora.

Luz to Lagos

The end is arriving, and Lagos is the perfect place to finish this long walk. After 10,9 kilometres, this easy walk can be done in 3 hours and 25 minutes. When arriving in Lagos, not only can you find a vibrant city, but also natural monuments such as Ponta da Piedade.

Right path

Although described as the path from North to South, it is possible to start in Lagos and finish the trail in Porto Covo, as there is an indication in both senses.

Walkers must keep in mind that they will be in a protected area, with some rules that must be followed, to preserve the nature and making sure that other people may enjoy the trail.