unknown portugal ≈ WALKING, HIKING & CLIMBING

The wild Southwest is fortunate to have superb walking and horse riding trails thanks to the 350 kilometres of the Rota Vicentina which comprises the Historical Way and the Fisherman's Trail and ends in the most south western point of Europe – the Cape of St Vincent. This is an invigorating walk or ride along cliff tops overlooking sandy beaches and on paths through rolling countryside. Spot Golden Eagles soaring overhead or even storks nesting on the cliffs. The national park of the Costa Vicentina de Alentejano has the most unspoilt coastline in Europe and is ideal for getting away from the stresses of everyday urban life. So put on those walking boots and re-energise!

For climbers there is even a small mountain range – the Monchique serras – of which Foía is the highest point in the Algarve – a glorious panorama of the south coast can be seen from it's summit.

See our Adventure Offers for more activities!

Rock climbing in the serras of SW Portugal

Rock climbing on the roof of Algarve

This day amidst Monchique's impressive natural scenery on the north slope of Algarve's highest mountain Foía (902m) is the setting for a half day's course learning the techniques for rock climbing and abseiling (rappel). This group of rocks of volcanic origin is ideal to serve climbers from low to average level.

The climbing course can be done any day, all year round, subject to weather conditions in Monchique. 

 

Stay at Herdade da Matinha. Walking is one of the best exercises and is good for your health. Add to that the fact that you can walk some of the most beautiful landscapes of the Alentejo. Join our trekking group and get to know others along the way. We also offer horseriding, mountain biking, surfing and yogo.

trekking tours Alentejo, Portugal
Cycling along Portugal's South West coast
Cycling through Monchique

We are so passionate about our country that our mission is to provide you with the adventure of a lifetime!

With more than 10 years experience Portugal nature Trails explores on foot or bike the wildest and most unexplored regions while tasting the best local food and wine. Spend the night in 4-5 star hotels and welcoming rural tourism bed and breakfasts. We offer self guided, professionally guided or tailor made tours. 

http://www.casafajara.com/#!bike-and-walk-retreat/c23ho 

The Rota Vicentina trail

The Rota Vicentina represents 340 kilometers of walking, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails running from Santiago do CacÈm in the Alentejo to Sagres in the Algarve and is integrated into the extensive European GR11 route as part of the GR footpath network. 

The natural beauty of the long, sandy beaches, the unexplored countryside and the abundance of wildlife – from cliff nesting storks to wild boar and eagles are but a few of the attractions along the way.

The trail connects to a second system of foot paths called the Fishermen's Trail, which takes walkers along coast-hugging cliffs in four linear and five circuit trails.

The Rota Vicentina can be completed in 14 days walking, five days biking, or nine days on horseback.

The Rota Vicentina was developed by the non-profit tourism organisation Casas Brancas, which focuses on sustainable tourism in the Algarve and along the Alentejo coast, along with the Almargem Association and other groups.

The route is divided in sections from 15 km to 25 km, thought to be completed in a single day. Depending on the section this will take from five to eight hours, depending on the time spent in pauses, pictures, picnic, etc and the walking rhythm. For someone coming only for two days we highly recommend to walk the Historical Way and the Fishermen's Trail, in order to have a better insight on the region and its vast richness. One suggestion is to walk the first section of each itinerary from North: Santiago do Cacém to Vale Seco and on the following day Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes

Another suggestion is to walk both trails, from Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo and continuing south to Vila Nova de Milfontes.

You should come prepared as shops that sell the gear are very few and far between! Most maps are not up-to-date and trails are often not maintained well. However, don't let that stop you from going hiking here as the rewards are great!