Watch the Rota Vicentina, Portugal's Coastal Trail

Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal

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Watch: The Rota Vicentina, Portugal's Wild Coastal Trail

If you're looking for a truly rewarding long-distance walk, Portugal's Rota Vicentina offers one of Europe's most spectacular coastal hiking experiences. Stretching along the unspoiled Alentejo and Algarve coastlines, this trail combines wild Atlantic scenery, welcoming villages and meaningful eco-tourism in one unforgettable journey.

Our Full 14-day Rota Vicentina itinerary lets you experience this iconic route from end to end, walking at your own pace with the comfort and support of a carefully organised self-guided trip. Or you can break the route into more accessible stages by walking either the northern 7-day Rota Vicentina: Fishermens Trail or southern 9-day Rota Vicentina: Historical Way.

>> View all Rota Vicentina walking trips

Hike the Rota Vicentina in Portugal

Watch the Rota Vicentina in Action

Curious about the scenery and experience? Check out this short video that showcases the raw beauty of Portugal's southwest coast, the charming towns along the way, and the sense of achievement that comes with walking the full length of this incredible trail. Residents and tourists, Portuguese and foreigners, walkers amongst others, all united in their love for this land and in their willingness to invest together in a sustainable future.

Why Walk the Full Rota Vicentina?

Hike the entire length of Portugal’s most celebrated coastal trail, from Odeceixe to Lagos
Discover dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches and Portugal's rich coastal culture
Swim at remote coves far from the busy resorts
Spot white storks nesting on sea stacks (season dependent)
Be part of an award-winning eco-tourism initiative supporting local communities
Stay in comfortable, family-run accommodation in charming coastal towns
Enjoy the quiet pride that comes with completing a long-distance walk few take the time to fully experience

Walking to Zambujeira do Mar in Portugal

What to Expect on the Trail

The Rota Vicentina is made up of sections of the famous Fishermen’s Trail and the Historical Way, winding along rugged clifftops, quiet dunes and through the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park, one of Portugal’s most biodiverse regions.

Expect a trail full of sensory delights – the scent of wild herbs, the sound of crashing waves, and the satisfaction of arriving in charming towns like Aljezur, Carrapateira, and Lagos, where you’ll enjoy welcoming accommodation and delicious local food.

Traditional blue and white buildings in Alentejo

Itinerary Snapshot: Full Rota Vicentina

Start in the charming coastal town of Vila Nova de Milfontes
Follow dramatic cliff trails, passing hidden beaches and fishing villages
See white storks nesting on sea cliffs (April to August)
Reach Cape St Vincent, the southwestern tip of mainland Europe
Continue east to the historic town of Lagos, with time to explore its lively streets

Trip Grading: Moderate to challenging – ideal for experienced walkers seeking a rewarding long-distance hike.

Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Dine on cataplana, traditional Portuguese seafood

Explore Portugal Your Way

If you’re not ready to tackle the full 14-day walk, UTracks also offers shorter Rota Vicentina itineraries so you can experience sections of the trail at your own pace:

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Walking the Rota Vicentina is more than just a hike, it’s a way to experience the real Portugal, support local communities and discover one of Europe’s most beautiful coastal regions. Whether you choose the full trail or a shorter section, UTracks makes it easy to walk at your own pace with quality accommodation, luggage transfers, and expert route notes included.

Have you explored Portugal before? What did you like about it? Let us know in the comment section below.