Walking Portugal's Coast and Beaches

Boasting one of the most beautiful and well-preserved coastlines of Europe, blessed with wild pristine beaches, towering cliffs, great biodiversity, remote whitewashed traditional villages and a temperate climate, Portugal’s Rota Vicentina is the ultimate hikers and ramblers' paradise. We have hand-picked the very best walks from the 125km selection of coastal trails that span the tranquil Portuguese region of Alentejo and along the few remaining undeveloped shores of the Algarve. Starting from the picturesque town of Vila Nova de Milfontes, we walk on quiet cliff trails used by locals to access the beaches and best fishing spots, and end in the famous town of Sagres. We stay overnight in three different villages chosen to provide easy access to/from the trails each day. The refreshing coastal breeze and inviting landscape make walking in this remote corner of Europe truly reinvigorating.

We use three unique hotels, all with a swimming pool and two with spa facilities. The hotels we normally use are:



Monchique: Hotel Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique – Pure (nights 1-2)







This 22-room boutique property with mountain and valley views sits within the Villa Termal Caldas de Monchique Spa Resort. That provides easy access to plenty of excellent amenities, including an outside pool, several green areas and the Thermal spa. There’s also a restaurant serving a mix of traditional Portuguese and contemporary cuisines plus a selection of bars.



Aljezur: Hotel Vale da Telha (nights 3-5)







Simple but well suited for our adventures, Hotel Vale da Telha has a relaxed atmosphere and modern rooms with balconies. When it’s time to relax, head to the pool area, where you’ll find shaded loungers on a spacious wooden sundeck.



Sagres: Memmo Baleeira Hotel (nights 6-7)







Enjoy magnificent vistas of the Atlantic Ocean with a stay at this four-star design hotel. The 144 rooms and suites have views over the sea or Baleeira Harbour, while the property also has an outdoor pool, plus a spa, heated indoor pool, Turkish bath and sauna.