Rota Vicentina 7-day guided tour in the Algarve, Portugal

Arriving at Faro Airport. Transfer to Lagos, the regional capital of the Algarve and one of the southern cities of Portugal, boasting the most beautiful beaches in the country. Meeting with the guide and explanatory meeting about the trek.

Lodging: Lagos. Apart Hotel ****

After breakfast we meet to go by public transport to the Cabo de San Vicente, the southernmost cape in Europe. There, we will coincide with another long-distance route, the Algarvian route, which runs along 300 km. the interior of the Algarve. Our trek takes place in autumn, the ideal time to witness the migrations of seabirds that traverset this area of ​​Portugal year after year. We will pass by Vale Santo, a valley that was for hundreds of years part of the route of the devout pilgrims of San Vicente, whose path ends and begins at the lighthouse where we started the Rota Vicentina

Distance: 14 km. – Positive altitude difference:100 m. – Duration: 5h. 30 min. (includes stops)/ Accommodation: Vila do Bispo – Hotel ***

We will discover one of the richest biodiversity habitats in southwestern Portugal: temporary ponds, an essential means for the reproduction of amphibians. As we enter the interior of Portugal, the vegetation changes. Along the riverbank ash trees, willows and Portuguese oaks are common; on the dry hillsides, the cork oaks, the pines and the olive trees; and in the undergrowth, hawthorn, black cherries and wild asparagus grow in abundance. The end of this day is characterized by landscapes where the ocean and the mountain intermingle. A unique geological route, composed of cliffs, streams and high plateaus, which has been modeled over time due to a singular element: water.

Distance: 22 km. – Positive altitude difference: 200 m. – Duration: 7 hours (includes stops) / Accommodation in Carrapateira Hostel

Today the Rota Vicentina shows us its full potential: the power of the ocean breaking against the sharp cliffs, an extraordinary fauna biodiversity, the peaceful forests of cork trees, and the meadows cultivated by man make for an atmosphere indifferent to the passage of time. Arriving at Arrifana, a small coastal town, we can observe the panoramic view of the Costa Vicentina that is dazzling from the fortress. On clear days you get to see Cabo de San Vicente, the starting point of our trip.

Distance: 24 km. – Positive slope: 500 m. – Duration: 8 hours (includes stops) /  Accommodation: Arrifana –  Villas Hostel

Today’s destination holds history and gastronomy, and that is because the fertile lands of Aljezur hide a sweet secret: the best sweet potatoes grow all over Portugal. The Aljezur sweet potato festival is organized every year at the beginning of December and it is an ideal occasion to visit the region and walk along the Rota Vicentina. Around the year 1242, Aljezur was conquered by knights loyal to Paio Peres Correia, also known as Pelay Pérez, a notable Portuguese medieval conqueror who became master of the Order of Santiago. Legend has it that the victory of the conquest of the castle was partly due to the collaboration of the princess who betrayed her king.

Distance: 12 km. – Positive altitude difference: 184 m. – Duration: 5h. 30 min. (includes stops). / Accommodation: Aljezur-Hostel

We will cross mountains that rise above sea level, sweet potato growing areas, corn, peanuts, pine forests and eucalyptus trees. We will know the medicinal properties of some autochthonous trees and other local plants. After a week of contact with nature, the culture and beauty of southern Portugal, we arrive to Odeceixe, a town that is protected by the Seixe River, which forms a natural barrier between the Alentejo and Algarve regions. From there we can make a last walking excursion to say goodbye to the Atlantic Ocean.

Distance: 20 km. – Positive altittude difference: 300 m. – Duration: 7 hours (includes stops) / Accommodation: Odeceixe – Hostel

We say goodbye to a week full of unique experiences in the south of Portugal. After breakfast, transportation by bus from Odeceixe to the city of Lagos.