Walking Rota Vicentina North Fishermen's Trail

Arrive in Cercal, a rural town. The name comes from the Latin quercalu (meaning oak), due to the large number of these trees in the area. During your stay, do not miss the 17th century charming parish church. Stay at Casa Azul guest house.

The first part of the route goes through small farms, vegetable gardens and orchards. Here, life follows the rhythm of the sowing seasons. Walk through an arid area, populated with eucalyptus, then arrive in a cork oak forest. It is a true biodiversity hotspot with more than 150 different species of plants that appear along the route! About a quarter of these plants are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula, and some only exist on the southwest coast of Portugal. Along the route, you will also catch the scent of aromatic plants, such as lavender, thyme or rosemary. Then reach Porto Covo a traditional fishing village where you spend the night. Stay at Porto Covo Hotel (B).

Discover unspoilt beaches and the sand dunes of Ilha do Pessegueiro. The Ilha do Pessegueiro Beach lies facing the island from which it takes its name. The island shows evidence of its long history with a fish salting factory dating from the Roman era which is believed to have given its name to the island (a derivative of the Latin 'piscatorius'). Take the opportunity for a dip in the water on one of these beaches before reaching Vila Nova d Milfontes where you spend the next two nights. You stay at Hotel HS Milfontes (B).

Day to relax by the pool or on the beach. Alternatively, stroll in the charming town of Vila Nova de Milfontes (B).

Amongst the cliffs and red dunes, is a sanctuary and one of the most appreciated beaches for surfing. Walk through the million-year old dunes and rock. Almograve Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches along this rocky coastline and is part of the Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina Natural Park. Discover the more traditional slice of Portuguese coastal life. Follow the fishermen's trail with magnificent panorama across the ocean. Stay at Vicentina Rooms Guest House (B).

A walk that leads you to the beautiful beach of Almograve with its rocky coastline. Then, explore the fishing village of Zambujeira do Mar. This village offers an excellent view over the beach and is a small and very peaceful village. The beautiful beaches are one of the main attractions as its natural environment is one of the best preserved of this region. Stay at Rosa dos Ventos Guest House (B).

(B).