Rota Vicentina, Trilho dos Pescadores
Rota Vicentina is a long distance hiking trail in southern Portugal. There’s a couple of variations to it, the main two options are the ‚historical way‘ (Camino Histórico) and the ‚Fishermen’s Trail‘ (Trilho dos Pescadores). They have a website and a locally produced and sold guidebook (print and online), I recommend both as they are up to date and much more accurate than third party guides I’ve seen. For example, lot of books and websites describe the Trilho as a few days walk from Porto Covo to Odeceixe or Cabo São Vicente and ignore the fact that it now runs from Lagos to Sines, quite a bit longer (and the sections from Lagos to Sagres are very beautiful).
It’s well marked, you don’t really need a map or anything. One important thing to know is that the data they give on their website for each section is not always accurate – I found wild variations between the elevation gain/loss they list vs the meters I measured. Distance is mostly accurate, but 380m (measured) instead of 270m (website) elevation gain on a 15km section is strange, especially as this seems to be the case for most days – their measurements must have been off, methinks. Doesn’t really matter since it’s not much anyway.
We’re walking this trail South to North, so we don’t have to stare into the sun all day. And we’re taking our time, two weeks overall with three rest days in Sagres, Arrifana, and Zambujeira. We’re finishing in Milfontes since we’ve already done the last piece last year. It’s easy to get to Lagos from Faro (short distance, Yellowfish Transfers) or even Lisbon (long bus ride). And even easier to get from Milfontes to Lisbon for our flight home (good direct bus connection with Rede). You could do this in fewer days, of course. Not much elevation gain/loss, so if you’re fit and motivated, this could easily be halved. Just remember that the days are shorter in November, even here.
We found this a perfect escape from the Tristesse of November in Berlin. Not sure whether there are any other easy long distance trails with such beautiful views you can do in mainland Europe in November. Pretty sure this is the best. (yes, I looked into Greece, for example, but everything closes down in November, so unless you’re prepared to tough it out with a tent and gas cooker…). A lot of bakeries, cafes, restaurants are closed as well during the winter season here, but there’s still plenty around, so starvation is unlikely.
Anyway, check out their website, buy their book, book with the local businesses/partners. Fuck booking.com. Enjoy wonderful weather, fantastic coastal views, wild Atlantic waves, and great Portuguese food and hospitality. And learn at least some words of Portuguese, you ignorant fuck, show some respect.
