8-Day Fisherman's Trail Route Itinerary — Hiker Pace

Dramatic clifftop paths where Atlantic waves crash against jagged rock formations and sea stacks. Pass the ruined Fort of Pessegueiro on its offshore island, cross long sandy beaches, then follow the Rio Mira estuary into the welcoming town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Cross the Rio Mira and climb onto exposed clifftops where dark schist rock formations create striking contrasts with white surf below. Isolated coves and remote beaches line this wild, windswept coastal section with barely a soul in sight.

Pass the fishing harbour of Lapa das Pombas and reach Cabo Sardão, where white storks nest on cliff ledges above the ocean — one of the few places in the world where they breed by the sea. A 17-metre lighthouse crowns the promontory before the trail drops to the clifftop village of Zambujeira do Mar.

Walk above Praia dos Alteirinhos with its rocky peninsula, then through to Azenha do Mar — a tiny clifftop fishing village with a 1950s seawater pool cut into the rocks. Cross from the Alentejo into the Algarve at Ponta em Branco with breathtaking views of the beach below.

Return to the coast via the popular surf beach at Praia de Odeceixe, then head inland through farmland and the village of Rogil. The final approach descends via steep cobbled lanes into Aljezur, crowned by the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle.

Head to the coast via Praia da Amoreira and the picturesque village of Monte Clérigo before reaching Ponta da Atalaia with its Moorish archaeological ruins. Descend to the horseshoe-shaped Praia da Arrifana sheltered below the restored 17th-century fortress. Climb inland through green countryside with cork oaks and vineyards before returning to the coast at Praia da Bordeira — a 3-kilometre sweep of golden sand backed by towering dunes. Cross the river and walk into the whitewashed village of Carrapateira.

Start with the popular surf beach at Praia do Amado, then tackle challenging clifftop paths with steep ascents and descents past remote Praia da Murração. The terrain transitions to rolling agricultural land — ablaze with wildflowers in spring — before reaching Vila do Bispo. Walk to Cabo de São Vicente — the extreme southwestern point of mainland Europe — where sheer vertical cliffs meet the open Atlantic beneath a distinctive red and white lighthouse. Continue east along the coast to the fortified town of Sagres.

Steep, craggy terrain with loose rocks on narrow paths characterises this demanding section. Pass the ruins of the 18th-century Zavial Fort, dramatic coastal headlands, and secluded beaches before descending to Salema, where colourful fishing boats rest on the sand.

Traverse headlands of coastal scrub and wildflowers, dropping to golden beaches at Boca do Rio and Praia de Almádena. The dramatic dark volcanic slopes of Rocha Negra rise ahead, announcing the approach to the lively resort of Praia da Luz. Climb the cliffs beneath the striking dark mass of Rocha Negra, then descend to the wide golden sweep of Praia do Porto de Mós. Pass the spectacular sea stacks, arches and grottoes of Ponta da Piedade before arriving in Lagos — a triumphant end to the Fisherman's Trail.