The Rota Vicentina is a trail immersed in the Portuguese countryside, featuring stunning headlands, beaches, and breathtaking cliffs. The Rota is divided into two sets of routes: the most famous is the Fishermen’s Trail or Sentiero dei pescatori, which runs along the entire coast, and the Historical Way or Cammino storico, which winds through parts of the Portuguese rural inland.
An ideal destination to discover Portugal and embrace a slower way of traveling, enjoying and admiring the nature and landscapes of this wonderful route.
Let me tell you about and recommend some stops I had the chance to discover and explore while walking the Fishermen’s Trail, starting from Lagos and reaching Porto Covo.
1. Lagos and the Tango at Praça do Infante D. Henrique
I arrived in Lagos from Lisbon by taking a bus from the Sete Rios station, Lisbon’s central bus station, from where many buses depart daily to almost every part of Portugal. The bus I took had Lagos as its final destination and it took just a couple of hours to get there.
We are in the heart of the Algarve, the southern region of Portugal, where you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches and enchanting natural landscapes.
All over the city, there are many charming spots such as Ponta de Piedade or Praia dos Pinheiros. I recommend visiting the historic city center, from old churches to the scenic waterfront and artisan shops hidden in the alleys.
If you love markets, in central Lagos, usually on Saturday mornings, there’s a wonderful farmers’ market where you can find fresh fish and other local gastronomic products.
Also, on the third Sunday of the month, if you pass through Praça do Infante D. Henrique in the evening, you’ll find amateur dancers dancing to the rhythm of the Tango. You can join them and try out your dancing skills – it’s truly a magical moment!
In the city, you can ask local shopkeepers or residents for directions to start the Fishermen’s Trail, but it’s easy to find as there are signs along the way. To be sure, you can also check the official Rota Vicentina website.
2. Luz: Fishing Village
Following the coastline, you soon arrive in Luz. You can choose to get there by bus or on foot. The trail from Lagos to Luz is not very long and fairly easy. You’ll walk along wonderful cliffs with the Atlantic Ocean as your view most of the time.
Once you arrive, you can relax on the beach that runs along the whole town. Looking out to the sea, you’ll see the rocks that frame Luz beach – the most iconic of which is definitely Rocha Negra, a volcanic rock formation.
3. Sagres: Where Surf and Waves Dance on the Water
We’ve reached the third stop on my journey along the Rota Vicentina: Sagres. A fantastic destination for a sustainable trip surrounded by nature and perfect for getting lost among rich biodiversity and unique sunsets with incredible colors.
It’s impossible to get lost in this small town where nature and surfboards are the true stars. You can take long walks along the Sagres coastline and enjoy sunsets with hues that only Portugal can offer.
A must-see destination here is Cabo De São Vicente: considered the westernmost point of mainland Europe. The bus is the ideal way to get there – a couple of them depart from Sagres and take you straight to this promontory.
4. Zambujeira do Mar: Where Time Stands Still
Zambujeira do Mar is the fourth stop on this journey along the Rota Vicentina and perhaps one of my favorites. I recommend staying here for a few days – it’s worth exploring and enjoying this charming little town.
This place feels almost wrapped in a magical aura, with its wild coastline and rural atmosphere – perfect for leaving behind the city rush. The surrounding nature and the picturesque village are ideal for a relaxing holiday immersed in local Portuguese culture.
I suggest visiting Praia de Zambujeira do Mar and venturing out to Capela de Nossa Senhora do Mar, which overlooks the ocean.
5. Vila Nova de Milfontes: A Picturesque Portuguese Town
Continuing along the Fishermen’s Trail, we come across another wonderful stop: Vila Nova de Milfontes. This town is located between the Mira River and the Atlantic Ocean, with its center characterized by cobbled streets and typical white Portuguese houses.
I noticed that most tourists here were locals. A place I recommend visiting is the Fort of Milfontes, built in the 16th century to defend the town from pirate attacks.
Here too, you’ll be surrounded by lush and vibrant nature, with beautiful beaches and landscapes that are a feast for the eyes.
6. Porto Covo and the Colors of the Ocean
We’ve arrived at the final stop of this incredible journey along the Rota Vicentina, where every place is a magical opportunity to rediscover the environment and promote local economies and environmental protection.
There are also beautiful beaches and typical white houses here. I recommend visiting Ilha do Pessegueiro, an island located 250 meters off the coast of Porto Covo.
The center of Porto Covo is small, but it’s worth a walk, especially for the friendliness of the locals you’ll meet along the way.
If you’re here in July, you can attend the famous music festival “Festival Músicas do Mundo” which is held every year in July between Sines and Porto Covo. A great opportunity to celebrate the musical and cultural diversity of different parts of the world.
I recommend walking the Fishermen’s Trail or taking a bus, letting yourself be swept away by the beauty of the landscapes and biodiversity of this coastline—always remembering to travel responsibly and take the right amount of time to explore the places you encounter.
Photos by Chiara Grottola
