Fishermans Trail 2026

Portugal - Fishermans Trail - 2026

Day 1 April 14th - Lisbon

Arrive at Hotel Nicola Rossio - R. 1º de Dezembro 12, 1100-486 Lisboa, Portugal

To get to the Hotel from the airport you have two options.

The recommended option is to take the metro from the airport station , take the Red line (Linha Vermelha) to the Green Line (Linha Verde) and get off at Rossio station.  The hotel is just a short walk away. (2 mins)

The other option is to take Bus Number 744 from the airport and get off at Restauradores which is also within walking distance of the hotel.  Both options take around 30 to 40 minutes and cost approximately 2 - 3 euros,

You can use your WISE Card on the Buses, Trains and Trams.

FYI the distance from hotel to Sete Rios Bus Station is about 3.9k but a metro is just under 2 euros and about 200m from the hotel.

You are limited to one bag weighing no more than 15kg for the luggage transfer service. Vicentina Transfers.

Day 2 April 15th - Lisbon

A one-day Lisbon itinerary for a group of eight, designed to blend culture and nature while avoiding overly touristy spots. All locations are accessible via public transport and offer a relaxed, authentic experience.

Morning: Start at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon’s highest viewpoint with panoramic city views. Wander downhill through Alfama’s quiet alleys and tiled facades. Optional stop at Museu do Fado or a courtyard café.

Late morning: Explore Baixa and Chiado. Visit Livraria Bertrand or the open-air Carmo Convent ruins. Enjoy the literary and architectural charm of the area.

Lunch and nature: Take tram 28 to Estrela Basilica and Jardim da Estrela. Relax in the leafy park and grab lunch nearby at a local café.

Afternoon: Head to Tapada das Necessidades, a hidden botanical garden with quirky greenhouses and peacocks. It’s quiet and ideal for a group stroll.

Evening: Visit LX Factory for indie shops, rooftop bars, and street art. Alternatively, explore Campo de Ourique for a more residential feel with great eateries and a local market.

Transport tips: Use the Viva Viagem/WISE card for unlimited metro, tram, and bus rides. Trams 28 and 25 offer scenic routes through historic neighborhoods. Avoid peak hours for smoother group movement.

Day 3 - April 16th Lisbon to Porto Covo by bus.

It is a 50 minute walk from the hotel to the bus station - take this into account when deciding on your luggage.

•  Operator: Rede Expressos

•  Departure: Estação Rodoviária de Sete Rios (Lisbon’s main bus terminal, accessible via Jardim Zoológico metro station)

•  Arrival: Porto Côvo – Mercado Municipal

•  Duration: Approximately 2 hours 10 minutes

•  Frequency: Several times daily (more in summer)

•  Cost: €8–17 one way 

You can book tickets in advance on the Rede Expressos website 

If you have 3 hours before leaving for the bus:

1) 🕳️ Roman Galleries Street‑Glass Peek

Rua da Prata 246

A fast, weird Lisbon oddity — a street‑level glass panel where you can look into the underground Roman galleries.

(Free, 2 minutes, on your way south.)

2) 🛍️ Baixa Market — Praça da Figueira

5 minutes from the Roman galleries

This is the lively open‑air market at Praça da Figueira — great for a quick wander, a drink, or a snack.

• Open daily 10:00–22:00  com-place.com

• Mix of street food, local goods, and handmade crafts

• Covered seating + picnic tables

• Good for a quick pastel, pork sandwich, or sangria

Note: Some reviewers warn about occasional overpricing and crowds, especially at peak times. 

But for a quick stop, it’s fun and atmospheric.

3) 🎨 Mouraria Back‑Alleys (the real Lisbon)

Walk 6–8 minutes north

Skip the big streets — take the tiny lanes behind Martim Moniz.

Expect:

• Laundry lines

• Small murals

• Elderly locals chatting in doorways

• Zero souvenir shops

This is the “Lisbon before tourism.”

4) 🍽️ Lunch in a Quiet, Local Plaza

⭐ Café O Corvo — Largo dos Trigueiros

10 minutes from Mouraria

A leafy, tucked‑away square with a neighbourhood vibe — not tourist‑heavy.

Perfect for a relaxed outdoor lunch before your bus.

🧭 Walking Flow (super simple)

Hotel Rossi → Roman Galleries → Baixa Market → Mouraria alleys → Largo dos Trigueiros (lunch)

Total walking across 3 hours: ~35–40 minutes

Everything else is slow wandering, snacking, and soaking up atmosphere.

Hotel: Hotel Apartamento is 0.1km from the Fishermans Trail.

Address: Rua Vitalina Da Silva Lote 1 e 2, Porto Covo, 7520-404, Portugal. 

Check in time:16:00

Breakfast Included

A  2–4 hour experience in Porto Covo that blends quirky charm, cultural depth, and nature

1. Start in Praça Marquês de Pombal

This symmetrical 18th-century square is the heart of the village, rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake. It’s quiet, geometric, and full of character—perfect for a slow wander and people-watching. Pop into local artisan shops for handmade ceramics or sea-themed crafts.

2. Visit Ilha do Pessegueiro (from shore)

This mysterious island just offshore has Roman ruins and pirate lore. You can’t always access it, but the view from the coast is dramatic. Walk the clifftop trail for windswept vistas and a touch of mythic atmosphere.

3. Explore Praia do Salto

A hidden cove and recognized naturist beach, it’s tucked between cliffs and rarely crowded. Even if you don’t swim, the rock formations and tide pools offer a raw, sculptural beauty.

4. End with a quirky café or snack

Try Lamella’s for local seafood or Marquês for a pastel de nata and espresso. Some cafés have vintage decor and seaside views—ideal for reflecting on the day

Day 4 - April 17th  Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes (16km).

Hotel: The Blue Bamboo Hotel is 0.5km from the Fishermans Trail. Breakfast Not Included

2 hours Experience:

Start at Forte de São Clemente, a 17th-century coastal fort perched above the Mira River. Though not always open inside, its exterior and setting offer a quiet, historic anchor point with sweeping views.

Walk down to Praia do Farol, a scenic beach at the river mouth. The nearby Miradouro da Praia do Farol is a hidden gem—clifftop views, crashing waves, and a sense of solitude that feels worlds away from tourist crowds.

Stroll through the old town, where whitewashed houses and blue trim echo traditional Alentejo style. Pop into a local shop for handmade soaps or ceramics, or grab a snack at a café with vintage decor.

Day 5 - April 18th  Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve (15km).

Hotel:  Almograve Pousada de Juventude is 0.1km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 Hours Experience:

​​In  the village, explore its traditional charm: whitewashed homes, sleepy cafés, and a slower rhythm. End with a drink at Restaurante o Lavrador, a local favorite with sunlit outdoor seating.

Day 6 - April 19th  Almograve to Zambujeira 

 Mar (22km).

Hotel: Villa Zambujeira is 0.6km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast not Included

2 Hours Experience:

1. Visit the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Mar

This cliffside chapel is small but steeped in local tradition. It’s a quiet spot with sweeping views and a sense of spiritual calm. Locals still hold maritime blessings here, and the setting feels timeless.

2. Explore the village’s backstreets

Skip the main drag and wander the lesser-known lanes. You’ll find quirky murals, tiled facades, and small artisan shops selling handmade soaps, cork goods, and local honey. It’s a great way to feel the rhythm of village life.

3. Walk inland to the Zambujeira countryside

Head east toward the rural outskirts—gentle farmland, eucalyptus groves, and quiet dirt paths. It’s a peaceful contrast to the coastal drama and offers a glimpse into Alentejo’s agricultural soul.

4. End with a café stop

Try Café Central or a tucked-away pastelaria for a bica and bolo de amêndoa. Some spots have vintage decor and local gossip drifting in with the breeze.

Day 7 - April 20th  Zambujeira Do Mar to Odeceixe (18.5km).

Hotel: Monte do Cardal is 2 km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 hour Experience:

Start in the village center, where cobbled lanes wind past whitewashed houses with colorful trim. Visit the small but characterful Igreja de Odeceixe, a hilltop church with panoramic views and a peaceful courtyard.

Walk down to the riverbank near the old watermill (Azenha de Odeceixe). This spot offers a quiet glimpse into rural life, with reeds, birdsong, and reflections of the village on the Mira River. It’s a gentle, nature-rich contrast to the coastal drama.

Explore local shops or cafés, where you’ll find handmade cork goods, regional honey, and vintage decor. For something quirky, check out the tiny art gallery or chat with locals at a pastelaria tucked off the main square.

Day 8 - April 21st - Free Day

Suggestion: Take the shuttle bus into town and buy some supplies

Fresh bread from the padaria in Odeceixe

Cheese, fruit, cured meats from the mercearia

Almond pastries (local specialty)

A chilled bottle of Vinho Verde or a crisp Algarve white

And have the picnic on the resorts 3.2 hectare grounds. 

Day 9 - April 22nd  Odeceixe to Aljezur (22.5km)

Hotel: Floral is 0.5km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Not Included

2 Hour Experience:

1. Explore Aljezur Castle

Perched on a hilltop, the ruins of this 10th-century Moorish fortress offer panoramic views over the valley and coast. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and dotted with interpretive signs that bring the history to life. The walk up is short but scenic, winding through cobbled streets and fig trees.

2. Wander the Old Town

Aljezur’s historic quarter is full of character: whitewashed homes, azulejo panels, and narrow lanes that feel untouched by time. Stop by the Museu Municipal, housed in a former town hall, for a glimpse into local archaeology and rural life.

3. Visit Moagem Café

This quirky café is set inside a converted grain mill. It’s part veggie bistro, part community hub, with original mill features and a relaxed vibe. Ideal for a coffee, snack, or chat with locals.

Day 10 - April 23rd Aljezur to Arrifana (17.5km)

Hotel: Casa Nook Arrifana os 0.5km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 Hour Experience:

Start at the ruins of the Fortress of Arrifana, perched above the cliffs. This 12th-century site, once home to a Moorish prince, offers dramatic views and a sense of mystery. It’s rarely crowded and steeped in local legend.

Wander the clifftop paths around the fortress, where you’ll find wildflowers, seabirds, and sculptural rock formations. The Atlantic crashes below, and the light shifts constantly—ideal for photography or quiet reflection.

Head into the village for a slow stroll past whitewashed homes and surf cottages. Stop at a local café like O Paulo or Arte Bianca for a coffee or snack with a view. Some spots have quirky decor and laid-back vibes that reflect Arrifana’s surf-meets-history character.

Day 11 - April 24th Arrifana to Carrapateira (20km)

Hotel: Monte Da Vilarinha is 4km from the Fishermans Trail - Breakfast Included

2 Hour Experience:

Start at the Carrapateira Ethnographic Museum, a small but fascinating space housed in a traditional building. It offers insight into the village’s fishing, farming, and surf heritage, with handmade tools, photos, and stories from locals.

Wander through the village lanes, where whitewashed homes and quiet gardens reflect the rhythm of rural Algarve life. Look out for local artisans selling cork goods, ceramics, or honey from nearby hills.

Head toward the Ribeira da Carrapateira, a gentle stream that winds through the valley. The walk inland offers a peaceful contrast to the coast—expect reeds, birdsong, and grazing goats. It’s a great way to experience the natural park’s quieter side.

Wrap up with a café stop, like at Sitio do Rio or a local pastelaria, where you can sip a bica and soak in the slow pace. Some spots have surf-inspired decor and open-air seating with valley views.

Day 12 - April 25th Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo (16km)

Hotel: Mira Sagres is 0.3km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 Hour experience:

Start at the village center, where whitewashed houses and cobbled streets reflect traditional Algarve architecture. Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a 16th-century church with a striking Manueline doorway and azulejo-covered interior.

Walk up to the viewpoint near Castelejo, just outside town. It offers panoramic views over the Costa Vicentina cliffs and golden beaches, with wildflowers and wind-sculpted terrain along the way. It’s a short drive or a gentle uphill walk from the village.

Explore local shops or cafés, where you’ll find cork goods, handmade soaps, and regional produce. Some cafés have quirky decor and open-air seating—perfect for a relaxed group moment.

Day 13 - April 26th Vila do Bispo to Sagres (20.5km)

Hotel: Memmo Baleeira- Design Hotels is 0.6km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 Hour Experience:

Start at Fortaleza de Sagres, a windswept 15th-century fortress perched on a dramatic headland. It’s steeped in maritime history and surrounded by stark cliffs and crashing waves. Inside, you’ll find the mysterious rosa dos ventos—a massive stone compass whose origins are still debated.

Walk the perimeter trail around the fortress grounds, where sea views stretch endlessly and seabirds wheel overhead. The landscape is raw and elemental, with wildflowers and sculptural rock formations.

Head into town for a slow wander past surf shops, cafés, and local bakeries. Stop at Pastelaria Pão Quente or Three Little Birds for a snack or coffee—some spots have vintage decor and open-air seating that reflect Sagres’s laid-back, surf-meets-history vibe.

If time allows, stroll down to Praia da Baleeira, a small working beach near the harbor. It’s not for sunbathing, but it offers a glimpse into local fishing life and a quieter slice of the coastline.

Day 14 - April 27th Sagres to Salema (19.5km)

Hotel: Nau Salema Beach Village is 0.5km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast not Included

Full kitchen. 

2 Hour Experience:

Start with a fossil hunt—yes, really. Just east of Salema Beach, near Praia dos Rebolos, you’ll find dinosaur footprints embedded in the limestone cliffs. They’re subtle but fascinating, and the setting is wild and windswept. It’s a short walk from the village and feels like a secret etched in stone.

Wander the old fishing village lanes, where traditional whitewashed houses and blue trim reflect Algarve’s coastal heritage. Look for tiled murals and small shrines tucked into corners—quiet traces of local devotion and artistry.

Visit the tiny chapel of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, just a short drive or taxi inland. It’s one of the oldest Gothic buildings in the Algarve, with Knights Templar connections and a peaceful, rural setting.

Wrap up with a drink or snack at a local café like Boia Bar or Águias, where you can sit by the sea and watch the fishing boats bob in the bay. Some spots have quirky decor and a laid-back vibe that suits Salema’s slower rhythm.

Day 15 - April 28th Salema to Praia da Luz (12km)

Hotel: Vila Luz is 0.8km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 Hour Experience:

Start with a walk along the beachfront promenade, where you’ll find mosaic-tiled paths, palm trees, and a relaxed local vibe. It’s ideal for soaking up the coastal atmosphere without the crowds. Pop into small shops for handmade jewelry, cork goods, or local ceramics.

Visit the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Luz, a striking white-and-yellow church near the beach. Its interior features traditional azulejos and a peaceful courtyard—quiet, reflective, and deeply rooted in village history.

Climb toward Rocha Negra, the dramatic black cliff that defines Luz’s skyline. A short, manageable walk offers panoramic views over the bay and coastline. It’s geologically fascinating and visually stunning—especially at sunset.

Wrap up with a café stop, like at The Galley or Caféluz, where you can enjoy a bica or fresh pastry with sea views and a laid-back crowd. Some spots have quirky decor and surf-inspired charm.

Day 16 - April 29th Praia da Luz to Lagos (11km)

Hotel: Charming Residence & Guest House is 0.8km from the Fishermans Trail Breakfast Included

2 Hour Experience:

Start in the historic old town, where cobbled streets wind past whitewashed buildings, tiled facades, and hidden courtyards. Visit the Church of Santo António, known for its ornate gold-leaf interior and adjacent museum showcasing regional artifacts.

Walk along the old city walls, which date back to the 16th century. They offer quiet vantage points and a sense of Lagos’s maritime past, far from the beach crowds.

Explore Rua da Barroca, a lesser-known street lined with colorful houses, local boutiques, and tucked-away cafés. It’s ideal for a slow wander and a glimpse of everyday life.

Wrap up with a visit to the Mercado Municipal, where you’ll find fresh produce, local cheeses, and handmade goods. Even if you’re not shopping, the atmosphere is lively and authentic.

Day 17 - April 30th Lagos to Faro Airport - THE END.

Direct Bus (Recommended for Simplicity)

•  Operator: VAMUS – Transportes do Algarve

•  Departure: Terminal Rodoviário de Lagos

•  Arrival: Faro Airport

•  Duration: ~1 hour 55 minutes

•  Cost: €1–25

•  Frequency: Every 4 hours, daily

•  Pros: No transfers, budget-friendly, reliable

For more great adventures check out: Auckland Global Trekkers