Fishermen's Trail: Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

The Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve stage continues the Rota Vicentina's Fishermen's Trail south through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, in Odemira municipality. Hikers begin near the ferry pier at Vila Nova de Milfontes, where a small passenger ferry crosses the Mira river estuary to the trail's true starting point on the south bank; alternatively the estuary can be walked around via the road bridge, adding distance. No permit is needed, and parking is available near the Vila Nova de Milfontes waterfront. The stage covers 13.4 kilometres one-way and takes four to five hours, with moderate clifftop undulation and a handful of short, sandy climbs out of stream gullies, but no sustained ascent and no technical or exposed scrambling. The surface is mostly compacted sandy soil and low scrub path along the clifftop, with a few soft-sand descents to beach level; shade is minimal throughout. Landmarks include the wide, often-empty beaches of Franquia and Malhão, part of a protected dune and cliff ecosystem, and the low sandstone cliffs that rise gradually as the trail nears Almograve. This is one of the quieter stages of the Fishermen's Trail, seeing noticeably fewer walkers than the more publicised sections further south, making it a good option for hikers seeking solitude. There are no refuge huts or water sources along the route; the nearest facilities are the café and small shops in Almograve at the end of the stage. The trail terminates near Praia do Almograve, from where onward transport by taxi or occasional local bus connects to Odemira or further south to Zambujeira do Mar.