Fishermen's Trail — Rota Vicentina (Trilho dos Pescadores)

The Fishermen's Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) is the coastal branch of the Rota Vicentina network, tracing the old fishing paths of the Costa Vicentina from Porto Covo down through Odeceixe, Aljezur, Carrapateira and Vila do Bispo to Cape St. Vincent near Sagres. Within the Algarve, the most-walked day sections start at Aljezur, Bordeira or Carrapateira, all reachable by car with roadside or informal parking, and by the seasonal Rota Vicentina shuttle bus that links village trailheads. No permit is needed, though the route runs through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, where walkers are asked to keep to the marked path to protect dune vegetation. Day sections typically run 15–25km with 500–800m of cumulative elevation change, following soft sand, packed dirt tracks and, in places, exposed clifftop paths with steep drops to the Atlantic; there is almost no shade and near-constant wind. Key landmarks include the wide surf beach at Praia do Amado, the fishing village of Carrapateira, a string of remote beaches accessible only on foot, and the lighthouse at Cape St. Vincent, Europe's southwesternmost point. Walkers who prefer a shorter outing can turn around at Praia do Amado or Vale Figueiras rather than continuing the full multi-day route. Villages along the way — Aljezur, Carrapateira, Vila do Bispo — offer the only reliable water refill points and accommodation; there are no huts or shelters directly on the trail itself.