Hiking Collection by SimonWicart
Trilho dos Pescadores – Portugal's Fishermen's Trail
11 days
4-8 h/day
224km
2,640m
2,640m
Covering 230 kilometres (143 mi), the famous Fishermen's Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores) is among the world's most beautiful hikes. In Portugal, along the Atlantic coastline between Sines in the Alentejo and Lagos in the Algarve, its route follows the many paths that the Portuguese historically used to reach beaches and fishing ports.
The combination of the ocean and nature is breathtaking here. The azure of infinite waters merges with the lush greens inland. The rocky landscapes glisten with the sun, and maritime pine forests and Australian eucalyptus punctuate your journey. Hiking the paths of the Fishermen's Trail is truly a treat.
Humans have played a role in shaping these landscapes. Along the Fishermen's Trail, you'll explore picturesque old fishing ports. The walls of the houses are painted with white lime. Small bistros abound. Here, you can recharge your batteries, order bacalhau (cod), chouriça frita (fried chorizo), or polvo (octopus). To quench your thirst, order a such de Naranja (orange juice); the fruit grows plentifully under the Algarve sun.
In 11 stages, I invite you to discover this iconic path linking São Torpes (southeast of Sines) to Lagos via the magnificent Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina. The sandy trails are tiring, especially in the hottest months when the high temperatures add an extra challenge to the route. You'll need to be sure-footed and have a head for heights on the cliffs at the end of the trail.
To get started, you can fly to Portugal daily from anywhere in Europe or the rest of the world. To get to Sines, the Rede Expressos bus company runs regularly from Lisbon and takes three hours. You can retake a Rede Expressos bus on the return journey from Lagos. If you prefer, you can also catch the train back to Lisbon, changing at Tunes.
Amenities abound along the Fishermen's Trail. Each stage stops in a town with a restaurant and at least one place to stay. If you hike the route in high season, I’d suggest booking your accommodation in advance to guarantee a place.
The route is in southern Portugal and is enjoyable throughout the year. Summers can get very hot, however, and the winters are rainy. Remember to pack appropriate clothing for both sun and rain, and hydrate regularly.
If you love literature and are passing through Lisbon, I’d recommend a stop at Café A Brasileira, once the favourite cafés of the eminent Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa. You can pick up a collection of Pessoa's most beautiful poems: "Mensagem". How better to discover the beauty of a country than through its poetry?
Bon voyage!
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Useful links:
This Collection sometimes follows parts of the Historical Way. For more information, see: https://www.xenvaroqil.info/en/collection/2193334/
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Portugal's Fishermen's Trail – Trilho dos Pescadores
222km
3,010m
3,020m
Last updated: November 5, 2024
Activities
28.7km
08:57
190m
180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
15.1km
04:46
140m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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21.8km
06:52
180m
180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19.0km
06:11
230m
240m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
22.5km
07:04
180m
180m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
17.7km
05:51
290m
280m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20.0km
06:33
300m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
16.0km
05:19
300m
240m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21.2km
06:44
180m
230m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
19.7km
06:34
280m
300m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
22.5km
07:30
400m
400m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
11
Distance
224 km
Duration
72:20 h
Elevation
2,640 m
2,640 m
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