Leaving Porto Covo, the trail heads south along dramatic clifftops where Atlantic waves crash against jagged rock formations and sea stacks punctuate the coastline. Sandy paths wind through low coastal scrub with constant ocean views to the west. Early on, you pass Praia dos Buizinhos and Praia da Ilha do Pessegueiro, where the ruined 17th-century Fort of Pessegueiro stands on a small offshore island, originally built to deter pirate raids. The route undulates between clifftop tracks and quiet coves, reaching Praia do Malhão around the midpoint — a long sandy beach backed by dunes with seasonal toilets. There are no reliable water or food stops between the towns, so carry supplies. The final approach follows the Rio Mira estuary into Vila Nova de Milfontes, which has full facilities and 16th-century castle ruins above the river mouth. Cross the Rio Mira via the road bridge on the edge of Vila Nova de Milfontes, briefly heading inland before turning south. A water-taxi from the harbour (maresiadomira.pt) can save around 4 km by cutting across the estuary. Once on the southern shore, the path passes Praia das Furnas, where distinctive rock formations meet the river outflow, before climbing onto exposed clifftops with sweeping views back along the coast. The terrain follows dramatic cliff paths with significant Atlantic exposure. Dark schist headlands alternate with small coves, and the trail undulates continuously through low scrubland. Praia da Angra, Praia da Agra, Praia do Farol and Praia do Travesso offer remote, facility-free beaches reached via steep descents. Surfaces alternate between sandy tracks and rocky paths needing careful navigation, before the route eases into Almograve, where cafés, a restaurant and a small shop provide welcome supplies after this remote section.
Leave Almograve past the wide sandy beach and impressive dunes of Praia do Almograve, then follow a broad sandy track to the small fishing harbour at Lapa das Pombas, sheltered between rocks where traditional boats are moored. Beyond, climb onto exposed clifftops with dramatic southward views. Walking surfaces alternate between sand and rocky tracks. White storks nest on sea stacks and cliff ledges along this coast — one of the few places in the world where they breed by the sea. Near Entrada do Pau, the trail diverts inland through pine and eucalyptus woodland before reaching Cavaleiro, the only reliable food stop. Continue to Cabo Sardão, where a 17-metre lighthouse crowns the westernmost point of the Alentejo coast. Beyond, dirt tracks lead to Praia do Tonel and the fishing harbour of Entrada da Barca, then clifftop trails and boardwalks descend into Zambujeira do Mar. From Zambujeira do Mar the route climbs back to the clifftops with views over the village. Heading south, you reach Praia dos Alteirinhos, an unspoiled beach with a rocky peninsula that becomes an island at high tide. The terrain undulates through coastal vegetation with continuous Atlantic views. Pass Praia do Carvalhal (Blue Flag, café, stream crossing the sand), Praia dos Machados and a small inland diversion at Lomba do Asno around a sensitive erosion zone. The trail alternates pine and acacia woodland with exposed clifftop sections to reach Azenha do Mar, a tiny clifftop fishing village with a 1950s seawater pool cut into the rocks and two seafood restaurants. Beyond, dramatic clifftops lead to Ponta em Branco, marking the boundary between the Alentejo and Algarve, before a riverside road descends 4 km into Odeceixe.
From Odeceixe, follow the road back along the Rio Seixe to Praia de Odeceixe, a popular surf beach where bars, restaurants and public toilets serve the village above. Continue south along coastal cliffs with expansive ocean views, then turn inland across flat farmland and irrigated fields, following an irrigation channel for much of the section with little shade. The route reaches Rogil at around 15 km, where cafés and Museu da Batata Doce restaurant provide the main refreshment stop. From Rogil, the trail joins the red-and-white waymarks of the Historical Way, leaving the coast for scrubland, fields and forest paths. As you approach Aljezur, rolling forested hills replace open farmland, and the final descent into town drops via steep cobbled lanes. Aljezur sits astride the Ribeira de Aljezur, crowned by the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle, with shops, restaurants and amenities on both banks. Leave Aljezur on paved roads heading west to the coast at Praia da Amoreira, an extensive beach set within a dramatic landscape of cliffs and shifting sand dunes where the café-restaurant Paraíso do Mar provides refreshments and toilets. The trail soon reaches Praia de Monte Clérigo, a Blue Flag beach and picturesque fishing village of colourful houses with several restaurants. From here a steep climb takes you out of the village onto dramatic clifftops to Ponta da Atalaia, a headland of considerable archaeological significance featuring Moorish-era ruins and graves where a 12th-century Ribat (fortress-monastery) once stood. The path continues high above the cliffs before descending to the horseshoe bay of Praia da Arrifana, sheltered by towering cliffs. The 17th-century Fortaleza da Arrifana, restored in 2007 as a viewpoint, crowns the northern clifftop. The village of Arrifana sits inland up a steep climb, with restaurants and cafés.
From Arrifana, the trail starts on road for around 800 m before turning onto a gravel track that climbs into the hills of Vale dos Marmeleiros. The route heads inland through green countryside of cork oaks, vineyards and cultivated land before descending to the remote Praia do Canal, a small beach tucked between dramatic cliffs where a stream flows to the sea. A steep ascent then climbs back inland for around 10 km of undulating terrain through eucalyptus woods and farmland. Returning to the coast, dramatic clifftop views open over Praia da Bordeira — a 3-km sweep of golden sand backed by towering dunes and red-toned cliffs. At low tide you can walk the beach itself; at high tide, wooden boardwalks pick a way through the dunes. Cross the shallow Ribeira da Bordeira (usually knee-deep), then a final 1 km inland brings you into the whitewashed village of Carrapateira with restaurants, cafés and a small maritime and rural museum. From Carrapateira, descend to Praia do Amado, one of the Algarve's most popular surf beaches, backed by high cliffs and dunes. Skirt the southern end of the beach before climbing steeply onto clifftop paths. The terrain becomes notably more challenging, with several steep ascents and descents over the next 6 km along dramatic coastal cliffs with spectacular views, then a drop to the remote Praia da Murração, accessible only on foot. More steep climbs and descents follow before Praia da Pena Furada, after which the trail turns inland across a broad plateau cut by ravines carved through shale by watercourses. The terrain transitions from coastal drama to rolling agricultural land — ablaze with wildflowers in spring, drier and more austere in summer and autumn. Gravel tracks lead through this interior landscape before a final 3 km close to the main road brings you into Vila do Bispo, a small town with restaurants, cafés and shops centred on its medieval church.
From Vila do Bispo, the trail heads west towards the coast, crossing 7 km of agricultural land before reaching dramatic clifftop walking with views over beaches including Praia de Telheiro. After about 13 km you arrive at Cabo de São Vicente — the extreme south-western point of mainland Europe — where sheer vertical cliffs plunge to the Atlantic far below. The distinctive red-and-white lighthouse, built in 1846 and standing 24 m tall, crowns the plateau, which is exposed to fierce winds. Food stalls operate here and there are paid public toilets. The cape is named after the martyred Saint Vincent, whose body reportedly washed ashore here, making it an important medieval pilgrimage site. From the cape, the route heads east for about 6 km to Sagres along paths near the main road; many walkers take the shuttle bus for this stretch. Sagres is a small fortified town and major resupply point, with shops, restaurants and accommodation around its historic fortress and harbour. Leaving Sagres, the trail drops to Praia de Martinhal, then continues along the coast before swinging briefly inland and back out to Praia do Barranco. From here, steep, craggy ascents and descents characterise much of the route, with loose rocks on narrow paths demanding careful footwork. Arrive at Praia da Ingrina, where a beach restaurant sits beside the visible ruins of the 18th-century Zavial Fort, which replaced an earlier fort destroyed in the 1755 earthquake. The exposed headland gives magnificent coastal views east to Ponta da Torre and west to Ponta da Atalaia. From Praia de Zavial, with another beachside restaurant, the path continues to Ponta da Torre and clifftops above Praia das Furnas. Brief inland sections alternate with steep coastal undulations past Praia da Figueira before a final climb and descent into Salema, a picturesque traditional fishing village where colourful boats rest on the sand and cafés and restaurants line the waterfront and narrow hillside streets.
Leaving Salema, the trail climbs east above the bay, soon opening wide views of the rugged Algarve coast. The first descent brings you to Boca do Rio, a broad sandy beach framed by low cliffs and the ruins of an old Roman-era fort. From here the route rises gently over headlands of coastal scrub and spring wildflowers, before dropping to the long curve of Praia de Almádena, where Atlantic rollers break onto golden sand. Beyond the cliffs, the path undulates along sandy tracks and rocky ledges to Praia das Cabanas Velhas, a quieter beach backed by ochre cliffs and once a haunt of fishermen. The final stretch features dramatic clifftop walking with constant Atlantic views, descending past the smaller Praia dos Rebolos. Ahead, the dark volcanic slopes of Rocha Negra announce the approach to Praia da Luz, with its sweeping beach, lively promenade and full range of restaurants and accommodation. From Praia da Luz, the trail climbs onto the cliffs beneath the striking dark mass of Rocha Negra, with far-reaching views back along the coast just walked. Sandy tracks and rocky paths run high above the ocean before descending to the wide, golden sweep of Praia do Porto de Mós, a popular beach sheltered by tall limestone cliffs. From the beach the path rises steeply on road into a more urban setting before heading on to Ponta da Piedade, a cluster of golden-stone arches, grottoes and towering sea stacks regarded as one of the most spectacular coastal formations in Portugal. The trail then continues towards Lagos on a mix of quiet roads and cliff paths, finally winding into the lively old town and ending at the marina. Arriving in Lagos marks a moment of triumph — a celebration of endurance and a chance to reflect on the wild beauty and timeless charm of the Fisherman's Trail.
