Wild Portugal Coastal Walk

Travel to Lisbon

We meet at our hotel in Central Lisbon in the evening for dinner and tour briefing.

Accommodation: 2 bed room with bath/shower, bedding & towel, WC, hairdryer (B&B).

Lisbon – Porto Covo – Monte Bem Posto

Distance: 6km, Ascent: 50m, Descent: 30m, Walking time: Approx 2 Hrs

We take the morning bus from Lisbon direct to the fishing village of Porto Covo - taking our first breathe of fresh sea air. Here we say goodbye to our main luggage which will be delivered to our first and then final accommodation in Odeceixe and set off with lighter day packs, bearing all we need for the next days along the trail. We leave Porto Covo and head South with vistas of sprawling beaches and bays. We are accompanied by the rhythm of waves crashing in the ocean and into the cliffs. We picnic along one of the beaches before heading inland to our converted farmhouse accommodation. Here we can relax by the pool, meet the local farm life, and enjoy the sun set across the ocean.

Accommodation: Twin bed studio with bathroom and kitchenette

Lunch: Packed lunch (Pre-purchase in Lisbon)

Monte Bem Posto – Vila Nova de Milfontes

Distance: 16km, Ascent: 70m, Descent: 80m, Walking time: Approx 5 Hrs

We say goodbye to new friends at Monte Bem Posto and return to the coast. The trail then takes us winds between the beaches, sand dunes and forest. We pass some of the most popular surfing beaches in this region and may still watch the odd surfer catching the waves in this area. Between the beaches the trails are quiet aside from the regular percussion of crashing waves.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel, twin rooms with en-suite shower (B&B)

Lunch: Packed lunch (Snacks purchased in Lisbon), early afternoon coffee/ snack stop

Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve

Distance: 16km, Ascent: 205m, Descent: 190m, Walking time: Approx 4-5 Hrs

After a good rest and relaxed breakfast, we head out of Vila Nova de Milfontes. First, we have to cross the river inland. We re-join the coastal trail after the bridge over the Riva Mira, giving us splendid views across the estuary back to Vila de Milfontes. We pass by cork trees and through rich vegetation as well as wide open beaches and many perfect picnic spots. Our final steps take us inland through farming areas into the small village of Almograve. There we can drop our bags at the accommodation and head to the beach for a paddle or swim.

Accommodation: Twin room with en-suite bathroom (B&B)

Lunch: Packed lunch (Available for purchase in Vila Nova de Milfontes)

Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar

Distance: 19 km, Ascent: 300m, Descent: 275m, Walking time: Approx 7 Hrs

We leave the village of Almograve and head out along the headlands, as the fishermen are setting up for their catch. The trail continues along high cliffs with dramatic drops and rock formations. Here many birds make their nests- rock doves, stalk, peregrine falcon and more.
The lighthouse and headlands at Cape Sardão make a perfect picnic spot. We continue onwards passing the little fishing harbour of Entrada da Barca. Our last leg stretches along the road to Zambujeira and finally the cliff tops overlooking Zambujeira beach.

Accommodation: Twin room with en-suite bathroom (B&B)

Lunch: Packed lunch (Available for purchase in Almograve)

Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe

Distance: 19km, Ascent: 400m, Descent: 425m, Walking time: Approx 6 Hrs

We depart the small fishing town of Zambujeira, our trail once again skirting the cliffs above the ocean. The trail is rugged and descends and ascends over rocky and some steep terrain. All the while gifting opportunities to observe mesmerising geological formations of the surrounding rocks. After a stretch inland through pine forest and along farmland, we reach the charming fishing harbour and village of Azenha do Mar. Here we break for lunch.
Fortified by a fresh octopus salad or bowl of mussels, we resume our route, the path clinging to the clifftops. As we reach the cliffs above the stunning Odeceixe beach, we enjoy the sweeping views down the coastline, across to the hamlet of Odeceixe Mar, the lagoon and the river. Our trail then takes us through forest and down to the inlet. Here we follow the river, the natural border between the regions of Alentejo and the Algarve. The other side of the river, in the Algarve, our final destination, the village of Odeceixe lies along the hillside slope, crowned by the windmill on the hilltop. The village square is an inviting spot for a celebratory coffee and pastel de nata or ice cream before we head to our accommodation for the next two nights.

Accommodation: Twin room with en-suite bathroom (B&B)

Lunch: Azenha do Mar (restaurant)

Odeceixe

Distance: 19km, Ascent: 400m, Descent: 425m, Walking time: Approx 6 Hrs

After settling into our delightful accommodation, a converted homestay near the windmill in Odeceixe, we will explore the coastal route further, heading back to Odeceixe beach along the southern riverbank. Into the Algarve we continue South along the cliffs. Our circuit takes us then later inland, exploring the trees, flowers, and birdlife, endemic to the region.
For those who want to relax and enjoy some beach time, there is the option to stop at Odeceixe beach to watch the surfers, or swim in the calm waters of the lagoon. Or simply relax and explore the village of Odeceixe.

Accommodation: Twin room with en-suite bathroom

Lunch: Packed lunch (Purchase in Odeceixe)

Odeceixe - Lisbon

All good things must come to an end. After a relaxed breakfast we are picked up by our private transfer and head back to Lisbon airport.

Arrival Lisbon airport: approx. 13:00

• 6 days personalised guided hike with German and English-speaking hiking and travel guide
• 7 nights lodging in private guest houses/ hotels- twin rooms including bedding and towels
• 7 x breakfast
• All transfers within tour – both public transportation and private
• Luggage transfer from start point direct to end point (for any luggage not needed during hike) – max 15kg
• Pre-tour information package (including local information, packing & travel guide)
• Pre-tour preparation webinar (1 month before)
• Special 4elements’ trek souvenir
• Tour photo album

• Flights, travel to meeting point in central Lisbon
• Lunches (Packed lunches needed as indicated. Some can be pre-bought, otherwise available to purchase at accommodation)
• Drinks
• Personal insurance (travel insurance and personal accident insurance)
• Tips

Accommodation along this route has been selected for its character, traditional atmosphere, and location- giving you a mix of accommodation style.
Some days we are in converted farm stays, and others in small local guesthouses- giving you a taste of different aspects of life in this region.
Bedding, towels, and breakfast are included every day.

Alentejo

The Alentejo region lies South of Lisbon and stretches between the Atlantic Coast and the mountainous western border with Spain. It is sparsely populated and mainly rural, making up approximately one third of Portugal in size. With a breath-taking coastline and areas of nature conservation, the trails are rugged, dipping between secluded coves and beaches.
An area historically rich in farming and fishing, traditional methods are still preserved, and the local cuisine paints this picture- from the olives traditionally served with every meal to the seafood direct from the local waters, fruit and nuts from local farms and wine from the fertile soils of the region.
Away from the hustle and bustle of the more frequented Algarve, this region offers a more off-the beaten track exploration of one of Portugal’s wild areas.

A luggage transfer is included from our trek start Porto Covo to the first accommodation at Monte Bem Posto and then to our end point Odeceixe. For the four days between Monte Bem Posto and Odeceixe we will carry what we need in our day pack. Since we do not need bedding, towels etc, this is minimal. A 25-30l pack should be enough and weigh max 5kg. Upon booking you will receive a detailed packing list.

When booking a tour with 4elements it is vital that you have adequate valid travel insurance covering the activities included. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate insurances and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the trip, including all optional activities. We also recommend Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung) in the case that you have to cancel a trip for any reason.

Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your country of residence. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter repatriation in the event of illness or injury –and covers the entire duration of your holiday. For this tour it is vital that you are covered for mountain search and rescue. One of the best offers for this is included in annual membership of the German Alpine Club Deutscher Alpenverein

If you are looking for insurance to cover a single hiking/ mountain tours (Wander- und Bergsportversicherung) or further insurances such as Travel Cancellation Insurance (Reiserücktrittversicherung), then we recommend the following provider for residents in Germany: Travel Secure