Wild Portugal Coastal Walk

Travel to Lisbon

Our trip begins at Lisbon Airport's Arrivals Area, where we meet at 14:30 for the start of our coastal journey. Awaiting us is a private transfer to the west coast and our stunning base for the first two nights—a beautifully converted farm, just a stone's throw from the trail. Enjoy sweeping views of the ocean, unwind by the pool, take a leisurely stroll through the grounds and woodland, and meet the farm's inhabitants, including donkeys and llamas.

As the sun sets over the Atlantic, relish an intimate introduction to local delicacies and flavours with a home-cooked three-course dinner. Wine, water, tea, and coffee are included, ensuring a delightful evening as you immerse yourself in the tranquility of this picturesque location.

Accommodation: Twin bed studio with bathroom and kitchenette.

Dinner: 3-course evening meal including wine, water, tea and coffee. (Included in tour fee)

Monte Bem Posto - Porto Covo – Monte Bem Posto

Distance: 12km, Ascent: 70m, Descent: 70m, Walking time: Approx 4 Hrs

After a leisurely and delightful breakfast at Monte Bem Posto, our day unfolds with a scenic walk to the charming fishing town of Porto Covo. Explore this quaint village and familiarize yourself with the starting point of the Fishermen’s Trail. Grab snacks and picnic supplies from a local store before embarking on our journey along the Trail.

Heading south from Porto Covo, marvel at panoramic views of expansive beaches and bays, accompanied by the rhythmic sounds of waves crashing against the cliffs. Enjoy a picnic on one of the beaches, immersing yourself in the raw energy of this unique coastline. Upon returning to our base, take time to unwind by the pool, chat with local farm life, and enjoy another breathtaking sunset over the ocean before our delicious dinner.

Accommodation: Twin bed studio with bathroom and kitchenette.

Lunch: Packed lunch (Purchase in Porto Covo)

Dinner: 3-course evening meal including wine, water, tea and coffee. (Included in tour fee)

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 Porto Covo), early afternoon coffee/ snack stop

Dinner: At local restaurant - à la carte. (Not included in tour fee)

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)

Dinner: At local restaurant - à la carte. (Not included in tour fee)

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)

Dinner: At local fish restaurant - à la carte. (Not included in tour fee)

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: At local fish restaurant along route - à la carte. (Not included in tour fee)

Dinner: In Odeceixe à la carte. (Not included in tour fee)

Odeceixe

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

As we settle into our charming homestay, nestled near the iconic windmill in Odeceixe, our exploration of the coastal route continues. Following the southern riverbank back to Odeceixe beach and venturing into the Algarve, we journey south along the cliffs. Our circuit then takes a scenic inland route, offering an exploration of the region's unique trees, flowers, and birdlife.

For those seeking relaxation and beach time, there is the option to visit Odeceixe beach, watch surfers or take a refreshing swim in the calm waters of the lagoon. Alternatively, unwind and explore the village of Odeceixe.

The grand finale awaits as we conclude this incredible week with a magical dinner at a locally renowned Michelin-starred restaurant. Here, our palates are treated one last time to the vibrant flavors and delicacies of the region, marking the end of a truly unforgettable journey along Portugal's west coast.

Accommodation: Twin room with en-suite bathroom

Lunch: Picnic (Purchase in Odeceixe)

Dinner: Gourmet 4-course dinner in Michelin Star restaurant (4 course dinner included in the tour price- extra courses and drinks cost extra)

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
• 3 x fabulous evening meals (2 x 3 course at accommodation, 1 x 4 course at Michelin * restaurant)
• 7 x breakfast
• All transfers within tour – private transfers and taxis
• 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 Lisbon
• Lunches (Packed lunches needed as indicated. Some can be pre-bought, otherwise available to purchase at accommodation)
• 4 evening meals (as indicated in description)
• 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.

The culinary experience is a definite highlight of this tour! If you love fresh fish and seafood, cakes and pastries you will be in your element! Also meat eaters will find plenty to tantalise the taste buds. Vegetarians won’t go hungry, but will find options more limited.

Local fish specialities at this time of year: Grilled and baked octopus with sweet potato and garlic, grilled sea bass, sea bream, baked cod.

Our final meal is a four course meal at a charming Michelin starred restaurant in Odeceixe, näperon. This surprise menu pays tribute to the surrounding land and sea, with food presented in unique style and flavour. A 4 course menu is included in our tour fee. A “vegetarian” option is available but most likely includes fish/ seafood. There is no other alternative if you do not eat fish/ seafood. Further courses can be added on at extra cost, as can a wine pairing menu.

Please let us know any dietary requirements well in advance.

A luggage transfer is included from our initial trek base in Porto Covo 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