Why am I choosing this walk

This blog post is about Why I chose the path of the fishermen in Portugal and which made it such an attractive option.

After walking through the Pacific Crest Trail and the Colorado Trail, I have been craving another long distance hiking adventure, but this time, something different. I wanted to explore a new corner of the world on foot, but with a little more comfort. Think: no tent, without dehydrated foods and without drag in a sleeping bag at the end of a 30 -mile day. Instead, I felt curious about the European version of a «luxury» through a walk: long days on the road, with warm showers, real beds and fresh food waiting at the end.

Then this past AprilI went to Portugal to walk the Fishermen’s pathAnd I brought some friends for the trip. And now, a few months later, I am finally sitting to write about it.

For the next few weeks, I will be sharing Daily trails of trails From this walk, so if you are curious about the path, you want some inspiration or is planning a similar trip, make sure Subscribe at the bottom of this page Following really I think this is a fantastic walk for beginners who seek to enter the backpack, especially if you like the idea of ending every day with a hot meal and a cozy bed.

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Path At-A-Glance

• Total distance: 226 km (140 miles)

• Begin: Porto Covo

• End: Lakes

• Typical days: 10-13 days

• Daily distance: 12–22 km (7 – 14 miles)

• Elevation: Low and rolling with cliffs and walks on the beach. (50–400 meters / 150 – 1300 feet)

• Marked: Excellent: The train is well marked

• Land: A mixture of sandy dunes, coastal cliffs, rock paths and some road walking

Here is the complete route of the Path of the fishermen, from Porto Covo to Lagos along the impressive coast of Portugal.

Why the path of fishermen in Portugal?

I briefly considered the Camino de Santiago, but to be honest, the idea of running from town to village just to align for a bed did not excite me. I do not like the vibrations of the crowd or the hurry. Then I began to investigate other European trails with a similar infrastructure and I came across the Fishermen’s pathA coastal route that follows Portugal Vicentín Route.

From the moment I terrified on the website of the path, I got hooked. The official Vicentina Rota site is one of the most detailed and well -designed path resources that I have seen. Daily itineraries, distances, lifting profiles, accommodation listings, city’s comforts, everything was arranged in a way that made me feel instantly sure that this walk would be well supported and beautiful.

He Fishermen’s path It runs along the dramatic coast of southwest Portugal, which covers almost 230 km from Porto Covo to Lagos. The path passes through sleepy fishing villages, wild surfing beaches, imposing cliffs and colorful farmlands. It is described as moderately challenging, not a walk in the park, but definitely more accessible than the Sierra Nevada or Colorado rock mountains. The days generally vary between 15–22 kmWith a mixture of soft sand, coastal trails, slopes of farmland and occasionally short ascent or descent to a beach (not bad)

For someone like me, who loves long walks but also loves warm food and a good mattress, it looked like the perfect mixture:

• Resistant cliffs and seen to the wild ocean.

• Cozy guests in coastal villages.

• Affordable food and accommodation.

• Trail distances that are manageable but still satisfactory.

He Official website It also includes GPX/kml files downloadable for each section, which facilitated navigation. I used Gaia GPS, but there are many free applications that work very well.

While there is the option to deliver your bags to each accommodation daily, I chose to wear everything on my back. He felt good to bow down even in the mentality through Hiker, even if that meant wearing the same hiking clothes every day. A small hiker never hurts anyone!

Coastal views like this? Each. Single. Day.

Why Portugal?

Portugal felt the ideal destination for a spring walk. April It is still early in the season, so the paths would not be too full, and the weather, although variable, is generally fresh and sunny. (Do not be fooled by the reputation of the warm climate of Portugal, the Atlantic breeze It can be strong and cold, especially in the mornings and nights).

The accommodation is economical, with hostel beds around € 30 and lovely private apartments or guest houses between € 60 per night. The food is fresh and tasty, with the promise of local fish, coffee, cakes and wine. We carry our team, but without the need for tents, cooking equipment or water filters, it was a much lighter load than our users through the children!

What makes the path of fishermen in Portugal special?

• Walk through local villages every dayWhich means that there is no need to carry a complete sleep system, food days or a lot of water.

• Cafes and bakeries are a daily gift. Wait coffee and «bolus» (Portuguese cakes) in the morning and shellfish and night came!

• It is affordable. The shelters start at € 30, and I have reserved some private apartments for around € 60 – € 80 per night (divided by two people)

• The landscape seems unreal. Each photo I have seen includes dramatic cliffs, waves, wild flowers and the most colorful sunsets.

• It is accessible. This is not an exhausting mountain walk. Most of the days are 12 to 20 km with a very soft elevation gain: a perfect hiking holiday for beginners or someone who seeks to enjoy the moment.

Simply follow the blue and green stripes: easy navigation, impressive views and a soft reminder to remain on the road and protect the fragile coastal vegetation

Our logistics

We drove from Spain in my truck and parked it at our end point: BrowseThe most southwest city in Europe. A lovely local hotel agreed to let us park while we walked, jumping to that classic Portuguese hospitality!

Of sagres, we take a Express network bus a Porto CovoOur starting point. The bus had around € 5 and offered a direct route from Lisbon if it flies.

We walk south from Porto Covo to LagosThat is the Standard address. The signaling of the path is designed to continue in this way, and keeps the sun mainly behind it.

My equipment list for the path of fishermen in Portugal

The moment you have been waiting. Well, What team am I bringing for the path of fishermen?

As we are not camping, my package is much lighter than a typical configuration through the walk. This is what I bring:

• Backpack: Gossamer Gear G4-20 Without frame 42l

• Shoes: Hoka Speedgoats + Loneros de Socks Impinji + Darn Hard socks

• Worn clothes: Smartwool Sun Holdie, Lululemon Running Shorts, Smart Wool and Patagonia barely used bra barely used. Sol Hat and Ombraz sunglasses without frame.

• Rain jacket: My old 66 North Shell that I bought in Iceland years ago

• Windbreaker: An economic jewel of a charity store in Scotland

• Split and water: A filter is not needed: we will pass through the cities daily. However, I am packing tang and electrolytes, in case the tap water is not excellent.

The leggings are essential for this path, since you walk through the Dunas sand most of the time. But unfortunately, I don’t have them with me while I travel through Europe and I don’t want to buy another pair, so there are no poleras with me this time. We’ll see how that is going!

A quick note: Wild camping is not allowed In this path. This is a region protected with delicate flora, and the official site clearly asks hikers not to campe. Respect the environment and stay in the city, it is part of what makes this path special.

Take only the essential: more chips, obviously. My Gossamer equipment package was perfect for this lighter configuration on the fishing path.

Who am I walking on the path of fishermen in Portugal

This time, I am not walking alone or just with Orion. We invite two friends, Sandra and Oliver, to join us. Orion met them on the PCT in 2023, and became a family of paths in the desert section. They now live in Switzerland and were immediately ready for the idea when we threw it.

I am very excited about this new type of adventure: still wild, but with a little European style.

What I expected to experience

I arrived for the first time to Portugal eight years ago for a yoga and surf retirement, and I remember that the cliffs and the coasts have impressed me. This walk was felt as a complete circle moment.

I was excited from:

• Wake up in cozy guest houses and smells fresh bread in the morning
• Wave -resistant cliffs walking underneath
• Enjoy grill fish and local products every night
• Practice my Portuguese and learn from the locals
• Immerse yourself in the simplicity of a slower paths
• Share the trip with friends

Oh, and Orion and I was too Portugal Scouting as a potential place to live for 6–12 months. As digital nomads, we are always looking for transitable cities with good food, nature and warm community vibrations.

This path marked many boxes.

A look at this view and knew: the path of the fishermen had to walk.

If you are curious about the Fishermen’s pathStay attentive to Daily trails of trailsPractical hiking tips and honest reflections. I will publish one day at the same time here on the page of my blog!

Next publication: Day 1 – Porto Covo A Vila Nova de Milfontes

Have you ever walked in Portugal? Let me know your advice, memories of paths or food recs, especially if you have done the path of the fishermen!

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Let the coastal adventure begin!