Skip to main content

Rota Vicentina blog

Image

Getting to the trailhead, Santiago do Cacem, April 20

Summary

After a couple of lovely days in Lisbon, it was time to head to the trail head in Santiago do Cacem. The trip would be easy with just a short walk from our hotel to the metro and on to the bus station.

Image

Day 1, Santiago do Cacem to Vale Seco, April 21

Summary

The day dawned grey and drizzly which was not perhaps the auspicious start one wants, but breakfast at the hotel was simple but good.

Image

Day 2, Vale Seco to Cercal do Alentejo, April 22

Summary

The morning in Vale Seco started cloudy, but at least behind the cloud, I could see the sun.  Perhaps today, the Dry Valley would be a little less wet.

Image

Day 3, Cercal do Alentejo to Porto Covo, April 23

Summary

The trail splits here with the Historical Way continuing south on an inland route and an alternate connector trail leading to Porto Covo and the start of the coastal Fisherman’s Trail which was our chosen route.

Image

Day 4, Porto Covo to Vila Novo Milfontes, April 24

Summary

Following the Fisherman’s Trail we now looked for its distinctive green and turquoise markers, rather than the traditional red and white of other long distance trails.

Image

Day 5, Vila Novo Milfontes, April 25

Summary

Here it was, our vacation from our vacation—a break in our walking routine that afforded us some lollygagging as well as catching up on some much needed chores.

Image

Day 6, Vila Novo Milfontes to Almograve, April 26

Summary

After a delicious breakfast of fruit, eggs and fresh buns, we packed up our now delightfully clean and sun-dried clothes, and started another day on the trail.

Image

Day 7, Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, April 27

Summary

The path for the second part of the day was a broader track and with clear skies, the water more impressive shades of turquoise, green and blue. Storks were plentiful both overhead where they seemed like kites and in their rock-top nests.

Image

Day 8, Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe, April 28

Summary

Right from the start, this section of the trail was different. It was much more hiking than walking with many exposed ascents and descents on small and winding trails.

Image

Day 9, Odeceixe to Rogil, April 29

Summary

Leaving Odeceixe we climbed up and enjoyed the historic windmill at the top of the town and the great views back across the river.

Image

Day 10, Rogil to Alzejur, April 30

Summary

We lingered over breakfast to do justice to the spread and since it was pouring we were in no rush to head out. We were learning that the rain was usually short-lived but intense, and best just to take shelter.

Image

Day 11, Alzejur to Chabouco, May 1

Summary

The day started by climbing up to the castle of Aljezur which has prominence as one of the historic castles represented by stars on Portugal’s flag.

Image

Day 12, Chabouco to Carrapateira, May 2

Summary

We were now back into the land of cork oaks, coupled with lots of old, abandoned buildings.

Image

Day 13, Rest day Carrapateira, May 3

Summary

The sandy path down to the beach is part of one of the circular routes that can be added on to this part of the trail, but we had decided that we’d just make it beach time.

Image

Day 14, Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo, May 4

Summary

There was a lot of variety in the path and in the vegetation with pines, eucalyptus and oak. All along there were abundant rock roses and a stand of honeysuckle.

Image

Day 15, Vila do Bispo to Cabo São Vicente (and on to Sagres), May 5

Summary

Our final day’s walk started by passing the market so we stopped to pick up some fruit and tarts and to admire the life size dolls that seemed everywhere.