Walking Holiday in Portugal - Rota Vicentina

So what is Rota Vicentina? In case, you aren’t yet familiar with this long distance route, Rota Vicentina is a network of well-preserved walking trails in South-West Portugal totalling 450km. Comprised of two main routes (several circular routes are also available) – The Historical Way (inland) and The Fishermen’s Trail (coastal) propose an exceptional journey between the two contrasting personalities of this admired route which was certified as a ‘Leading Quality Trail’ within Europe in 2016.

You will stay in two extraordinary Portuguese regions, which combines Alentejo’s serene ambiance with the only coastal stretch of Algarve that remains truly genuine and wild. Pampered by over 300 days of sunshine a year, this region is an unmissable destination for lovers of walking within nature.

Our two centres have been chosen for their accessible locations to get to the best walks, high standard of hotels and of course the quality of the surrounding walks.

You will first be based in the castellated town of Aljezur, whose castle is actually quite legendary as it’s one of the seven that are represented on the flag of Portugal. This lush green valley is well known for its “incomparable” home grown sweet potatoes and boasts a very relaxed, old style way of life in comparison to the bustling Algarve further south. The historic old town and intriguing new town are separated by the flowing river that runs through the valley.

Your second centre is in the charming town of Odemira located on the banks of the Rio Mira which is still tidal at this section. This beautiful area offers a tranquil experience set within characterful countryside between the hills and the sea, where you will notice the abundance of traditional white houses’ facing down towards the powerful Rio Mira. Similar to Aljezur, Odemira has an interesting old town set on the hillside which is well worth exploring.

We have carefully selected our routes to ensure the walker truly experiences the best variety this region has to offer. You can access routes which follow both The Historical Way (inland) and The Fishermen’s Trail (coastal), in addition to circular walks, from both of our centres giving you a considered assortment of walks to choose from. The variety and quality of paths is quite exceptional, the majority are excellently waymarked and clearly signposted. Some of our chosen walks require public transport (bus), some don’t require any transport at all and others benefit from private transport provided by your accommodation to get you to the more remote areas. All of our accommodations are more than happy to arrange transfers for you locally should you wish to.

Self-Guided Walking

We provide you with our self-guided walk booklet with walks catering for all abilities. We also provide the official Rota Vicentina map. Our recommended walks include some circular routes, whilst others are more suitable as a linear walk. Public transport is available from each centre (by bus) but the timings are not always walker friendly, particularly in the quiet season. Private transfers can be arranged locally with your hotels.

Walk Grading

Self-guided: A Selection of Easy, Moderate and Challenging walks that you can choose from.

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

Portugal Vicentina Two Centre - Contrasts of Rota Vicentina Walk

Included			Not Included
ü	7 night’s accommodation		û	Lunches & drinks with meals
ü	7 breakfasts		û	Metro train between Lisbon airport and Lisbon City Station
ü	7 dinners		û	Supplement of £33 per person if travelling to/from Faro (as opposed to Lisbon)
ü	Transfer between your two holiday centres		û	Travel Insurance (required)
ü	Transfer from last hotel to Funcheira station, then train to Lisbon City (flight inclusive only)
ü	Route notes & walking map
Optional Extras
Ø	‘With flights’ includes typical flight prices between London and Lisbon. Flights from many local airports also available (exact prices for your dates are available on request). Arrivals/departures into Faro are available at a supplement of £33 per person (local transport).

All prices valid for 2023

Prices are per person in GBP / UK £ and are based on 7 nights half board* in a shared twin/double standard room. 

Hotel Vicentina & Quinta do Chocolhihno

Dates	With Flights	Without Flights
01 Mar - 31 Oct	1099	899

 

Price in GBP£ Price in USD$

This map is for illustration purposes only and we cannot be held responsible for its accuracy.

Quinta do Chocalhinho, Odemira

Vicentina Hotel, Aljezur

Availability Information

This holiday is available from March to October; however we wouldn’t recommend travelling in July & August due to expected high temperatures and high volumes of visitors which also makes hotel availability limited. March to June is the best time for flowers.

Please note our best to go information is generally referring to the walking which may fall in the early or late season in some places. This may mean that not all tourist facilities will be open at the time you visit.

When to book your walking holiday in Portugal - Mainland - Contrasts of Rota Vicentina Walk

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