Rota Vicentina

Looking Beyond the Camino? Try This Long-Distance Hike in Portugal | Condé Nast Traveler

"Clifftop views of copper-colored cliffs plunging into a sapphire-to-turquoise Atlantic and, in spring, hillsides that look like a Moroccan rug explain the pull of this 140-mile “Camino of the Sea” from Porto Covo to Lagos. I love how the well-marked path strings rugged cliffs, deserted beaches, and quiet fishing villages together, with long, contemplative stretches that locals say help people disconnect and process life’s big transitions. It’s easy to hike independently—no permit required—or let a local outfitter handle bags or even arrange e-bikes, and I break it into three- to six-hour days between towns, refueling on carne de porco à Alentejana, mineral-rich wines, and seafood so fresh it’s almost alive. Go in spring or fall for blue skies and comfortable temps; summer brings heat and high prices, while winter can close guesthouses. Pack light for the sand dunes (2–3 liters of water, high SPF, blister care, snacks, swimwear, rain layer, first-aid, worn-in boots, sun protection), and save time for standout detours like Praia da Bordeira’s dunes and the windswept cliffs at Cabo de São Vicente, before the finale of rock arches at Ponta da Piedade and the cove at Camilo Beach." - Deanna Romano