The Historical Way and Fishermen's Trail
Guidebook to walking Portugal's Rota Vicentina, a stunning yet remarkably little-visited 220km route down the south-western Atlantic coast, through the Alentejo and Algarve districts. The route, which is suitable for all fit walkers and is not technically difficult, is described across 12 stages, making it perfect for a 2-week holiday.

Discover the sweeping Atlantic coast, dramatic cliffs, and quiet countryside of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, a 224 km (139 mile) trek that combines two of the region’s most rewarding routes: the Caminho Histórico (Historical Way) and the Trilho dos Pescadores (Fishermen’s Trail). The route stretches from the rural town of Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo through the wild landscapes of the Parque Natural do Sudoeste Alentejano e Costa Vicentina to the southwestern tip of mainland Europe at Cabo de São Vicente.

Suitable for most walkers with easy to moderate stages, the Rota Vicentina presents the main combined route in 12 stages of 12–24 km (7–15 miles), making it perfect for a 2-week holiday. A four-stage inland variant forms a circuit north from Odeceixe back to the main trail, giving added flexibility for planning a walking holiday or coastal adventure.

• 12 stage-by-stage route descriptions for the full Rota Vicentina from Santiago do Cacém to Cabo de São Vicente, including the historic Caminho Histórico and the coastal Fishermen’s Trail
• Step-by-step directions with detailed 1:100,000 mapping and route notes to navigate the varying terrain of inland hills, wooded valleys and Atlantic cliff tops
• Each stage includes distance, estimated walking time, and terrain summary to help plan daily sections and match stages to your walking pace
• GPX files available for the Rota Vicentina routes, compatible with GPS devices and smartphone navigation apps
• Practical planning advice including accommodation listings, refreshment points, public transport options and preparation tips for walking the Rota Vicentina
• Highlights and landmarks along the route, including Santiago do Cacém, Odeceixe, Cabo de São Vicente, Atlantic beaches, fishing villages, and olive groves

Plan your Rota Vicentina adventure with confidence and enjoy the towering cliffs, Atlantic beaches, olive groves, and authentic Portuguese culture of this unforgettable long-distance walk with this comprehensive guidebook.