Rota Vicentina hiking on the fishing path Portugal

The Rota Vicentina walking on the fishing path Portugal

On the ancient paths of the Rota Vicentina, the fishermen hike to their fishing spots via the Portugal fishing path. It leads from Porto Covo along the west coast down to the Algarve. We get there on our tour along the Rota do Peixe. Sometimes the path runs comfortably above the cliffs. At other times, steep climbs and descents to the beaches have to be overcome. There the surf lashes against the rocks. We definitely admire the fishermen who dare to venture out into this seething chaos. When hiking on the Rota de Vicentina in Portugal, you always follow their tracks along the coast.

 

 

The Rota Vicentina is more than just a hiking trail. It is a piece of Portuguese history. The fishermen of the region still use this path. They are looking for the best places to fish. The fishermen left tracks. They formed the path we know today. The Rota Vicentina is a testament to their work. It shows how they live with nature. They respect the sea and the coast. The path is still vital to some of them. He leads them to their fishing grounds.

It often seems as if the waves want to tear them off the rocks. They find support on boulders that are washed by the water. Others throw their lines into the sea from high cliffs. However, that is no less dangerous. There they brave the winds that often blow at high wind speeds over the west coast of the Alentejo blow. This path is definitely one. An exciting and varied experience! A tame trail However, the coastal path is not. The Rota Vicentina is instead a trail that really impressed us.

 

 

Animal and plant world at the Rota Vicentina

The Rota Vicentina is a paradise for nature lovers. It leads through an impressive world of flora and fauna. Here you will find a variety that will amaze you.

The path meanders through dense forests. Cork oaks and pines grow here. They provide shade and are home to many animals. Birds chirp in the treetops. Insects buzz through the air. But the Rota Vicentina has even more to offer. It takes you to wild stretches of coast. Here you can experience the raw beauty of the sea. You see seagulls and ospreys circling in the sky. With a bit of luck you might even spot dolphins playing in the waves.

The fishermen of the region know this diversity. They have used the trail for centuries and know every plant and animal. The fishermen know when the fish are coming. They know the tides and the seasons. For her, the Rota Vicentina is more than just a path. It is a habitat and a place that provides nourishment. The Fisherman's Path is a place that offers protection and enables life.

When you hike the Rota Vicentina, you follow in their footsteps. You experience the diversity of nature and feel the connection to the earth. You become part of the story.

 

 

During our stay in the Alentejo we walk a few sections on the Rota Vicentina. On the one hand, it includes the path on the west coast of the Alentejo. The fishermen are still using it on their way to their fishing spots. On the other hand, the Rota Vicentina leads in a second part through the cork oak forests inland. The coastal path can be difficult and dangerous. No wonder in often steep rocky areas, which must be overcome to the sandy beaches. The path through the woods is lighter and less dangerous. However, you can also do it like we do and choose easier stages on the coastal path. We got to know two of these routes on our Travel along the fishing path through the Alentejo.

 

 

A walk along the Rota Vicentina at Cabo Sardão

As a hike, I would not call our stay at Cabo Sardão. He was too short for that. But also a walk along the Rota Vicentina in this beautifully situated lighthouse is worthwhile. The most beautiful is the sunset. Then the sun shrouds the lighthouse in soft light as it sinks slowly over the Atlantic into the sea.

 

 

However, we are here in the morning. The paths are definitely good to walk at this point. They lead over flat land above the coastal cliffs. Sometimes there are even boardwalks that lead to the edge of the cliff. In this way, hikers can safely admire the wild coast below from safe viewing platforms. The rest of the trail is sandy and passes through bushy vegetation that blooms even in January.

 

 

 

The path is still used by fishermen. On our walk from one lookout point to the next, you will always come across us. One of them is dragging a long, narrow tree branch over his shoulder. "This is his fishing rod," says José, our Portuguese companion. I would never have thought this branch to be a rod. But apparently the materials that nature provides are still used to this day. Expensive fishing equipment is not necessary to get a perch or dogfish out of the water.

 

 

Rough coastal path at Entrada dos Barcas

For our second trip on the Rota Vicentina we take a little more time. For this we choose a section of road that runs above the small fishing harbor Entrada dos Barcas south of Vila Nova de Milfontes. Here begins the path with a steep climb from Restaurante O Sacas. Climb up the rocky path until the plateau reaches the cliffs. There the path becomes wider and easier. It follows the coastline and also provides insights into the interior.

 

 

Here, red-brown cattle graze in the pasture, but when we see them, they prefer to look far. Dense acacia forests grow along the path. Marta Cabral, director of the Rota Vicentina, who accompanies us on this section, is not enthusiastic. She explains: “These plants spread aggressively here. We are constantly fighting them. ”Acacias are not native to Portugal. If you do nothing about them, they will displace the natural vegetation of the region.

 

 

Again and again we meet fishermen. One bumps past us on a dented moped. He carries his catch home in a bucket that hangs from the handlebars. Another is making his way to his fishing spots. His target is therefore one of the rocks in the surf. Anyway, his high boots point to that. Bold men are definitely. Admirable! That is why, as we travel along the coast, we see several of them throwing out their fishing rods.

 

 

 

The best time to visit the Rota Vicentina

The Rota Vicentina is an experience in every season. But some times are particularly appealing.

In spring, nature comes to life. The meadows are full of colorful flowers. The birds sing their songs and the temperatures are pleasant. It's the perfect time to discover the beauty of the Rota Vicentina.

Summer brings warmth and sunshine. The days are long and bright. You can enjoy the clear waters of the coast. But make sure you take enough water with you. It can then also get very hot.

Autumn is the time of harvest. The forests are full of fruits and berries. The leaves are changing color. They paint the landscape in warm tones. It's a quiet, peaceful time.

Winter has its own charm. The air is fresh and clear. You can watch the rough waves of the sea. It's the quietest time of the year. You almost have the Rota Vicentina to yourself. We were there in January and can confirm this. With the exception of a few fishermen casting their rods at sea, we didn't meet any other people on the way.

No matter when you come, the Rota Vicentina will definitely inspire you. Each season has its own highlights. Choose the time that suits you best. And then enjoy every moment of your adventure.

Our tips for preparing a hike on the Rota Vicentina

A hike on the Rota Vicentina is definitely an adventure. With the right preparation, it will be unforgettable.

1. Plan your route: The Rota Vicentina has many paths. Decide ahead of time which ones you want to go with. So you can make the best use of your time.
2. Check the weather: The weather can change quickly. So look at the prediction. So you are prepared for all conditions.
3. Pack right: Be sure to pack enough water and snacks in yours backpack a. Also think about sunscreen and Rainwear. Good walking boots are a must.
4. Respect nature: stay on the trails. take your trash with you This keeps the Rota Vicentina beautiful for everyone.
5. Be sure: In any case, inform someone about your plans. Also, bring a cell phone for emergencies. Then you can call for help when you need it.
6. Enjoy the journey: the Rota Vicentina is more than a destination. She is a journey. Also, take the time to enjoy the scenery. Stop and watch the animals. Listen to the sounds of nature.

With these tips, you'll be ready for your adventure. The Rota Vicentina is waiting for you. She will inspire you with her beauty and diversity.

 

Questions and answers about hiking the Rota Vicentina

 

 

 

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Accommodation at the Rota Vicentina

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Do you know this?

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Other Slow Travel Destinations you can find it here, for example. Also discover more Itineraries to Savor here.

Source: On-site research. We were invited to this trip by Aptece, Visit Alentejo and the Rota do Peixe. However, our opinion remains our own.

Text Rota Vicentina Portugal: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline