Along the west coast we set off to discover the Via Vicentina. The ocean accompanies us among cliffs and fields of wild flowers that seem endless. There can be no better proposal for a nice walk…
This large pedestrian route of about 400 kilometres, along one of the most beautiful and unspoilt coastlines in Europe, is made up of two main routes and eight circular routes that are striking for the diversity of their landscapes.
The "historical path", 230 km long, is the longest and goes from Santiago do Cacém to Cabo de São Vicente. It is a rural route, with 12 stages, which can be done on foot or by bicycle, through forests, towns and villages, with centuries of history.
The "Fishermen’s Path", on the other hand, follows the ocean along paths leading to beaches or small fishing ports, for 125 km, between Porto Covo and Cabo de São Vicente. It is a pedestrian route, which demands more from the physical, and is divided into five stages and four complementary routes.
Each stage does not exceed 25 kilometres and is designed to be covered in a day. Of course, everyone can plan the hike as they please, and maybe choose only the stages that suit their tastes or physical abilities.
Along the way, you will appreciate the landscape and the surprises that nature offers, such as wild flowers, the scent of grass in the morning or the colours of butterflies. A more detailed observation of nature takes time, but it gives the opportunity to watch uncommon shows, we can see otters, which are rarely found in marine environments, or storks nesting on the rocks, a unique case in the world.
A large part of these paths were known to pilgrims who set off from Cabo de São Vicente to Santiago de Compostela.
