WHERE TO STAY ON THE FISHERMAN’S TRAIL: A WALKERS GUIDE.
When we started getting into long-distance hiking, we quickly realized that where you stay each night is just as important as the trail itself.
After a long day on the Fisherman’s Trail of coastal climbs, sandy paths, and jaw-dropping ocean views, there’s nothing better than arriving at a welcoming guesthouse, a clean and cozy hotel, or even a peaceful campsite. Those little moments of comfort make all the difference between a good day and an amazing one.
Along the route, we found a mix of accommodation options, everything from budget-friendly hostels with shared kitchens to charming boutique hotels and scenic campsites. Each place had its quirks and charm, and finding the right spot to rest each night was part of the adventure.
In this guide, I’m sharing everything we learned about staying on the Fisherman’s Trail: what to expect, how to plan ahead, and tips for every budget. Whether you’re a planner like me or you’re winging it as you go, this should help you make the most of your journey along one of Portugal’s most beautiful trails.
What is accommodation like on the Fisherman’s Trail?
Our experience of accommodation on the Fisherman’s Trail was a positive one. In fact, many of the hotels we stayed at were a highlight of the trip. There’s little better than finishing a day of hiking and getting checked into a lovely clean room where you can kick off your shoes and relax.
You can expect small guest houses along the route. These are frequently residential houses that have been turned into a few private rooms for rent at budget prices. The plus side of guest houses is that you normally get shared kitchen and lounge facilities. And sometimes laundry machines too. The downside, is that sometimes they can be noisy and bathrooms are often shared.
Second, you can find some hotels on route. These are more formal set ups, with receptions and sometimes nice gardens or swimming pools. But, you won’t find hotels in every town.
Finally, there are campsites on route. A few have “glamping” tent options – for example, Salema Eco Camp. Others offer space for you to pitch a tent.
In terms of budget, you can expect to pay around €20 for a bunk bed, €30-50 for a budget double room and €70-120 for a smarter hotel room.
Do you need to book accommodation in advance on the Fisherman’s Trail?
I would strongly recommend booking accommodation in advance on the Fisherman’s Trail. The Algarve and the coastal regions of Portugal are extremely popular with tourists, at all times of year and as such, accommodation can get booked up quickly.
I will admit, I am a chronic planner. And the idea of arriving after a day of tough walking and not knowing where I’d be staying is horrific to me. If you are someone who doesn’t mind the spontaneity, then this may not bother you quite so much.
That said, keep in mind that many of the towns on the Fisherman’s Trail are small. There may be only one or two hotels/ B&Bs. I always like to think in terms of risk – if you don’t get accommodation secured last minute, the risk is that you have to walk further or go off the trail. Personally, I’d rather check in to my accommodation and spend my evenings with a nice cold Superbock.
Is there budget accommodation on the Fisherman’s Trail?
It is possible to find budget accommodation on the Fisherman’s Trail. There are hostels with bunks or basic private rooms for most of the route. If you want budget accommodation, here are our top tips.
Firstly, book in advance – the Algarve is a popular tourist area and as such accommodation gets booked up quickly. Book in advance to get the best rates.
Secondly, consider walking out of season. We walked in the winter and frequently found budget accommodation – basic double rooms for between €30-40.
Finally, notice that there are a few expensive resorts on the route – Salema is one such example. Keep in mind that you can often skip bits of the Fisherman’s Trail with buses, so if you find that staying in one town is prohibitively expensive then you could move on to a cheaper area.
Can you camp on the Fisherman’s Trail?
We love camping and are always on the look out for a trail that allows us either wild camp or check into campsites on route. Some of our favourites have included St Olav’s Trail (wild camping) and the Pieterpad in the Netherlands (campsites.)
So, is it possible to walk the Fisherman’s Trail and camp on the way?
Firstly, wild camping in Portugal is prohibited – the exception being campervans which are allowed to park pretty much anywhere in Portugal for up to 48 hours. If you are trying to wild camp in a tent on the Fisherman’s Trail – you should be aware that you are technically not allowed to do so.
Secondly, could you wild camp? In theory, I think it would be possible. Not that I’m advocating it, but there were definitely some pretty good spots on route where you could pitch a small tent. That said, you should be aware that the Fisherman’s Trail is fairly high traffic, there are often runners or day hikers – something to keep in mind if you don’t want to be discovered.
If you want to do things on the “up and up”, consider using the campsites along the Fisherman’s Trail. There are many along the route, I think enough to stay in a campsite for the majority of the time – perhaps punctuated with a few budget hostels.
Where to stay on the Fisherman’s Trail: Our guide for 2025
Here’s our guide to the best accommodation on the Fisherman’s Trail to suit every budget. You’ll find all major towns on route below. I’ve written this chronologically, in terms of the towns you’ll find from North to South if walking from Porto Covo to Lagos.
1/ Sines
Although the Fisherman’s Trail starts further South than Sines, I have included this town in the guide of where to stay as any walkers will take a bus from Lisbon to Sines before starting the Fisherman’s Trail.
MID-RANGE: Hotel Apartamento Sinerama is a clean and smart hotel in the centre of Sines. Room rates include breakfast, so you can be set up nicely for your first day on route.
LUXURY: Casa do Médico de São Rafael or Hotel Veleiro are both upmarket hotels with beachfront locations and sea views. Ideal!
2/ Porto Covo
BUDGET: MUTE Hostel Porto Covo is a pretty snazzy hostel, with oceanfront views and a pool. It also offers budget dorm spaces for backpackers.
For budget double rooms, consider Pe’na Areia. A pretty guesthouse in a central location.
MID-RANGE: Consider MUTE Hostel Porto Covo – double rooms are around €80.
Ocean House has a similar bohemian vibe and is close to the water. We didn’t get a chance to stay here, but I definitely would.
LUXURY: Porto Covo Praia Hotel & SPA is a 4* hotels with spa facilities and a fancy restaurant.
Note: You’ll most likely see Aparmento Rosa on booking.com available as a budget option. We booked to stay here but were informed two months before our trip that the room rate was incorrect and that we could either cancel or pay a much higher rate. We chose to cancel. Looking at reviews, I can see that a few other people have had similar experiences.
3/ Vila Nova de Milfontes
Most walkers will walk from Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes on their first joyous day on the Fisherman’s Trail. Vila Nova de Milfontes is quite a large town, with a pretty high street with cafes and restaurants.
BUDGET: Pirata Hostel Milfontes offers private double rooms or shared dorm rooms. We stayed in a private room, a bargain at €35. The location is not central but close to other restaurants.
Consider also, Pirata Guest House or Cantinho de Milfontes.
MID-RANGE: Raminhos Guesthouse has private rooms with bathrooms and a good location. Rates of between €50-60. You can tack on breakfast for an additional €10.
LUXURY: In a quieter area of the town you’ll find Quinta Do Moinho De Vento. A country house style accommodation. This would be my choice in the summer as it has a swimming pool and garden.
4/ Almograve
BUDGET: We stayed in Refugio Almograve, a house with shared facilities and private bedrooms. It was ideal for a cheap night on the trails at around €30-40. Budget travellers could also consider Almograve Beach Hostel which has bunk beds for around €20.
MID-RANGE: Fisherman’s House is a guesthouse offering private rooms, with clean and chic design touches. Expect rates of between €50-60 for a double room.
LUXURY: Casa Azul is a pretty one bedroom house in the town, ideal for two people walking the Fisherman’s Trail. Rates are between €80-100.
5/ Zambujeira do Mar
This was one of of my favourite stops on the Fisherman’s Trail. We arrived on New Years Eve to a vibrant and very joyful town. There are plenty of restaurants and bars, plus a gorgeous beach. In fact, this is one of the only Fisherman’s Trail stopovers directly on the beach, so make the most of it!
BUDGET: Sunset beach house is a guest house with a roof terrace, which offers private rooms with shared bathroom. A solid budget choice.
For anyone looking for bunk beds/dorm rooms, check out Hostel Nature.
MID-RANGE: We stayed in Sol Dourado, a very clean and comfortable hotel close to the centre of town. We also considered Camping Villa Park, which offers studios – ideal if you want self-catering space, but a little out of town.
LUXURY: Alojamento White Rose Boutique is a chic guesthouse very close to the ocean. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
An alternative luxury choice is Herdade Do Touril. This is a country house, with a large garden and swimming pool. Out of town but close to the trail. And there’s an on site restaurant and bar so you can totally relax.
6/ Odeceixe
A small inland town with a handful of restaurants and bars. We found it to be a welcoming and eclectic sort of place.
BUDGET: Hostel Seixe offers budget private rooms or bunk beds in dorm style rooms. Close to the centre of town. A good option if you want to socialize.
MID-RANGE: Sudoeste Guest House offers rooms with a shared kitchen, or apartments with private self-catering facilities. We stayed here and loved the location.
7/ Praia de Odeceixe
As an alternative to staying in the main town, you can also stay on the beach a few kms away. There are limited accommodation options, but it is a very pretty place and I expect quite buzzing in the summer. In winter, virtually nothing is open however!
MID-RANGE: Carlo’s Beach House offers tasteful double rooms or family rooms during summer months. The beach is just across the road.
8/ Rogil
Rogil is not a common stop on the Fisherman’s Trail, but we provide it as an option as this is a small town with some accommodation, found in-between Odeceixe and Aljezur. It is also home to a marvellous restaurant and deli –
Museu da Batata Doce, which pays homage to the glorious sweet potato.
MID-RANGE: Casa Campo e Praia is a holiday home for rent in Rogil.
9/ Aljezur
Aljezur is a town split into a few different hubs, divided by a river. Most hotels are found in the more modern area of town, whilst you’ll find B&Bs and private rentals in the old town.
BUDGET: Amazigh Hostel & Suites offers budget double rooms or bunk beds in shared rooms. Guests rate the location cleanliness and shared space.
MID-RANGE: The Vicentina Hotel is a 4 star hotel, that perhaps needs a little updating. We stayed here and whilst the swimming pool was wasted on us during our walk in winter, the breakfast certainly was not!
For a little more character, opt for one bedroom house Casa Pe do Castelo. It has an a terrace and old-town location.
10/ Praia da Arrifana
BUDGET: HI Arrifana Destination Hostel offers budget bunk beds in dorm rooms. Ideal if you want to socialize with other walkers.
MID-RANGE: Utopia is a good mid-range option, a cute guesthouse. Note that it is around 3km from the beach.
Casa Nook Arrafina is a mid-range guesthouse , but with an upmarket vibe. Check out the beautiful garden and pool.
LUXURY: Herdade Monte Do Sol is a fancy complex with individua villas A really romantic and luxury vibe.
11/ Carrapateira
Carrapateira is a tiny town, around 1 mile from the big beautiful beach of the same name. In town, there are a few restaurants and a teeny mini-market, as well as accommodation. It feels like a surf town, with many tourists meandering in on the evening after a day on the beach.
BUDGET: Casa Luminosa is a great budget choice in the town. We stayed here and got a double room for €30. There’s a small garden, kitchen and washing machine.
MID-RANGE: Carrapateiramar Guest House is on the outskirts of town, but closer to the beach. It offers a swimming pool too.
LUXURY: Hortas do Rio oozes design touches and luxury. It has a wonderful garden and guests love the views and facilities.
It would be remiss of me not to mention a great restaurant in town – Microbar. We had some absolutely awesome burgers here (pictured above) and would very much recommend this place. Veggie options too.
12/ Vila do Bispo
Vila do Bispo is probably the least touristic and most residential of the towns we visited on the Fisherman’s Trail. There is not an abundance of accommodation, but there are a few places you can stay – see below.
BUDGET: Casa Mestre offers budget double rooms and twin rooms. The guesthouse is directly on the Fisherman’s Trail.
MID-RANGE: Pure Fonte Velha B&B and Pure Flor de Esteva are both mid-range choices in town. Both have well designed space and offer breakfast included in the room rate.
13/ Sagres
Sagres is a cool town with a beautiful beach and a surf vibe. It mixes upmarket and bohemian beautifully, to create an eclectic and interesting town to visit with a wide range of accommodation.
BUDGET: Sagres Sun Stay is a guesthouse/ hostel that offers budget double rooms or bunk beds. Guest love how welcoming the place is and the chance to socialise.
MID-RANGE: Mareta View is a 4* hotel which has almost direct beach access. We stayed here (pictures below) and got a great deal on a room. Breakfast is included in the room rate.
LUXURY: There are a few high-end hotels in Sagres, but it doesn’t get much more luxurious than 5* Martinhal. Friends of mine have stayed here and commented on the incredible location on the beach. Perfect to relax after a day of walking.
14/ Salema
Salema is a pretty fishing village, that has since become a bit of a mecca for vacations and holiday homes. It is lovely, with a few nice restaurants, but does feel quite built up in places. The accommodation choices in town left us a little cold, as there weren’t really budget options. Nevertheless, this is a lovely stop on the route and we loved having direct access to the beach.
BUDGET: Salema Eco Camp is the best choice for budget travellers, or anyone looking for something a little different. It offers posh tents or studio apartments for a good price. Just note, the site is a little way out of town. But, it does have a restaurant, so you can get settled in.
MID-RANGE: We stayed at Nau Salema Beach Village in a two bedroom villa, which felt rather extravagant for a one night stay. Had it not been for the cat who joined us through the balcony door, we would have been rattling around with too much space.
LUXURY: Romantik Villa offers perhaps the fanciest of bedrooms in Salema. There’s a swimming pool and lush garden.
15/ Burgau
Burgau is perhaps not a traditional stop on the Fisherman’s Trail, with most walkers opting to stay in Salema. However, we really liked Burgau when we stopped there for coffee and wanted to include it on this list of where to stay on the Fisherman’s Trail. If you can’t get a spot in Salema, you may want to think about Burgau (around 6-7km further towards Lagos.)
MID-RANGE: Amarguinha is a two bedroom apartment, just a stone’s throw from the beach. Ideal if you want the whole place to yourself.
16/ Praia da Luz
We walked directly from Salema to Lagos in one day, but many choose to split the last stage into two and stay in Praia da Luz. I’ll be honest, I wasn’t a huge fan of this town – it’s built up, full of tourists (even in winter) and feels a bit “Brits abroad.” That said, there is a pretty beach and loads of restaurants.
BUDGET: Cantinho Das Estrelas offers budget double rooms in the centre of town.
MID-RANGE: Vila Luz has studio apartments, including some with balconies overlooking the garden. There’s also a swimming pool.
LUXURY: Belavista Da Luz is close to the beach, with two swimming pools.
17/ Lagos
Lagos is a large and thriving town and the accommodation choices are abundant, especially if you’re on a budget.
BUDGET: Orange 3 Hostel is popular with backpackers and walkers on a budget. There are dorm rooms available.
We stayed at Little Break Guesthouse, which offers very reasonable double rooms with private bathrooms and terraces. This is an ideal location for town.
MID-RANGE: Villas D. Dinis is a close to the beach, you can select a suite or a double room. There’s also a swimming pool.
LUXURY: A little way from town but close to the sea, is Cascade Wellness Resort. If you want total R&R when you arrive in Lagos, this is the hotel for you.
EVERYTHING ABOUT THE FISHERMAN’s TRAIL IN ONE PLACE
Want all the info you need about the Fisherman’s Trail in one place? You can find our Fisherman’s Trail ebook in our shop for only $5.99. Download and flick through on your phone.
Fisherman’s Trail YouTube Video
Find our video guide to walking the Fisherman’s Trail below.
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Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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