IS THE FISHERMAN’S TRAIL WORTH IT? 11 REASONS WE THINK IT IS.
When John and I first read about the Fisherman’s Trail, part of Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, we were intrigued. A coastal trail promising dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and a chance to truly connect with nature? It sounded like our kind of adventure. But would it live up to the hype? After spending 12 days walking this incredible route, we can confidently say: yes, it’s worth it.
Here are 11 reasons why we think the Fisherman’s Trail deserves a place on your hiking bucket list.
1/ Close to nature
Walking the Fisherman’s Trail puts you right in the heart of the natural world, and that’s both its charm and its challenge.
The path takes you through what feels like endless sand dunes, wildflower-strewn clifftops, and rugged coastal landscapes where the Atlantic roars in the background. We’ll admit, there were moments when the sand in our shoes drove us slightly mad. I poured enough sand out of my shoes at the end of each day to make a sand castle. We experienced gailforce winds, bright sun and rain. But those small discomforts were worth it for the sheer closeness to nature.
We spotted storks nesting precariously on cliffs and listened to the constant sound of the ocean. Even without the dolphins we’d secretly hoped to see, the trail felt alive and untamed.
2/ Beach, beach, beach
If you love beaches, you’ll love this trail. The Fisherman’s Trail hugs Portugal’s western coastline, offering views of wild beaches and secluded coves.
Some days, we would sit high up on the cliffs eating our sandwiches like we were the only people on the planet, with nothing but sand and sea stretching before us. On other days, we would finish up at charming beachside villages where we could dip our feet into the cold ocean sip an even cold beer.
Each day on the Fisherman’s Trail you’ll be offered chances to swim in quiet coves, or walk barefoot on sweeping surf beaches.
3/ Challenging hike
We won’t sugar-coat it: the Fisherman’s Trail is tough. Deep sand underfoot, often steep climbs, and exposed sections make it physically demanding. But for us, that’s part of the appeal.
There’s something deeply satisfying about earning those views and feeling the burn in your legs after a long day. Plus, the challenge adds to the sense of accomplishment when you finally reach your destination.
If you’re looking for a hike that pushes you just enough to feel proud but not so much that it’s miserable, this is the perfect balance.
4/ Well sign posted
One of our biggest frustrations on some trails is getting lost. That’s not an issue on the Fisherman’s Trail.
The waymarkers – a combination of blue and green stripes – are frequent and easy to follow. Even when the path meanders through sand dunes or alongside cliffs, we always felt confident we were heading in the right direction as there were always some kind of instructions.
For us, this made the hike more enjoyable. Instead of worrying about navigation, we could focus on soaking up the views, listening to an audio book (Richard Osman’s new one for me) and taking plenty of photos.
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.
5/ Lots of walkers
We met a good few walkers on the route each day. There were walkers heading in the same direction as us that we could chat to, or walkers crossing our path walking the other way that we could say a fleeting hello to.
That said, as we walked in winter, there weren’t so many walkers that it felt overwhelming. The trail is big enough to accommodate everyone and there are still so many chances for peace and tranquillity.
If you want to socialise over a beer or two at the end of the day, you can. And if you don’t, that’s ok too.
6/ Winter walking
One of the reasons we chose the Fisherman’s Trail was its reputation as a fantastic winter hike. While much of Europe is too cold or wet for walking in the off-season, Portugal’s mild winter climate makes this trail a joy year-round.
We walked in late December into January, ringing in the new year on the trail., The weather was ideal: sunny days with a cool breeze (and one stormy day.) The trail was quieter, too, which only added to the sense of escapism.
Find out more about walking the Fisherman’s Trail in the winter here.
7/ Flexible route
You can walk the Fisherman’s Trails in either direction, from south to north or north to south. Meaning that flights into and out of Portugal can be flexible too. Enter via Faro and start in Lagos, or fly into Lisbon and kick off walking in Sao Torpes.
We met other walkers who were just tackling a few days of the trail, or starting in the middle. Whilst we chose to do the entire route, you can opt for a section instead. Whatever fits with your vacation time. That said, if you did take two weeks off work – the entire trail would fit in nicely!
The stages are relatively short and there are a few days that can be merged together, if you wanted to walk at a faster pace. Alternatively, we also met one couple who were using buses to fast track their adventure. Anything goes!
Find our daily stages guide to the Fisherman’s Trail here.
8/ Range of accommodation
One of the joys of the Fisherman’s Trail is the variety of places to stay. From charming guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels and fancy hotels, there’s something for every traveller.
We really enjoyed arriving to different accommodation every night, not quite knowing what to expect. Invariably, we always found a great place to rest and recoup and slept like absolute logs after all the sea air.
Find our guide to accommodation on route here.
9/ Possible on a budget
While Portugal has become more popular in recent years, it’s still one of Europe’s more affordable destinations. Walking the Fisherman’s Trail doesn’t require expensive gear or guided tours, making it accessible for budget-conscious travellers.
We found reasonably priced accommodation, and meals, whether a tuna steak or baked goods, were great value. And, our nightly glass of wine or imperial beer didn’t break the bank either. Plus, the trail itself is free, which is always a bonus. For us, the affordability was another reason this hike felt so rewarding.
10/ Portuguese food & drink
If you’ve been to Portugal, you’ll know the food is hearty and excellent value. And the wine, well it is world renowned.
The Fisherman’s Trail offers the chance to start the day with a coffee and a Portuguese bake of some variety, whether pastel de nata or a savoury number filled with cheese. Then when you reach the end of the daily stage, you can settle into a local taverna for steak, pork or tuna served with rice, eggs and salad. Don’t forget a cold glass of Vinho Verde.
Perhaps what surprised us on route was the chance to sea Portuguese ingredients served in an international style. Along the way we had some of the best sushi we’ve ever tried in Salema, satisfying Nepalese food in Zambujeira do Mar and awesome burgers in Carrapeteira.
11/ Total escapism
Perhaps the biggest reason we loved the Fisherman’s Trail was the sense of escapism.
For a nearly two weeks, we left behind the noise and busyness of everyday life. There was loads of time to sit and watch the ocean, to meditate or just chill. There were times when the dopamine hit was so high, I felt like my feet could just lift me off the cliffs and fly me over the ocean.
If you’re looking for a hike that lets you unplug and reconnect with yourself or your walking companion, this is it.
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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