Four Days On Portugal's Fisherman's Trail
Golden cliffs dropping into turquoise water, stork nests balanced on sea stacks, and miles of dusty coastal trail with almost no one around; the Fisherman’s Trail felt more like a movie set than a hiking route. Read about the complete details of my 4-day trip from Lagos to Sagres.
This was the easiest and quickest hike. Extremely scenic and most traveled by dayhikers, we walked along boardwalks and enjoyed coastal views, towns, wildflowers, and easy-access beaches. It gave us plenty of time to enjoy the beach and picnic in Luz.
May 6
Hike Luz → Salema
Slightly more challenging and less traveled, which we all enjoyed. We stopped in Burgau (about halfway) to hit the beach and ate life-changing tacos at a local grocery store, Mais Perto (cash only). Salema Eco Camp is a popular place for hikers to stay, and despite being farther from town, it was a beautiful nature escape with many amenities.
May 7
Hike Salema → Sagres
The longest hike, yet most rewarding. We escaped the crowds, walked amid jaw-dropping views, and trudged through significant elevation gain. A long nap on the beach in Sagres was necessary. Despite a ‘shortcut’ that diverted us from the marked path, we found it altogether more scenic and quiet. It was easy to find our way back to the markings after looking at AllTrails.
My take
After four days on the Fisherman’s Trail in the Algarve, Portugal, I can’t recommend it enough. The Fisherman’s Trail follows Portugal’s southwestern coastline through beach towns, cliffs, and remote stretches of Atlantic scenery and wildflowers. There are a variety of segments to choose from for those seeking shorter trips. Hikers can dayhike, stay in hostels, and camp. Blue and green paint markers line the well-maintained trail. Read about how my four friends and I tackled the trip, and hopefully you will visit one day too!Overview
- Lagos → Sagres segment
- 3 nights
- Roughly 52 km (32 miles)
- Countless beaches
Packing
Essentials:
- Waterproof jacket
- Trail shoes
- Reusable water bottle
- Portable charger
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen
Nice to have
- Flip flops for hostel/beach recovery
- Aloe/aftersun
- Cash for smaller shops
- Plastic bags for wet clothes/sand
Itinerary
We flew in/out of Lisbon. We love exploring the city, and it was more affordable than Faro Airport (although farther from our destination). We took the ‘Rede Expressos’ bus, and be sure to book in advance as it sells out. Most of my research for stays was from the complete guide to the Fisherman’s Trail from the “Stingy Nomads”. May 5 Hike Lagos → Luz- Distance – 6.4 mi
- Time – 2 hours
This was the easiest and quickest hike. Extremely scenic and most traveled by dayhikers, we walked along boardwalks and enjoyed coastal views, towns, wildflowers, and easy-access beaches. It gave us plenty of time to enjoy the beach and picnic in Luz.
May 6
Hike Luz → Salema
- Distance – 7.4 mi
- Time – 3-4 hours
Slightly more challenging and less traveled, which we all enjoyed. We stopped in Burgau (about halfway) to hit the beach and ate life-changing tacos at a local grocery store, Mais Perto (cash only). Salema Eco Camp is a popular place for hikers to stay, and despite being farther from town, it was a beautiful nature escape with many amenities.
May 7
Hike Salema → Sagres
- Distance – 12.4 miles
- Time – 6 hours
The longest hike, yet most rewarding. We escaped the crowds, walked amid jaw-dropping views, and trudged through significant elevation gain. A long nap on the beach in Sagres was necessary. Despite a ‘shortcut’ that diverted us from the marked path, we found it altogether more scenic and quiet. It was easy to find our way back to the markings after looking at AllTrails.
Difficulty
- Moderate overall
- Longest day: Salema → Sagres
- Sand, coastal wind, and incline make sections harder than expected
- No technical hiking required
- Walking poles recommended
- Suitable for beginner/intermediate hikers with decent fitness
- Bring shoes with grip!
