Fishermen s Trail, Portugal Trail Running Holiday A division of Explorateur voyages Québec Licensee
In the south-west of Portugal, along the Atlantic coast, the Fishermen s Trail (in Portuguese: Trilho Pescadores) is a gem that provides wonderful surprises everyday. This long-distance hiking trail is part of Rota Vicentina, a 450-km network of trails that cross the Alentejo and the Algarve regions to the delight of nature and adventure lovers. Run at your own pace and allow yourself to get carried away by the sound of the waves and the song of migratory birds. You will see fine sand beaches nested between steep cliffs, charming villages with well-preserved heritage, and pretty seaside cafés that whisper espresso! in your ear Since there is only you and the trails, start and finish your day at the time you like, knowing that your luggage is waiting for you at the next hotel, no matter how long you run or walk.
Your holiday at a glance Duration: 7 days, 6 nights What to expect: Exploration of one of the bestpreserved coastal areas of southern Europe, impressively unspoiled natural environment, well-marked trails with splendid viewing points, a chance to experience rural Portugal and its relaxing pace of life. Effort level: Stroll/Adventure (12 22 km and +90 265 m per day at your own pace on well-marked dirt and sand trails) Accommodation: 3-star and 4-star hotels and inns, double occupancy Support service: A member of our local team will be onsite to provide complete support service, including luggage transfer, private shuttle and a phone number to call if you need help. Group: 2 or more runners Price: See our website Dates: Anytime between September 15 and June 15
Highlights Five routes in a magnificent protected area surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and a rural setting renowned for its tranquility and authenticity. An adventure at your own pace where all you need to do is lace up your shoes and hit the trail. We take care of everything else: accommodation, shuttle service, luggage transfer, and support. A challenge that can be conquered by runners of all levels who enjoy the freedom of independent travel. Daily distances can be covered at a run or walk, and the elevation gains are not a barrier. Hospitality and culinary traditions that will satisfy the most discerning runners! Nomade Actif s special touch A trip organized by adventure travel and trail running specialists who know the terrain well. Flawless support managed by a local expert who takes care of the logistics of your trip. Comfortable 3-star and 4-star inns and hotels where you will love to relax.
A few things to keep in mind Five consecutive days of self-guided trail running at your own pace. Daily distance of 12 22 km with 90 265 m of elevation gain. Trip available between September 15 and June 15 in order to avoid the heat and the crowds of the tourist season. Outside the summer months, the climate is great for trail running. Some trails pass through fragile areas that are susceptible to erosion. For your safety and to protect the environment, it is important that you follow all instructions. Accommodations are double occupancy, with single occupancy available for a supplementary fee.
The price includes: - 6 nights in 3-star and 4-star inns and hotels, double occupancy - 6 breakfasts and 5 packed lunches - 1:55,000 map and detailed logbook to help you follow the route - GPS routes you can enter into your favourite device (watch or phone) - Shuttle when the trails start and end in places other than the hotel - Luggage transfer - Support service managed by a local professional who knows the terrain - Train ticket for your return to Lisbon at the end of the trip - An assortment of Xact Nutrition bars (one per day) - Pre-trip meeting - Taxes and service fees The price doesn t include: - Airfare and related costs (airport tax, luggage, etc.) - Ground transportation other than what is mentionned in the inclusions - Meals other than those mentioned in the inclusions - Gratuities - Purchase and rental of personal equipment - Contribution to FICAV (compensation fund for customers of travel agents: $1 per $1,000) - Insurance - Vaccines
Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Vila Nova de Milfontes You will take a bus from Lisbon to the Alentejo, where our local expert will meet you and give you the materials you need to navigate the trails. He will also drive you to your inn in Vila Nova de Milfontes, a pretty village located at the confluence of the Mira River and the Atlantic Ocean. Day 2: Vila Nova de Milfontes Almograve (15 km, +90 m) Breakfast at the hotel. After you take the main road out of the village, you will turn off into the pastureland and then run along the ocean, coming across two beaches and an acacia forest along the way. From March to October, the countryside sings with colonies of swifts, which nest in the area. At the end of the route, return shuttle to Vila Nova de Milfontes. Day 3: Almograve Zambujeira do Mar (22 km, +205 m) Breakfast at the hotel and shuttle to the next route. Small fishing ports, red dunes, and more than 20 species of nesting birds... one day is not enough to explore this trail! Take a break by the Cabo Sardão lighthouse to enjoy a picnic as you listen to the waves. Overnight in Zambujeira do Mar, a village perched on a cliff where a gentle sea breeze always blows. Day 4: Zambujeira do Mar Odeceixe (18 km, +265 m) Breakfast at the hotel. Today you get to explore lots of beaches. Do not forget your bathing suit! At Ponta em Branco ( white point in Portuguese), a hill that marks the crossing from Alentejo to Algarve, soak up the unobstructed view of the Odeceixe beach. From there, follow a paved road for a few kilometres to the village of Odeceixe, where you will spend the night. Day 5: Odeceixe Aljezur (18 km, +125 m) Breakfast at the hotel. Exit the village by a staircase that leads to a windmill, where you will have a splendid view of the area. You will then follow an irrigation canal for 10 km, crossing fertile land where sweet potatoes, corn, olives, peanuts, citrus fruits, and figs are grown. You may get lucky and spot a flock of sheep being herded by a shepherd and his canine partner. As you approach Aljezur, the moors all around let you know that the ocean is nearby. If you have any energy left, you will want to take a detour to the ruins of the Aljezur castle. Optional detour to Amoreira beach (+5 km) Day 6: Aljezur Arrifana (12 km, +225 m) Breakfast at the hotel. As you exit the village, take some time to admire the valley of the Aljezur River, which in the past served as a refuge for the crews exploring the choppy waters of the Atlantic coast. Before you spot the ocean again, you will cross hills filled with fragrant eucalyptus. The salt air of the sea will then take you to the incomparable Arrifana Bay. At the end of the route, return shuttle to Aljezur. Optional detour along the ocean (+6 km) Day 7: Aljezur Santa Clara Lisbon Breakfast at the hotel. Shuttle to the Santa Clara train station, where you will catch a train back to Lisbon. N.B. This itinerary is provided for information only. The guides and staff reserve the right to modify it at any time for safety purposes or to ensure that the trip runs smoothly.
Useful information Support service Self-guided trip with the support of a local professional who transports your luggage, provides the shuttle service, and gives you detailed materials to help you navigate the trails. This local partner is an adventure travel professional who knows the terrain backward and forward and is accessible at all times to help you during your trip. There will be an information meeting at our offices in Montreal before your departure. Daypack Make sure to wear a running daypack that fits you well and that you have tested before your holiday. As this is a self-guided adventure, it is important that you carry the equipment that you will need during your outings. Each runner must carry: Water: Minimum 2 litres in a hydration bag or water bottles. Trail food: A packed lunch will be provided everyday. We also provide an assortment of Xact Nutrition bars (one per day). Participants must bring other snacks or energy products they would like to use. Protective gear: Windproof jacket, insulating midlayer, ski cap, thin gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, whistle. Personal first aid kit: Bandages and dressings, antiseptic wipes, personal medication, etc. Accommodation 4-star hotels, double occupancy. Single occupancy available for a supplementary fee.
Useful information Food The price includes 6 breakfasts and 5 lunches prepared by the hotels. In the evening you will easily find a selection of restaurants to fit any budget. Portuguese cuisine is fresh and plentiful. Seafood is a major ingredient in the cuisine of Alentejo and Algarve. Other national favorites, like salt-cod, grilled salmon, caldo verde, stews, casseroles, and of course countless pastries (including the addictive pastel de nata) are sure to satisfy the appetites of the most discerning runners. Coffee, a national obsession, is served in many different forms and is an essential part of the local social life. Wine and porto connoisseurs will adore Portugal, where the grape reigns supreme. Climate Southern Portugal has a Mediterranean climate, so temperatures are mild all year round. We offer this holiday from September 15 to June 15 in order to avoid the heat and the crowds of the tourist season. In the fall, the temperature is pleasant and it is less windy. Winter is the rainiest season. In the spring, nature comes back to life, bursting with colour and fragrances. Seasonal averages on the southwestern coast (according to portugal.com): January March April June July September October December 17 C 22 C 27 C 17 C Money and currencies The currency in use is the euro (EUR). The best way to withdraw money during the trip is with a debit card. Before the trip, check your bank s transaction fees and make a note of the telephone number to call if your card is lost or stolen. It is customary to pay in cash in most restaurants, cafés, and businesses. You will have an opportunity to withdraw cash in the towns where we stay overnight. Large businesses and chain stores accept credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard. The American Express card is not recommended for Europe. Even if you plan to use cash most of the time, we recommend that you bring two cards in case one is lost, stolen, or defective. Traveler s cheques are less and less common, but may be useful in the event of total loss. If you choose this option, be sure to ask for cheques in euros.
Useful information Tipping Tipping is of course at your discretion, but as an indicator of the standards in the travel industry, adventure travel guides (from your travel agency and from the local team) usually receive about Can$10/day, per person. A 5% 10% tip is customary in restaurants. In cafés, fast food restaurants, and taxis, it is common to round the bill. Travel insurance It is vital to take out medical insurance to cover expenses in case of hospitalization abroad or repatriation, and cancellation insurance to cover the nonrefundable portion of the cost of your trip. Explorateur voyages, the travel agency with which we are associated, offers full travel coverage, with or without cancellation insurance. Please contact us to request a quote. If you choose to purchase cancellation insurance from Explorateur voyages, you will be able to do so when you make your final payment. However, if you choose to buy cancellation insurance from another provider, please note that you may have to do so when you make your initial deposit. Finally, if your credit card provides insurance, you must make your initial deposit with that card. Visa and passport requirements For holders of a Canadian passport, no visa is required for stays of 90 days or less. Your passport must be valid for at least three months following the date you plan to leave the country. Health, vaccines, and safety We recommend that you contact your local travel clinic or community health department to find out what vaccines are needed and what precautions to take.
Useful information Electricity Power socket: type F. Voltage: 230 V. Frequency: 50 Hz. Visit this website to see socket types: http://www.power-plugs-sockets.com Internet and telecommunications Most hotels have WiFi. In cities, some areas and restaurants may have free WiFi, but this is not common. In rural regions and the most undeveloped areas, it may be hard to get Internet access. Cell phone coverage is good in cities but variable in rural areas. Equipment and luggage Your main luggage can be a backpack or a duffel bag. Some are equipped with handles or wheels. We do not recommend using a hard suitcase, especially if it is bulky, because it will limit the available space when the group is travelling together. Remember to label all your bags with your name and address. A complete list of the required equipment will be sent to you when you sign up for the tour. Feel free to contact us with any equipment-related questions; our guides are here to help. Information and registration For any questions about this tour or to sign up, please contact us. This tour is organized in collaboration with Terra Ultima / Explorateur voyages, Québec licensee.