International Retreats
Portugal Coastal Walking
Two Departures: April 4-11 (one space left and/or roommate needed) and April 12-19, 2025 (2 spaces left)
(Maximum 8 people per group)
Overview of the Fisherman’s Trail
The Rota Vicentina in the Alentejo Coastal Region of Portugal is one of the best coastal trails in the world. It follows paths used by locals to access isolated beaches and fishing grounds. The entire trail is located within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, which is a natural protected area, stretching for 90 miles along Portugal’s southwest coastline.
Besides the fishing villages, there is absolutely no development along the coast and no vehicular traffic allowed on the footpath, leaving the wildness of the coast for walkers alone to enjoy. We will walk 50 of the most stunning miles among dunes and wildflowers, passing fishermen perched on ochre cliffs patiently waiting for their haul. At our meals, we will have a chance to feast on their fresh catches. It is a moderate hike without major elevation gain; however, the sandy terrain makes this hike more challenging than you might expect.
Day 1
Fly to Lisbon
It is recommended to make your flight arrangements early from your hometown.
Day 2
Transfer to Vila Nova de Milfontes from Lisbon; dinner included
The village of Vila Nova de Milfontes can be reached by taxi (2 hours) or bus (3 hours) from Lisbon Airport. This historic town, with its impressive 17th-century fortress is a charming place to spend the first two nights of the trip. Enjoy wandering through its winding cobblestone streets lined with delightful cafes, restaurants and traditional whitewashed houses trimmed in red, yellow, and blue. The group will convene for introductions and receive a short briefing from the trip leader during our first dinner together.
Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes -HS Milfontes Beach or Vila Eira Guesthouse
HS Milfontes Beach: Located within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, HS Milfontes Beach has a restaurant terrace overlooking Mira River Bay Beach, 328 feet away. Rooms feature views of the pool, the sun terrace, or the river. The rooms offer A/C, free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea making facilities, a mini-fridge and private bathroom. Breakfast is served daily and there is a buffet restaurant. Room service is also available. Within a 5 minute walk, guests will find the property’s Wellness & Beauty Spa. The historic center is a 10 minute walk away.
Villa Eira Guest House: Set in a walled garden, Villa Eira is 1000 feet from the Mira River and beach. Modern and bright, the rooms feature free Wi-Fi, a TV, mini fridge, and private bathroom with a shower. This family-run establishment offers intimate and tailored service and delicious
homemade breakfast.
Day 3
Walk Praia do Malhao – Vila Nova de Milfontes (7 miles);
breakfast and dinner included
After breakfast at the hotel, there will be a 20 minute drive to Praia do Malhao. We will start on a boardwalk which turns into a sandy road and then a narrower sandy trail. Our first day’s walking will feature an amazing diversity of coastal landscapes including golden sand dunes, patches of wildflowers and deserted coves with rough pebbly beaches. Some tougher walking along the dunes is rewarded by breathtaking coastal views and the chance to feel the sand between your toes if you want to ditch your walking shoes!
We will arrive back in Vila Nova de Milfontes by midday for lunch on your own. Traditional boat trips, canoeing, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, and birdwatching can be done on the river for those who are interested. A yoga class taught by a local instructor will be offered in the afternoon (included) and we will meet for a group dinner.
Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes -HS Milfontes Beach *** or Vila Eira Guesthouse
Day 4
Walk Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (9 miles); breakfast, packed lunch and dinner included
From Vila Nova de Milfontes we will head to Forte de São Clemente and take the stairs down to the pier for a short ferry ride across the Mira River. We will follow the footpath across the dunes of Praia das Furnas on the south side of the river. Lush vegetation and wildflowers cover the hillsides which provide nesting grounds for many bird species including Alpine, Pallid and Common Swifts.
Exquisite ochre and rust colored rocks dominate the coastal landscape. We will see some spectacular sheer cliffs and fossilized sand dunes along this section of the trail. Some sections that deviate from the coast will be a bit tight as we find our way through the bushes. Apart from some pockets of agriculture, there is scarce evidence of human presence on this gloriously undeveloped area of the coast.
At the end of the walk we will arrive in Almograve, a small village with only a few hundred inhabitants. Its beach is a vast expanse of golden sand interspersed with rocky black basalt outcrops that are endlessly pounded by the massive waves of the Atlantic. You will have the afternoon free to relax at the beach or guesthouse and we will have a group dinner together.
Overnight: Almograve-Fisherman’s House or Vicentina Rooms by Casas do Alentejo
Fisherman’s House:
The guesthouse boasts a convenient location near the village center and thebeach. Its clean and modern rooms are equipped with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, and kettles.You can relax on the patio / picnic area.
Vicentina Rooms by Casas do Alentejo: The guesthouse is a short stroll from the beach along awooden walkway amongst the sand dunes. It has simply furnished rooms and a lovely outdoorpool in which to relax after a day of walking. Rooms include heating, TV, refrigerators, private bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas.
Day 5
Walk Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar (10 miles); breakfast and lunch included
Today´s walk offers a change of scenery as we walk past golden dunes and high cliffs home to over twenty species of birds, followed by a section through fragrant pine forests. After breakfast, we will head to the main beach (Praia Grande) and follow a flat path along the coast to Porto das Lapas das Pombas, a tiny port with fishing huts. After a few miles along the coast, the trail ventures inland to the small hamlet of Cavaleiro where we can stop for a refreshment at the café. From here, the trail heads back to the coast to the lighthouse of Cape Sardao where you can marvel at the fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs. Most of the second half of the walk will be on gravel roads rather than sand.
A highlight of the next stretch is to sight white storks—the only place in the world where they nest in cliffs by the sea. There is an impressive stork’s nest crowning a pillar of stone in the sea between Cabo Sardao and Entrada da Barca, a natural harbor, overflowing with fishing paraphernalia and a collection of wooden fishermen´s huts. We will stop at a restaurant near the harbor for a “fresh off the boat” seafood lunch and then have a short taxi transfer to Zambujeira do Mar, the most scenic village along the trail. You will have the afternoon to relax on the beach and dinner will be on your own.
Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar –Alojamento White Rose Boutique B&B or Rosa dos Ventos Hotel
Alojamento White Rose Boutique: The bed and breakfast is within a half mile of the beach. The panoramic sea views from the pool are a highlight. All rooms were designed for total rest and relaxation with A/C, flat screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower, hair dryer, free toiletries, coffee machine and fridge. A buffet breakfast is available each morning.
Rosa dos Ventos: This Andalusian-style hotel in Zambujeira do Mar has a privileged location near the beach and a central courtyard with a fountain that is surrounded by arched walls. Rooms open onto this patio and come with TV, refrigerator, and private bathroom. They are painted in soft shades and have colorfully accented paintings, lamps, and cushions.
Day 6
Walk Zambujeira do Mar – Odeceixe (12 miles); breakfast and lunch included
Today’s invigorating walk will have us dipping up and down to the sea on narrow cliffside paths with some of the best views on the Fisherman’s Trail. We will pass by several beaches, a natural fishing harbor and the spectacular Ponta em Branco, a viewpoint over Odeceixe beach with Foia and Monchique mountains as a backdrop.
As we head out of town after breakfast, you will want to look back at postcard-perfect Zambujeira do Mar. The path continues south to Praia do Carvalhal, a beautiful sandy beach. After descending the steep path to the beach and crossing the rock bridge we will reach a snack bar. From here, the trail continues uphill on the other side of the beach.
We will then hike inland along a fenced enclosure of a wildlife park for a few miles in which you may see zebras and ostriches. This part of the trail gets narrow at times. We will eventually return to the coast and hike to Azenha do Mar, a tiny fishing hamlet with a couple of restaurants where we will stop for lunch and which marks the halfway point of today’s walk.
From Azenha do Mar, the trail continues along the coast all the way to Ponta em Branco lookout point of Rio Seixe and Praia de Odeceixe -Mar. Once we descend to the river level, we will finish the last 2.5 miles of the walk on a paved road to the center of Odeceixe. Its dazzling blue and white windmill (Moinho) occupies a prominent position at the top of the town and offers expansive views over the pretty whitewashed village and surrounding countryside, especially at sunset. You will have the afternoon free to explore the town and dinner will be on your own.
Overnight: Odeceixe – Casas Do Moinho or Sudoeste Guesthouse
Sudoeste Guesthouse: a charming guesthouse right in the center of Odeceixe with proximity to restaurants and bars. Rooms are cozy and comfortable.
Casas Do Moinho Guest House: is a lovely collection of restored village houses spread out amongst the village. Relax at the outdoor swimming pool with a view over the windmill of Odeceixe.
Day 7
Odeceixe Beach Walk (8 miles, optional); breakfast and dinner
included
You may choose to take it easy today and relax at the hotel and soak up the atmosphere of the laidback village of Odeceixe. The main square has plenty of bustling cafes in which to enjoy some refreshments and there are also craft shops to peruse. Alternatively join the circular walk to Odeceixe beach which will take us past the Seixe River, agricultural heartlands and friendly farmers. This broad sandy expanse which is among the “7 wonders of beaches in Portugal,” for the best cliffs, is perfect for a swim. Some beachside cafes offer refreshments. We will return to town by the afternoon. In the evening, we will meet for a goodbye dinner.
Overnight: Odeceixe
Day 8
Tour End – breakfast included
Enjoy breakfast before transferring back to Lisbon airport (2.5 hours by taxi or 4 hours by bus) or extending your stay in Portugal.
PRICE PER PERSON:
$1999 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY / $2599 SINGLE OCCUPANCY (Limited)
To register for this trip, please submit the online Booking Request, then call or email our
Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, to submit the initial deposit. (317) 544-8391 or
susie@peacethroughyoga.org.
Payment
Schedule:
A $500 non-refundable deposit is due per person upon booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
Checks made payable to Peace through Yoga Foundation. 3.5% is added for credit card fees. Send checks to:
Peace through Yoga Foundatin
Attention: Susie Morwick
7904 Pine Lake Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Cancellation policy: $500 is charged for cancelling up to 90 days prior to departure; 100% cancellation fee is charged after 90 days prior to departure Trip Protection is recommended. Call Travel Guard at 800-826-1300.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Pre-departure briefing to orient you and answer any questions
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Six (6) night accommodations at unique properties
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Five (5) days of hiking as described
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Daily breakfast
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Healthy snacks
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Three (3) lunches
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Four (4) dinners including water and wine
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Yoga class in Vila Nova de Milfontes
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Transfers to and from trailheads as described
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Daily luggage transfers
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Trip leader
PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
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Airfare from your hometown
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Airport transfers
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Meals and beverages not listed
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Personal expenses
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Tipping to guide
Notes:
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This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability (similar standards), weather, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
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This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all thedifferent paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
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This trail features some exposed cliffs so is not recommended for people with fear of heights or vertigo.
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If you feel that you cannot walk a section, the trip leader can assit you to organize a private transfer.
Christine Klotz
TRIP LEADER
Christine Klotz, MPH, has lived as a nomad for more than 15 years, balancing a career working as an international public health professional in refugee camps around the world with long distance walking for thousands of miles in more than 100 countries. Pilgrimage routes have a special place in her heart and the fellow pilgrims she has met along these paths have impacted her life in profound ways.
Some of the multi-day hikes she has enjoyed include the John Muir Trail in California, backcountry trekking in Denali National Park in Alaska, Cotopaxi in Ecuador, Ciudad Perdida and Nevado del Tolima in Colombia, W-Trek in Patagonia Chile, Lakes District and Fitz Roy in Argentina, Cirque de Mafate in Reunion, Drakensburg Circuit in South Africa, Fish River Canyon in Namibia, Rwenzori Central Circuit in Uganda, Mt. Karisimbi in Rwanda, Mt. Kenya, Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Ras Dashen and Simien Mountains in Ethiopia, Mt. Toubkal and High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, Jordan National Trail, Druk Path in Bhutan, Kumano Kodo in Japan, Guguan Seven Heroes in Taiwan, Ma Pi Leng in Vietnam, Mt. Apo in Philippines, Mt. Kinabalu in Borneo Malaysia, Mt. Rinjani in Indonesia, Abel Tasman Coast Track in New Zealand, Janapar Trail in Nagorno-Karabakh, Transcaucasian Trail in Georgia, Lycian Way in Turkey, High Tatras in Slovakia and Poland, Via Dinarica in Croatia, Alpe Adria in Slovenia, Peaks of the Balkans in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, Albanian Coastal Trail, Prague-Viena Greenway in Czechia and Austria, Kaiserkrone in Austria, GR20 and GR10 in France, Coronallacs Trail in Andorra, Laugavegur Trek in Iceland, various Caminos in Spain and Portugal (del Norte, Primitivo, Salvador, Mozarabe, Frances, Portuguese, Espiritual), Alta Via 1 and Via Francigena in Italy, of course, the Fisherman’s Trail in Portugal. She is currently walking the Via Transilvanica in Romania and is always dreaming about the next adventure. “It's a beautiful world, and I'll be thrilled to explore it with you one step at a time.”
To register for this trip, please fill our the Booking Request then call the Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick at 317-544-8391 or email her at susie@peacethroughyoga.org
