Portugal Coastal Walking
March 21-27, 2026
Overview of the Fisherman’s Trail
The Rota Vicentina, located in Portugal’s Alentejo Coastal Region, is one of the world’s most spectacular coastal trails. It follows historic footpaths once used by locals to reach secluded beaches and fishing grounds. Entirely within the Vicentine Coast Natural Park, a protected area spanning 90 miles along Portugal’s southwest coastline, this trail offers an untouched landscape where nature reigns. Aside from traditional fishing villages, the coastline remains completely undeveloped, and no vehicles are permitted on the footpath, preserving its wild beauty for walkers alone. Over 35 breathtaking miles, we will hike through golden dunes and fields of wildflowers, tracing the dramatic cliffs where fishermen patiently wait for their catch. At day’s end, we’ll savor the freshest seafood, straight from the Atlantic. While the route has no major elevation gain, the sandy terrain adds a level of challenge, making the journey more demanding than it might first appear.
Day 1-Saturday, March 21st
Fly to Lisbon
It is recommended to make your flight arrangements early from your hometown.
Day 2-Sunday, March 22nd
Transfer to Vila Nova de Milfontes from Lisbon; yoga (D)
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. Traditional boat trips, canoeing, surfing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, and birdwatching can be done on the river for those who are interested. The group will convene for introductions, a gentle afternoon yoga session taught by an English speaking local instructor and our first dinner together where we will discuss tomorrow’s schedule.
Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes
HS Milfontes Beach is a 4-star hotel in Vila Nova de Milfontes, offering stunning views of the Mira River Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and Furnas Beach. The hotel features modern, air-conditioned rooms, with free Wi-Fi, TV, coffee/tea making facilities, a mini-fridge, private bathroom and river or poolside views. Guests can enjoy an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and multiple dining options, including a terrace restaurant with panoramic views. Within a 5 minute walk, guests will find the property’s Wellness & Beauty Spa. The historic center is a 10 minute walk away.
Day 3-Monday, March 23rd
Walk Praia do Malhao – Vila Nova de Milfontes (8 miles); yoga; (B/L/D)
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 have a packed lunch on the way and arrive back in Vila Nova de Milfontes by early afternoon. A yoga class taught in English will be offered later in the afternoon followed by a group dinner. Overnight: Vila Nova de Milfontes -HS Milfontes Beach
Day 4- Tuesday, March 24th
Walk Vila Nova de Milfontes – Almograve (10 miles); (B/L/D)
From Vila Nova de Milfontes, we’ll head to Forte de São Clemente and descend the stone stairs to the pier for a short ferry ride across the Mira River. On the far bank, we’ll pick up the footpath that winds across the dunes of Praia das Furnas on the river’s southern shore. The hillsides here are carpeted with vibrant wildflowers and thick vegetation, providing vital nesting grounds for Alpine, Pallid, and Common Swifts. As we continue, ochre and rust-colored rock formations dominate the coastal landscape—exquisite in their contrast to the azure sea. This stretch reveals spectacular sheer cliffs and ancient, fossilized sand dunes. Some inland deviations along the trail narrow into tight passages through dense underbrush. Aside from scattered patches of farmland, there’s little sign of human presence in this gloriously untouched corner of the coast. We will have a picnic lunch along the way. Our walk ends at Bar da Praia in Almograve is a beloved beachfront bar and restaurant that perfectly captures the laid-back charm of Portugal’s Alentejo coast. Perched just above the golden sands of Praia do Almograve, it offers panoramic views of the Atlantic, making it an ideal spot to unwind after a day of hiking. After a celebratory drink, we will take a short transfer to Zambujeira do Mar. Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar White Rose Boutique is a charming bed and breakfast located in Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal. Situated just a short walk from several pristine beaches, this property offers guests a serene coastal retreat. The accommodations are thoughtfully designed, featuring air-conditioned rooms equipped with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and refrigerators. Each room boasts a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, complimentary toiletries, and a hairdryer. Guests can enjoy a daily buffet breakfast, with gluten-free options available upon request. The property features a rooftop terrace with a saltwater swimming pool, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding landscape. The bed and breakfast is conveniently located near the center of Zambujeira do Mar, allowing easy access to local attractions and dining options.
Day 5- Wednesday, March 25th
Walk Almograve – Zambujeira do Mar (10 miles); yoga; (B/L/D)
Today's walk offers a change of scenery as we walk past golden dunes, high cliffs home to over twenty species of birds, and a section through fragrant pine forests. After breakfast we will transfer to the start of today’s hike at Almograve. After about 5 miles along the coast, the trail ventures inland to the small hamlet of Cavaleiro where we will stop for lunch. From here, the trail heads back to the coast to the lighthouse of Cape Sardao, one of the most scenic viewpoints in the region, where we can marvel at the fishermen perched precariously on the cliffs. A highlight of the next stretch is to sight white storks—the only place in the world where they nest on the cliff edges. There is an impressive stork’s nest crowning a pillar of stone in the sea between Cape Sardao and Entrada da Barca, a natural harbor, overflowing with fishing paraphernalia and a collection of wooden fishermen's huts. After 5 more miles from Cavaleiro we will stop in Entrada da Barca for refreshment and then make a short transfer back to Zambujeira do Mar. Yoga at the pool or beach will be offered followed by a group dinner. Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar -White Rose Boutique
Day 6-Thursday, March 26th
Walk Zambujeira do Mar – Azenhas do Mar (7 miles); (B/L/D)
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, stork nests, a natural fishing harbor and the spectacular viewpoints. 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. We will transfer back to Zambujeira do Mar after lunch where you’ll have time to relax. We will meet for a goodbye dinner to take in the spectacular sunset over the Atlantic. Overnight: Zambujeira do Mar – White Rose Boutique
Day 7
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:
To register for this trip, please submit the online Booking Request at the bottom of the page, then call or email our Reservations Manager, Susie Morwick, to submit the initial deposit. (317) 544-8391 or susie@peacethroughyoga.org.
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 Foundation
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 800-454-7107.
PACKAGE INCLUDES:
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Pre-departure briefing to orient you and answer any questions
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Five (5) nights accommodations at unique properties
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Five (5) days of hiking as described
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All meals starting with dinner on Day 2 through breakfast on departure on Day 7
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Three (3) yoga classes
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Transfers to and from trailheads as described
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Luggage transfer
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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, weather, festivals, and spontaneous side trips.
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This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different 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 assist you to organize a private transfer.
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In case of unforeseen circumstances, we may stay at a different property of similar standard to the ones listed.
Trip Leaders:
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, Via Transilvanica in Romania, 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 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.”
Christine Klotz
Ana Sofia Teixeira holds a degree in Sports Training from the Rio Maior Higher School of Sports in Rio Maior, Portugal. She is a highly qualified Yoga and SUP Yoga Teacher as well as a Personal Trainer. Based in Vila Nova de Milfontes, Portugal, she teaches yoga classes in a dedicated and comfortable space in English or Portuguese, organizes SUP Yoga sessions on the Mira River, and offers personal training services both indoors, in the garden, and on the beach. Each activity is tailored to individual needs, helping clients achieve a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Ana’s yoga classes are designed for all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. Each session explores Ásana (yoga postures) to improve strength and flexibility, Pránáyáma (breathing techniques) to enhance energy and focus, Yoganidra (deep relaxation) to promote rest and recovery, and Samyama (meditation) to cultivate mindfulness and inner peace. Through this holistic approach, students can achieve greater balance in both body and mind. For more information, see her website: https://www.anasofiateixeiracoach.com/.
Ana Sofia Teixeira
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