📌 Short journeys of 30 minutes, the longest being 1 hour 45 minutes between Arrabidà and Porto Covo.
👍 The bonus: Paradise spots and exploration! Head for towns with unique charm, offering plenty of hiking in the countryside and beaches, each more beautiful than the last.
📍 Stages : Arrabida, Porto Covo, Mila de Milfontes, Odeceixe, Aljezur, Lagos
DEPARTURE : Take the A2 then the N379 towards Sesimbra or Setubal
ARRIVAL : N379-1 coastal road
WEEK-LONG ROAD TRIP: LISBON → ARRÁBIDA → ROTA VICENTINA → LAGOS
Between picturesque villages and wild beaches, this van trip along the Vicentine Coast is an ode to freedom. In this article, we invite you to explore the southwest coast and the Atlantic coastline. This itinerary follows the Rota Vicentina, a network of walking trails consisting of different paths on the sea and land sides: the Fishermen's Trail and the Historical Trail. This means you can stop along the way to explore the region's iconic sites. This part of the coastline is full of wild beaches and exceptional views between the cliffs and the ocean.
So if you're a nature lover and want to set off on an adventure at your own pace, this road trip is for you! The coast has some wonderful surprises in store for you, and the landscapes, whether you're traveling by van or on foot, will offer you the peace and quiet you deserve. Head for the first stop on your journey: the Arrabidà Natural Park!
DAY 1 : DISCOVER THE NATIONAL PARK AND PARADISICAL SWIMMING SPOTS
After picking up your van at the Blacksheep Lisbon Agency, head to the National Park and cross the Setubal Peninsula to the south coast, not far from the capital! You can stop there and walk along the city walls to admire the view of Setubal and the estuary, or continue on and stop at Palmela, known as the white city. The coastal road is magnificent, offering panoramic views of the coastal cliffs, Miradouro Portinho da Arrabida, and Miradouro do Norte.
FAVORITE : Praia de Galapinhos, for its crystal clear waters and idyllic setting
Once you arrive, you'll walk on the grass of the park's green hills, between beaches and mountains. It's an invitation to explore and disconnect, where you can take the time to walk and appreciate every corner of the space.
The land part of the park covers two regions: the Serra da Arrabida (35 km) and Cape Espichel. The maritime part stretches from Figueirinha beach to Cabo Espichel.
SEVERAL HIKING OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO YOU :
- Serra do Risco, 11 km or about 3.5 hours. A trail where vegetation overflows with plants, flowers, and colors all the way to the ridges. You can see the white cliffs in the distance.
- Lapa de Santa Margarida, 1.5 km. At the end of the trail, you will discover a pretty chapel nestled in a cave. The trail starts near Portinho da Arrabida.
- The coastal trails between the beaches of Coelhos, Galapos, and Creiro. The landscape alternates between coves and beaches where the water is turquoise blue.
- The Convento da Arrábida trail, 4 to 6 km. Perfect for breathing in the fresh mountain air on a natural religious heritage trail leading to the Arrabida convent.
- The Cabo Espichel circuit. This hike offers a magnificent view of the sea, between cliffs and raw, untamed nature. Located west of the seaside resort of Sesimbra, you can visit the sanctuary and church of Our Lady of Cabo Espichel.
On this first day, you will have enjoyed the beaches and mountains of the Serra de Arrábida. It's a kind of prelude to your journey along the Rota Vicentina.
👉 WHERE TO EAT?
In Sesimbra, you will find typical local specialties and unique cuisine! For example, there is Arroz de Marisco, a seafood rice dish, and Farinha Torrada, a cake made from toasted flour.
Here are the restaurants we recommend:
- Restaurante Cantinho da Regina, Rua Heliodoro Salgado 1G, 2970-760 Sesimbra
- O Batel, Av. dos Naufragos 3, 2970-760
- O Rodinhas, R Marques de Pombal, 2970-712
- Tasca das 3 Marias, R. Prof. Dr. Fernandes Marques 6, 2970-747
- Tasca Do Isaías, 741, R. Cel. Barreto 2, Sesimbra
👉 WHERE TO SLEEP?
As wild camping is prohibited throughout Portugal, we suggest designated areas where you can park your van and spend a peaceful night surrounded by nature:
- The Portinho da Arrabida area, located in a parking lot close to the beach, where you can fall asleep and wake up facing the sea.
- The Cabo Espichel lighthouse parking lot, where you'll have a panoramic view of the cliffs. A magical moment guaranteed!
- Alcacer do Sal, an area of marshes and birds.
DAY 2 : IN PORTO COVO, LOTS OF SUNSHINE AND BEACHES !
ARRABIDA --> PORTO COVO (170 KM, APPROX. 2.5 HOURS)
Here you are, back on the road and crossing the Costa Vicentina, a protected coastal region in southwestern Portugal characterized by its magnificent beaches and cliffs. It is home to a protected, wild natural park between Sines and Lagos. The Rota Vicentina hiking and mountain biking trails allow you to explore the park, whether you take El Caminho histórico or the Trilho dos Pescadores (the Historic Trail or the Fishermen's Trail)! But before you set off on these coastal hiking trails, we recommend stopping off at the charming villages that dot your route to Porto Covo. In the Alentejo region, towns such as Evora, Elvaz, Alentejo, and Monsaraz retain a poetic authenticity away from mass tourism. Many areas are still unspoiled. Here, historical heritage blends with rural and oceanic landscapes. You can also stop in Comporta and enjoy the crystal-clear beaches of Pego, Carvalhal, and Galé. It's nice to stroll around the stilted port of Carrasqueira.
Between the rice fields of Herdade, the marshes, and its nature reserve (Comporta Dunes Nature Reserve), the calm atmosphere invites you to relax. Breathe in the fresh air of this charming village, with its blend of traditional architecture and modernity. There are many outdoor activities on offer. These include stand-up paddleboarding and deep-sea fishing to stimulate the adventurous spirit of our van lifers. We recommend visiting the Sado estuary, where clam fishing is a tradition.
Then hit the road again to Porto Covo, a village known for its sandy beaches surrounded by cliffs. Here is a list of the prettiest ones:
- Praia Grande
- Praia dos Buizinhos
- Praia do Banho
- Praia do Salto
The temperature and summer atmosphere of this small parish village invite you to take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets or walk along the steep cliffs that border its seascape.
👉 WHERE TO EAT?
- Ze Inacio, R. Vasco da Gama 3B, 7520-437
- Alma Nomada Porto Covo, Costa do Vizir Beach Village, 7520-437, Portugal
- Tasca do Celso, R. dos aviadores 34, 7645-226 Vila Nova de Milfontes
👉 WHERE TO STAY ?
- Praia do Burrinho
- Use the Park4night app to find nice spots (mainly parking lots, as wild camping is not allowed!).
- Between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes, you will have direct access to the Rota Vicentina for an early morning hike 😀
DAY 3 : HIKE ALONG THE FISHERMEN'S TRAIL
PORTO COVO → VILA DE MILFONTES → ALMOGRAVE
This route follows the Fishermen's Trail along the N120. At each stop, you can park your van and take the hiking trail of your choice to admire the beauty of the landscape.
To start in Porto Covo, go to Largo do Mercado or directly to Vila Nova de Milfontes, at the town's Tourist Office (Rua Antonio Mantas). You will be able to see the Mira River crossing the Atlantic. It takes about 4 to 5 hours of walking (15 km) to reach Almograve while crossing the river estuary.
In Vila Nova, there are three great beaches for cooling off and sunbathing with your feet up:
- Franquia Beach
- Carreiro Beach
- Farol Beach
In Almograve, a shy and mysterious natural landscape reveals itself with every step. The dunes give way to dense vegetation of heather, gorse flowers, and other warm-colored plants, meeting the rocky furrows and fine sand of a beach that you discover after several hours of walking.
👉 WHERE TO EAT?
Here are our recommendations for typical restaurants. They serve Mediterranean cuisine featuring seafood and other local specialties:
- O Lavrador, Largo do Comercio 1, 7630-174
- Sabores e Mar, Largo do Comercio 4B, 7630-017
- Bar da Praia do Almograve, Apoio Balnear da Praia do Almograve, Av. da Praia S/N, 7630-174
DAY 4 : EXPLORE THE HIDDEN TREASURES OF THE COAST
ALMOGRAVE → ZAMBUJEIRA DO MAR → ODECEIXE
This part of the coastline closely follows the Rota Vicentina walking trail. Each stage covered by van corresponds to a section of the trail. The cliffs are the most spectacular and iconic part of the route. You will also pass along the Fishermen's Trail.
The walking time to Zambujeira is about 6 hours (22 km), and a little less to reach Odeceixe (18 km). You can easily do part of the journey by van and then continue on foot to fully explore the surroundings, walk the trails and frolic, make your way through the vegetation and feast your eyes.
Once you arrive at your first point of interest, you can head to Alteirinhos beach for a peaceful afternoon away from the crowds. The beauty of the trip lies in these little moments spent as a couple or with your family, letting yourself be carried away by the magic of the place, between the ocean and the Portuguese land.
👉 THINGS TO DO
- Alentejo vineyards : Visit the Aragonês or Trincadeira grape varieties.
- Praia de Odeceixe and its estuary. A unique beach that is half river, half ocean.
- Cabo Sardao. Explore the surrounding area: breathtaking views and colonies of storks on the horizon!
- Serra de Monchique : perfect for cyclists looking for exceptional views! A 40-minute drive from Zambujeira, various mountain bike trails lead you to thermal springs and other natural treasures, along beautiful paths.
DAY 5 : VISIT TO THE HEART OF THE ALGARVE
ODECEIXE → ALJEZUR → CARRAPATEIRA (APPROX. 1 HOUR)
You are in the Algarve region. Aljezur and Carrapateira are two villages perched on the cliffs. The history of the Moors, which has left its mark on Aljezur, is reflected in the architecture and orientalism of this typical, peaceful town. The history of this ancient Moorish city can be seen everywhere in the ruins of the castle, which overlooks the valley and beaches. Take a stroll through the narrow streets of the old town to soak up the special atmosphere that surrounds it, between the whitewashed houses and their colorful shutters.
👉 THINGS TO DO
- Fonte das Mentiras (the Fountain of Lies) a mystical and mysterious feature that perpetuates a legend of secrets and broken promises...
- Hike to Palmeirinha, a green valley with several walking trails
- Walk in the Aljezur River Valley
- Praia da Amoreira, a large wild beach
- Praia de Monte Clérigo
- Praia da Arrifana
→ TO CARRAPATEIRA (22 KM - 25 MIN) (VIA THE N268)
A great destination for surfers and those who love peace and quiet. This small coastal village is much wilder. The sound of the waves and the gentle warmth of the sun caress the senses. It's a great place to live and relax in this charming corner of the Algarve.
👉 THINGS TO DO
- Do Mar e da Terra da Carrapateira Museum
- Hiking on Pontal da Carrapateira, a trail with incredible views of the ocean and coves 😍
- Praia da Bordeira and Praia do Amado.
It's just perfect for board sports!
DAY 6 : HEADING TO LAGOS AND ITS SURF SPOTS
→ SAGRES → LAGOS
You have arrived in the extreme southwest of Western Europe. It is a remote, wild place where the most adventurous travelers like to go. You will find beautiful spots to spend the night in your van. But before you pitch your tent, here are the best activities to enjoy:
Surfing! Yes, the expanse of ocean stretching out before you is the perfect place to get out your board (or rent all the equipment you need on site). The city has several beaches facing both the western Atlantic and the south.
→ West side : Praia do Tonel, Praia do Beliche, Praia do Castelejo, and Praia da Cordoama
→ South side : Praia da Mareta and Praia do Martinhal
- Visit Cape Saint Vincent or the Fortaleza de Sagres and the fishing port. Lagos is something of a paradise. You can hike to the cliffs of Ponta de Piedade or visit the area by kayak or boat. Its beach, Meia Praia, is perfect for sunbathing. There is also Batata beach, a great starting point for exploring hidden sea caves.
👉 WHERE TO SLEEP?
Here are the nature spots that are authorized (reminder: wild camping is officially prohibited!)
- 40 minutes from Lagos, Amado beach
- 25 minutes from Sagres, da Ingrina and Zavial are small parking lots by the beach
- The cliffs of Ponta da Piedade!
Developed areas:
- Orbitur Valverde
- Parque de Autocaravanas de Lagos (10 minutes from the center)
- After miles of wild beaches, picturesque villages, and breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline, your road trip along the country's west coast is coming to an end. Rich in discoveries and experiences, this taste of freedom leaves a lasting impression on the soul of the van lifer.
To rent the ideal van for your future road trip, click here.
