37.32° N · 8.86° W · Costa Vicentina
The stage of the Fishermen's Trail that leaves Aljezur, goes down the river valley to Amoreira beach and follows the cliff edge past Monte Clérigo to Arrifana. It is about 17 km, with stretches of loose sand that tire you more than slopes. On your own and free, waymarked in green and blue.
Part of Costa Vicentina
Step by step
You leave the town following the valley of the Aljezur stream to Amoreira beach, where the river reaches the sea.
You cross the dune and climb to the cliff as far as the hamlet of Monte Clérigo, with a beach and bars.
The prettiest and hardest stretch: a path of loose sand right on the edge, with the Atlantic on your left.
You reach Arrifana fortress, up high, with the shell-shaped beach below.
The Fishermen's Trail follows the paths the fishermen used to go down to the coves. This stage has everything: a farming valley, a beach at a river mouth, dunes and cliffs of black slate.
The Fishermen's Trail is the coastal route of the Rota Vicentina: 226.5 km in 13 one-day stages along the coast of the Alentejo and western Algarve, on a narrow path that can only be walked on foot, right beside the cliff. Between 60 and 70% of the way is sand. The stage from Aljezur to Arrifana is one of the most varied in the south: it starts inland, in the town of Aljezur with its castle, goes down the valley of the stream to the sea at Amoreira and then climbs to the edge of the Atlantic and does not leave it until Arrifana fortress.
It is a long stage, but can easily be split in two, and each half has a beach at the end. If you are only going to do one stretch of the Fishermen's Trail on your trip, this one shows well what it is.
For fit hikers, used to walking five or six hours. It has no big climbs, but loose sand is far more tiring than a track and the sea wind wears you down. The Rota Vicentina rates the Fishermen's Trail as somewhat difficult and does not recommend it for people with vertigo or a fear of heights: the path runs along the edge of cliffs under constant erosion. With small children, do only the Aljezur to Amoreira stretch, through the valley.
Aljezur is on the west-coast road of the Algarve, the N120. The convenient thing is to leave a car at each end or come back by taxi from Arrifana: there is no convenient public transport between the two points. Another option is to do the stage in the opposite direction, from Arrifana to Aljezur, as the stages can be walked in both directions.
The Rota Vicentina recommends walking the stages from September to June. Spring and autumn are ideal, with mild temperatures. In summer the cliff has no shade at all: if you go in July or August, start at dawn. In winter, check the Rota Vicentina warnings map: in storms they recommend postponing walks.
Nothing: it is a public, waymarked trail, with no booking. The real cost is the taxi back or the second car, and what you eat at Monte Clérigo or Arrifana.
In strong wind or rain, do not go along the cliff: the edge is dangerous and wet sand sticks. Do only the valley stretch, from Aljezur to Amoreira, or swap the walk for a visit to Aljezur castle and a stroll around the town.
Who it's for
You walk confidently for five or six hours, like wild-coast landscapes and don't mind sand.
You have vertigo, are with small children or want a route with shade and fountains. Do only the valley stretch.
What to bring
More to do
Tips
There is no convenient public transport between Arrifana and Aljezur.
In summer the cliff has no shade at all. In spring and autumn it is far better for walking.
In storms they recommend postponing walks: the cliff edge is dangerous in strong wind.
It is halfway and has bars: it is the place to eat or to shorten the route.
You cannot camp wild or take vehicles onto the dunes, and groups must not exceed 15 people.
Questions
About 17 km. Depending on the source it varies between 16 and 19 km, because of the detours to the beaches.
It has no big climbs, but loose sand makes it harder than a mountain route of the same length.
Yes. Aljezur – Amoreira – Monte Clérigo is short and has a beach at the end. Monte Clérigo – Arrifana is the cliff stretch.
No. It is a public, waymarked trail.
From September to June, as the Rota Vicentina recommends. In summer, only at dawn.
Yes. The stages can be walked in both directions.
Only in the villages, such as Monte Clérigo. Bring at least two litres.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/portugal/algarve/costa-vicentina/things-to-do/fishermen-trail-aljezur-arrifana
