Hiking the Fishermen’s Trail. Introduction
The Fishermen’s Trail is considered one of if not the most beautiful coastal trails. I had it bookmarked for quite some time, and in November 2024, I set out to experience it myself. Beforehand, like with any holiday, and even more diligently so when hiking, I spent a long time researching and planning ahead and already started writing down my thoughts and adventures as I would continue during the trail. It may probably be confusing whenever I switch from historical present to present present, from pre-hike, on-hike, and past-hike Julia. Believe me, I get confused, too. Am I remembering or paraphrasing memories? Just consider me the most unreliable narrator imaginable. If you don’t mind that then come along as I take you en route. I refer or even quote the official Rota Vicentina website quite often, where each section is described in great detail, and in e. g. botanic words that surpass my vocabulary. In German or English. I know less about plant names than Jon Snow knows about nothing. Sue me. At the end of each post, you will find the raw data summarized as well as links to places I visited. And naturally, pictures, because – spoilers ahead – it is insanely beautiful out there.
226.5 km, divided into 13 segments. The Trilho dos Pescadores has been established in 2012 as an attempt by locals and the government to make the area below Lisboa, the Alentejo and Vicentina, to be more appeasing for tourists while preserving its natural character of fishing villages. It leads down the Atlantic coast until the very tip of Europe, and then along the Algarve all the way to Lagos. Since it is not high-alpine, or alpine at all, it may seem like an easy hike. However, the trail has its challenges! Foremost, there’s the sand. Lots of sand. Der Fischerpfad verläuft wortwörtlich im Sande, as the Germans say. I went jogging on sand, back at Bondi Beach, and it’s exhausting, trust me. Especially when you have a backpack and full on hiking gear with you. There is an unwritten rule among Fishermen’s Friends, as I like to call my fellow hikers, that every step on sand counts double. An estimated 35-40 % of the trail are in fact on sand. On top of that, you’re constantly exposed to strong winds and the saltiness of seaside air. The wind in Portugal is crude and can be brutal. Last but not least, there is hardly any shade. So SPF up. Even in November. But, if you believe any travel blog out there, the beauty of the landscape more than makes up for it. As a single female hiker, the Fishermen’s Trail has one major bonus: all sections end in little villages aka in civilization, and there is plenty of accommodation so you don’t need to pitch your tent in the middle of nowhere. For a long distance hike, it is very safe and quite comfortable. Hot showers every single day comfortable. Initially, I was gonna take Max, my golden good boy, with me. Alas, he’s a rescue, and has really weak joints due to being chained up most of his life (fucking human scumbags) and thus wouldn’t have been able to handle the sand, and as much as I love him, he is quite slow, quite lazy, and too heavy to carry on top of my luggage. So he got to stay with my mum as I headed out to Portugal!
Look at this boopable nose and his big, sad eyes. So cute! I miss you, Max, my Portuguese rescue. Love, always, bestest of the best boys.
Raw Data
For general info visit https://rotavicentina.com/en // For chapter 2, click here!