When we planned our trip to the Alentejo coast, we also wanted to experience the fisherman’s trail and walk parts of the popular Rota Vicentina. As most of the trails are only one-way hiking trails, we searched for a roundtrip not far from the town Vila Nova de Milfontes. During our research, we discovered the roundtrip of the dunes of Almograve and decided to give it a try.
Starting the circular hiking trail in the center of Almograve
Before starting the circular route in Almograve, we spent the first part of the day in the beautiful town of Vila Nova de Milfontes. It was a hot summer day, so that we were already looking forward to see the coast and to start our hiking trail. Fortunately, Vila Nova de Milfontes is just a 10 minute drive away from Almograve, so that we parked our close to the Igreja do Almograve in the center of the small town.
For the first part of the circular walking route, we recommend you to follow the Rua do Chafariz until you can turn to a dusty path which was also the starting point for our hiking adventure at the Rota Vicentina. However, this first part is not the most beautiful one, as the dusty path and the surrounding area does not look that beautiful. That was also the reason, why we started here because the following parts of this circular hiking trail only get better.
Enjoying the beauty of the Vicentina Coast
After the first 20 minutes of walking, we finally arrived on a smaller and sandy path which was protected by bushes and trees. At this point of the circular route, we already smelled the breeze from the ocean and we realized that we are not far away anymore. However, we want to remind everyone of you to take enough water with you and to be aware that the path to the ocean is quite challenging. Walking through the sand (sometimes up and down) requires a certain level of fitness.
Another 20 minutes from where the sandy path started, we finally reached the ocean and were able to enjoy the beautiful nature of the Vicentina coast. The breathtaking views, the breeze from the ocean and the empty beaches totally paid off the quite difficult first part of the hiking trail.
The following 30-40 minutes of walking took us completely along the beautiful Vicentina Coast past the Praia da Angra do Travesso, the Praia da Angra das Melancias until the Praia da Foz dos Ouriços.
During the hiking trail, you will always have a beautiful view over the ocean and there are even some possibilities to go down the cliffs to enjoy the beach (be careful as these are not safe paths). Moreover, be aware that you might have to walk through some overgrown bushes next to the coast.
Perfect for ocean lovers: Circular hiking trail at the Rota Vicentina
Finally, we arrived at one of the last parts of the route which ended at Praia da Foz dos Ouriços. Here, you will cross a small water stream at the beach and that get back to the last 20 minutes of your trip back to the center of Almograve. Especially Praia da Foz dos Ouriços is a great place to relax at the beach and to enjoy beautiful views on a less crowded beach.
During the whole circular route you will find these colourful signs from the Rota Vicentina, which symbolize you that you are on the right path. However, we also recommend everyone to take his/her phone with a map in order to ensure that you are moving in the right direction, as the path is not always 100% signposted.
