Tiny Marvão is the essence of undiscovered Portugal /CC0
Walk the peaceful Trilho dos Pescadores
Parts of the coastal
Trilho dos Pescadores are deserted. You can walk for hours and see no one. In fact, wildlife and occasional surfers are more common than walkers.
These historic routes along the coast divide into sections. You can easily walk one in a day. And most end at seaside villages where you can stay overnight.
The Trilho start in the village of Porto Côvo. The route then meanders over clifftops and river valleys. Before it dips down to beaches at Odeceixe. Here it joins Caminho Historico. This rural trail runs inland towards Portugal’s far southwest. And ends at Cabo de São Vicente in the Algarve.
Find undiscovered Portugal in western Algarve
Drive west of
Faro airport. In less than an hour you'll find sleepy villages and wild coastline.
Stay in laidback Odeceixe. Here the quaint village tumbles downhill to a river valley. And the local beach is well known to savvy surfers. Not up for riding waves? There’s also lagoon for swimming.
Prefer to leave planning and booking to experts? Have a look at some sample itineraries. Both Complete Portugal or Portugal Itineraries offer inspiration. All Tailor Made Trips can be modified together with your local expert, then booked for a stress-free holiday. Click 'Modify this itinerary' to contact a local Portugal expert.
Kayak the tranquil Mondego valley
Explore the
Mondego River valley in Central Portugal by kayak.
Start at Penacova and paddle 25km along the river. Pine trees and vineyards line the banks. Grapes dangle over the water, if you fancy a snack. You'll see kingfishers and soaring birds of prey.
The river's usually calm year round. Watch out for a few small rapids. And in summer you can stop at river beaches.
The river runs into the centre of Coimbra. So take a paddle break and go exploring.
Prefer to paddle with experts? Kayak down the Mondego to Coimbra with local guides.