- 20 km — Distance
- 6–7 hours — Walking time
- Moderate to Demanding — Difficulty
- 250–350 m — Elevation gain
Pessegueiro Island, one of the defining views of the stage.
INTRODUCTION
The Long Atlantic Traverse
Stage 2 of the Fishermen's Trail links Porto Covo with Vila Nova de Milfontes. At around 20 kilometres, it is a full day of coastal walking through dunes, beaches, low scrub and high sandy cliffs. The route is one of the most visually rewarding stages in the Alentejo section, but the abundance of sand makes it physically demanding.
The stage is defined by the relationship between land and sea. Porto Covo provides a traditional village beginning; Pessegueiro Island and its fort introduce maritime history; the long beaches and coves reveal the wild coast; and the Mira River offers a calm finish at Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Walkers should start early, carry food and water and plan for long stretches without shade or services. The route can be walked in both directions, although the usual direction is south from Porto Covo.
THE ROUTE
From Porto Covo to the Mira
The trail leaves Porto Covo through coastal paths and quickly reaches a succession of sandy tracks above the Atlantic. The first part offers views over small beaches and rocky platforms, with the sea often visible below the cliffs.
Pessegueiro Island is the great landmark of the northern half. Depending on the exact line of the trail, the island is viewed from several angles, while the mainland fort and the beach below provide a natural pause. The path then continues through dunes and open coastal scrub, with occasional descents to coves.
The central section is remote and exposed. Sand can make progress slow, and the lack of shade is significant on hot days. The route passes broad beaches and small valleys before the landscape begins to change near Vila Nova de Milfontes.
The final approach follows the Mira estuary. The contrast between the open Atlantic and the calm river is one of the most satisfying moments of the day. Vila Nova de Milfontes appears at the end as a historic settlement above the water.
Follow the red-and-yellow Grande Rota markings. Avoid shortcuts through dunes and keep away from eroding cliff edges.
THE COASTAL HIGHLIGHTS
Pessegueiro Island
Ilha do Pessegueiro is an unmissable landmark, rising just offshore as a low rocky island exposed to the Atlantic. The mainland fort and the island have long been linked to maritime defence and navigation. The view is especially striking in changing weather, when the island alternates between sharp detail and Atlantic haze.
Ilha do Pessegueiro and the historic fort on the mainland.
Beaches and Coves
Between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes, the trail passes or overlooks several beaches and coves. Some are broad and sandy; others are narrow inlets under dark rock. Their relative isolation is part of their appeal, but it also means that access can be steep and services are limited.
Walk Light on the Porto Covo to Vila Nova Trail
The 20-kilometre route is easier with a light pack. Our luggage transfer service collects your bags in Porto Covo and delivers them to your accommodation in Vila Nova de Milfontes.
HISTORY
Three Landmarks between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes
The Roman Garum Factory on Ilha do Pessegueiro. In the 2nd century AD, the Romans built an industrial fish-salting complex on this small island just off the coast to produce garum — the fermented fish sauce most prized in antiquity. Excavations have uncovered salting tanks, houses, a bread oven and a forge.
Ilha do Pessegueiro, site of a Roman garum factory in the 2nd century AD.
The Forts of Pessegueiro. In the 16th century, King Philip I had this stretch fortified against corsairs, building the Fort of Santo Alberto on the island itself and the Fort of Nossa Senhora da Queimada on the facing mainland. Both were left unfinished and badly damaged in the 1755 earthquake, but their ruins remain visible from the coastal path.
The ruins of the fort guarding the channel between Ilha do Pessegueiro and the mainland.
Fort São Clemente, at the Mira River Mouth. Built in 1602 to protect the mouth of the Mira river from Barbary pirate raids, the fort marks the entrance to Vila Nova de Milfontes, a town that grew up around this defensive point above the estuary.
Fort São Clemente, built in 1602 to defend the mouth of the Mira river.
WILDLIFE AND PLANTS
Three Species of the Trail between Porto Covo and Vila Nova de Milfontes
Egyptian mongoose (Herpestes ichneumon). This long-tailed, grey-coated mongoose hunts reptiles, rodents and eggs along the paths between shrubs, usually alone and late in the day. It's one of the least-studied carnivores on this coast, despite being relatively common.
The Egyptian mongoose, a solitary and little-studied carnivore of the Alentejo coast.
Common genet (Genetta genetta). Slender-bodied, with a ringed tail and spotted coat, the genet is almost entirely nocturnal and lives in the dense thickets near the coast and along the Mira's banks. Despite its cat-like look, it's evolutionarily closer to civets than to cats.
The common genet, a nocturnal carnivore that looks feline but isn't closely related to cats.
European shag (Gulosus aristotelis). This specialised diving bird holds a significant share of its national population on the cliffs and rocks of this coast, where it nests in colonies. It's easily told apart from the great cormorant by the curled crest on its head during the breeding season.
The European shag, which holds a significant share of its national population on this coast.
Ulex erinaceus. This short-leaved, almost perfectly spherical gorse is found only on the southwest coast of Portugal and a short stretch of neighbouring Spanish coastline — nowhere else in the world. It forms dense, spiny cushions on the most wind-exposed dunes.
Ulex erinaceus, a gorse found only on Portugal's southwest coast.
Halimium halimifolium. Its yellow flowers, with petals thin and crumpled like tissue paper, open only in the morning and drop by afternoon, replaced the next day by fresh ones. It grows on poor sandy soils where few other flowering plants can compete.
Halimium halimifolium, whose short-lived flowers renew themselves every day.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Tips for a Safe Hike
Water and food. Stock up in Porto Covo. Services along the route are limited and seasonal; carry at least 1.5 litres of water and enough food for the day.
Sand. Expect long sandy sections. Secure footwear and socks that prevent friction are useful.
Exposure. There is little shade. Carry a windproof layer and sun protection.
Cliffs. Erosion is constant. Stay away from edges and never cross barriers.
Season. September to June is generally the best period, following the official guidance for the Fishermen's Trail.
STARTING POINT
Porto Covo: A White Village Above the Sea
Porto Covo is a practical and attractive starting point, with cafés, shops and accommodation. Take time to explore the square and the whitewashed streets before heading to the coast. Buy provisions early, because the route quickly becomes remote.
EXTRA TIME
What to Do in Vila Nova de Milfontes
Visit the fort and the Mira waterfront, explore the village and rest near the estuary. If you have an additional day, the passenger boat crossing to Praia das Furnas provides a short introduction to the following stage.
Stage 2 is a day of scale: the village behind you, Pessegueiro Island offshore, kilometres of dunes ahead and the Mira River waiting at the end.
After 20 km of sand, cliffs and open coast, let us carry the luggage. We'll collect it in Porto Covo and deliver it in Vila Nova de Milfontes.