Porto Covo Fisherman’s Trail & Travel Guide
Located in the western Alentejo region of Portugal, Porto Covo is a small seaside town known for its stunning beaches and rich history. I happily discovered this area because it’s also the starting point of the Fisherman’s Trail, a scenic 4-day hike along the wild Portuguese coastline.
I was looking for a non-summer hiking destination and found this authentic, undeveloped little corner of Europe. Unlike the busy, developed Algarve, the Alentejo coast offers a taste of the slow life and the space to dive into the culture, food and people of Portugal.
The town and adjacent Vila Nova de Milfontes is served by convenient buses from Lisbon so you don’t need a car, but it would be a great way to explore this coastline.
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker searching for a winter thru-hike or simply looking for natural beaches with stunning day walks, Porto Covo and the Fisherman’s Trail have something to offer every traveler.
Porto Covo Travel Guide
When to visit: Mid-September to Mid-June
Must do Multi-day Hike: Fisherman’s Trail
Where to stay: Favorite: Mute (oceanside), Pe na Areia (budget), Chaparro Holidays (mid-range)
Where to eat: Lamella’s
Only have one day from Lisbon? Private full day van tour of Alentejo Coast
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Porto Covo Portugal
What You Will Learn in This Article
Porto Covo Map
How to Use This Map:
Click on the icon on the top left-hand corner. You will now see an interactive list.
For more info on each, click on the map icons.
To see the map in more detail, click on the [ ] in the top right-hand corner. This will open a larger map where the details of each point can be found by clicking on the location point name in the list on the left.
You can also save the map for your own use by clicking the next to the map name. This will save the map to your Google Maps, where you can make a copy and use it for your own trip planning.
To view the saved map on your phone, open Google Maps, click “saved” on the bottom, and then “maps” on the lower right.
How to Get to Porto Covo (Trailhead) from Lisbon
Porto Covo is just a two and a half hour drive from Lisbon, making it the perfect day trip destination. You can also take a bus from Lisbon to Porto Covo, with several daily connections available. Alternatively, if you want to explore the surrounding area and enjoy the scenic drive, you can rent a car.
- Take a flight to Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
- From Lisbon airport, make your way to Lisboa Sete Rios station using the subway, taxi or uber
- Take the “Rede-expressos” bus from Sete Rios station to Porto Covo or private car
- Book your bus tickets ahead of time online at Rede-expressos website
Note: Bus schedules may change with the seasons, so plan ahead and allow at least 2 hours of commute time from the airport to the bus station to avoid missing the bus. If you’re flying into Lisbon on the same day you plan to leave for Porto Covo, consider arriving in the morning to allow enough time to reach the town before the late afternoon bus.
Where to Stay in Porto Covo
Quick Table
| Click here to check price | WHY? |
|---|---|
| Mute | Chic Hostel directly on ocean with killer coffee |
| Pe na Areia Alojamento | Budget friendly |
| Chaparro Holidays | Get a place entirely to yourself |
For travelers seeking a unique stay in Porto Covo, there is a wide range of options available to suit all tastes and budgets. Here are a few suggestions:
My Favorite:
Mute: Located directly on the ocean and for those looking for a chic, sustainable option, Mute is a great choice. This stylish hostel offers comfortable rooms right on the ocean, with a delicious breakfast included.
Budget:
Pé na Areia Alojamento Local: If you’re after a more budget-friendly option, check out Pé na Areia Alojamento Local, a lovely guest house with private bathrooms and a fantastic location in the heart of town.
Entire Villa
Chaparro Holidays – For those who prefer to rent a villa, Chaparro Holidays – Big House with Terrace is a fantastic sustainable option with a spacious terrace and plenty of space to relax and unwind. Regardless of your preference, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation in Porto Covo for your Fisherman’s Trail adventure.
PDF Download of best accomodations on the entire Fisherman’s Trail.
Best Things to Do in Porto Covo
Porto Covo, a charming seaside village located in the southwestern coast of Portugal, is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. With its pristine beaches, historic architecture, and incredible hiking trails, it’s no wonder that this town is quickly becoming a popular destination for travelers. The Fisherman’s Trail is the main attraction in Porto Covo, but there’s still plenty to do and see in the town itself.
The best thing to do? → Relax on the town’s stunning beaches and take a dip in the ocean.
Best Things to Do in Porto Covo
1. Explore the Porto Covo Fisherman’s Trail
One of the best things to do in Porto Covo is to take on the Fisherman’s Trail, a four-day hike that starts in this charming village and takes you along the rugged coastline. This challenging trail offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Portuguese countryside, making it a must-do for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
2. Visit the Beaches
Porto Covo is home to several stunning beaches, each with its own unique charm. From the golden sands of Praia Buizinhos to sands of Praia Grande, there is a beach for everyone. Take a relaxing swim in the crystal clear waters, go for an active walk along the shore, or just lounge on the sand and soak up the sun. There are even horse rides, SUP rentals and scuba diving.
With a mix of sandy, stony and cliffside beaches you can have it all. I’ve listed all the beaches in the map above so you can get there with google. Also, I put down a nice little 45 min walk so you can see multiple beaches off-the-beaten path.
3. Visit the Fort of Porto Covo: Forte de Nossa Senhora da Queimada
The Fort of Porto Covo is a historic military structure that dates back to the 16th century. This impressive fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area and is a great place to learn about the rich history of the region.
4. Taste the Local Cuisine and Wander the Charming Streets
Porto Covo is known for its delicious seafood, with fresh catches available in the local restaurants. Try the traditional grilled sardines, baked clams, and other seafood dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
When in Porto Covo, be sure to try some of the local cuisine. Here’s my favorite recommendation:
- Lamella’s: A female-chef owned restaurant that offers an interesting take on modern Portuguese cuisine, with elegant details such as dried and powdered cilantro. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Weather in Porto Covo
Porto Covo, located on the western coast of Portugal, experiences a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. During the summer months of June to August, temperatures can reach up to 35°C, making it the perfect time for beach-goers to enjoy the stunning coastline.
The sea is at its warmest, making it ideal for swimming and water activities. In the winter months of December to February, temperatures drop to around 15°C, with occasional rain showers. This is a great time for those who enjoy milder weather and want to explore the town and the nearby countryside without the summer crowds.
No matter the season, visitors can expect plenty of sunshine in Porto Covo, making it a great destination for outdoor activities year-round.
Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail is best Sep-December and March-May.
Fishing Villages Nearby to Explore
There are several other beach towns nearby Porto Covo in Portugal that you may also want to explore:
- Vila Nova de Milfontes – a busier fishing village with stunning, sandy beaches and beautiful scenery and the next stop on the Fisherman’s Trail hike.
- Zambujeira do Mar – a picturesque town with a long sandy beach, perfect for surfing and windsurfing, day 3 on the fisherman’s trail hike.
- Sines – a historic town with a stunning harbor and nearby beaches such as Porto Covo.
- Odeceixe – a small town located at the mouth of the river Seixe, with a long sandy beach and a beautiful natural setting, day 4 of the Fisherman’s Trail hike.
- Aljezur – a town with a stunning coastline and several secluded beaches, perfect for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
The Fisherman’s Trail: A Scenic Journey Through Portugal’s Coastline
Starting in Porto Covo and ending in Odeceixe, the Fisherman’s Trail is a 4-day hike along the Portuguese coastline. It’s a moderate hike, with some sections that can be challenging, but the stunning views of the ocean and the unique landscapes along the way make it well worth the effort.
The trail is well marked, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way.
Porto Covo Fisherman’s Trail
Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply looking for a change of pace, Porto Covo and the Fisherman’s Trail have something to offer every traveler. So why not pack your bags and head to this off-the-beaten path destination that’s perfect to pair with a trip to Lisbon.
Here’s a Fisherman’s Trail spreadsheet I made of the accommodations I stayed when I hiked the fisherman’s trail to make it easy for you to plan this type of adventure yourself.
Fisherman’s Trail Summary with Travel Guides for Each Village
Arrival Day: Get to Porto Covo: (Lisbon to Porto Covo 2.5 hours bus)
Stage 1: Porto Covo to Vila Nova Milfontes 12 miles, 20 km
Stage 2: Vila Nova Milfontes to Almograve 9 miles, 15 km
Stage 3: Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar 13 miles, 21 km
Stage 4: Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe 11 miles, 18 km
Download: ➡️ Fisherman’s Trail GPX
➡️ Minimalist Packing List
Ultimate Guide : Rota Vicentina Fisherman’s Trail
FAQ Porto Covo
Is Porto Covo Nice?
Porto Covo is a picturesque fishing village located on the southwestern coast of Portugal, with a beautiful coastline, stunning cliffs, and tranquil beaches.
Many people find Porto Covo to be a charming and peaceful destination to relax and enjoy nature.
Ultimately, whether Porto Covo is nice or not depends on individual preferences and interests.
What is Porto Covo English?
Porto Covo, a name that means “port of fishing nets” in English, is a charming and relatively undiscovered location.
The village underwent reconstruction following the earthquake of 1755, and its central point is the Praca Marques de Pombal, a bustling main square.
Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a passionate hiker and writer, physical therapist, and photographer. She has a doctorate in physical therapy and is featured giving science-based hiking tips and advice.
When not out exploring the mountains or sea, she’s writing articles and gear reviews to empower Outdoor Journeys that include family and good food.
With 💞, Crave the Planet
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