THE FISHERMEN'S TRAIL - PORTUGAL (SPRING BANK HOLIDAY)

Backabush is going back to Portugal over the Spring Bank Holiday 2027 to hike the spectacular Fishermen's Trail!

This stunning multi-day coastal walk is a fabulous 4 day journey along the country's untamed and rugged Costa Vicentina.

Nights - 5
Group size - 14
Cost - £549 - twin share rooms

We will stay at different guesthouses or hotels each night as we walk village-to-village along the wild coast, covering 48 miles over 4 days. Baggage transfers will be included for our 4 hiking days so we will only need to carry a day pack.

Starting in the village of Porto Covo this coastal trail winds up and down over the cliffs and along miles of golden sand, connecting a string of pristine beaches and covering 48 miles over 4 days. This is Portugal's least developed and most rugged coastline. At the end of each day we will arrive at another authentic Portuguese fishing village where we can relax for the evening as the sun sets over the ocean.

Spring is a great time to hike the Fishermen's Trail. Temperatures are pleasant and well-suited suited to hiking plus the wildflowers are blooming and the storks are nesting on the cliffs.

ITINERARY:

Saturday May 29 - We will be meeting in Porto Covo, which is easily reached from Lisbon with a 2.5 hour bus ride (see details below).

Sunday May 30 - Porto Covo to Vila Nova de Milfontes, 12 miles

Monday May 31 - Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve, 10 miles

Tuesday June 1 - Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar, 14 miles

Wednesday June 2 - Zambujeira do Mar to Odeceixe, 12 miles

Thursday June 3 - We will travel back to Lisbon by bus after breakfast in time to fly home on the same day. Or extend your holiday by visiting Lisbon, Porto or the Algarve.

DIFFICULTY:

You will need the fitness to cover up to 14 miles each day. The ascent is moderate but much of the trail is over sand which can make the distance more challenging.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 5 nights guesthouse, hotel or hostel accommodation
• 4 breakfasts
• A full itinerary of hikes
• A trip organiser (Mountain Leader qualified and 1st aid certified)
• Luggage transfer for our 4 hiking days (one bag of 15kg max)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 2018.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Lunches, evening meals and 1 breakfast
• Flights (see below)
• Airport Transfers (see below)
• Travel Insurance

RECOMMENDED FLIGHTS:

It is still too early for the airlines to publish their schedules but return flights from London to Lisbon are normally very affordable. There are many different convenient flight options from different London/UK airports to Lisbon.

It is normally possible to catch a morning flight to Lisbon on Saturday 29 May and travel to Porto Covo by bus on the same day but I normally like to fly earlier and enjoy a night or two in Lisbon prior to our trek. I am happy to advise on recommended Lisbon accommodation and we can meet up to explore this wonderful city before the trip starts.

On Thursday 3 June we will take a bus back to Lisbon. These leave at various times during the day from 09:00 onwards (possibly earlier, exact June 2027 schedule TBC) and take around 2,5 hours. It will only be possible to catch flights departing that day after 15.00.
Bus schedules for the next few months can be checked here on the Rede Expressos website to get an idea of times.

Please don't hesitate to contact the organiser if you need help finding suitable flights.

HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip please send payment through online banking and use FISH27 as your payment reference. Your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip.

The account details are:

Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

The following "terms and conditions" apply to all trip reservations:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/

Please email backabushxplorers@yahoo.com as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks! :)

IMPORTANT NOTE:

We consider safety to be our number one priority and while we never take unnecessary risks, we do recognise that any outdoor activity involves a danger of personal injury or death. Remember that you should be aware of and accept these risks as you are responsible for your own safety and you should not undertake anything beyond your abilities. It is also your responsibility to be correctly equipped for the weather and activity you have chosen to participate in.