From Carrapateira to Vila do Bispo

Departure from the hiking sign opposite the village square in Carrapateira (Largo do Commercio).

Blue and green markings

(S) Opposite the hiking sign, turn left, then immediately right after the statue. The narrow street quickly gives way to a wide gravel path. Follow the path as it winds and climbs.

(1) At the top of the hill, ignore a path on the right, then one on the left. Note the numerous agaves emerging from the vegetation. Pass a few houses on the left and, at the corner of the last one, take a road on the left.

(2) Shortly afterwards, at the intersection, a deck on the right leads to a superb panorama. Retrace your steps back to the road.

(2) Continue along the road (to the right if you are coming back from the viewpoint). Further on, descend towards a beach. Walk past a car park on your left and continue towards the beach (Praia do Amado).

Blue and green + red and yellow markings

(3) At the intersection, continue straight ahead to the beach, then turn left onto a path (metal barrier).

(4) At the three-way junction, take the sandy path on the right. Cross a stream and climb up a path that passes at the foot of some rocks. Overlook the beach (be careful of the steep drop).

Blue and green markings

(5) At the intersection, turn right and descend.

(6) At the crossroads, continue straight ahead along the sandy path. Cross a stream and climb up the other side. The path becomes steep and curves to the left.

(7) Come out onto a path and follow it to the right.

(8) At the crossroads, take the path on the right that goes downhill. Shortly afterwards, begin a long climb that becomes steep at the end and leads to a path.

(9) Follow it to the right, passing a house on your left, and descend. As you approach the beach, there are a few sections that require caution and you may need to use your hands. Arrive at the beach.

(10) Cross a stream and take the track that heads left and uphill.

Blue and green markings

(11) At the crossroads (house on the left), go straight ahead and climb more gently. Continue on flat ground through low vegetation and, just after a left-hand bend, you will reach an intersection.

(12) Leave the track and take the path that branches off to the right. Ignore two paths on the left, descend gently and you will reach a viewpoint.

(13) Then turn sharply left onto a path along the edge of the cliff (be careful of the sheer drop). Descend briefly, followed by a short climb. Then descend steeply on a rocky path to a new beach strewn with large pebbles.

(14) Climb up the other side, over the rocks, which is as steep as the previous descent.

(15) Continue climbing on a wider and significantly less steep path. Then walk south on the marked path, which is fairly flat, through low vegetation, ignoring all the side paths, until you reach a four-way crossroads.

(16) Take the second path on the right (south-west) and you will soon reach the next crossroads.

Blue and green + red and yellow markings

(17) Turn left towards Vila do Bispo and walk along a pine forest on your right until you reach another crossroads.

(18) Turn right and walk south-southeast along the edge of the pine forest.

Red and white + yellow markings

(19) At the crossroads, follow the GR®11 to the right and, at the next crossroads, continue straight ahead until you reach a track.

(20) Follow it to the left (south). At the intersection at the edge of the road (on the left), take a path that runs parallel to it, then rejoin it further on.

(21) Stay on the path on the right-hand side. Shortly afterwards, you will come to a wider path further away from the road.

(22) At the fork, turn left. Immediately ignore a path on the right and descend towards the village and its prominent water tower. At the end of the path, continue along a street with a 50 km/h speed limit that runs parallel to the main road. Walk past the Vila do Bispo museum on your right and, at the crossroads, go straight on until the next intersection.

Red and white markings

(23) Continue straight ahead along a cobbled street. Ignore two small streets on the left (mill). At the crossroads, take the second left, Rua Capitao Viegas Aviador. At the fork shortly after, turn right. At the T-junction, turn left and climb gently. Take the second right, cross a square and arrive at the foot of the church of Vila do Bispo (E).

Equipment:
- Hiking boots required.
- In order to preserve the coastal paths and the fragile natural environment they pass through, users of walking sticks are asked to fit rubber tips to the ends.
- Sun protection is essential (hiking is not recommended in the height of summer).
- Bring plenty of water.

Route and guidance:
- Follow the route using the Visorando app or, if unavailable, a detailed map.

Resources along the way:
- No water sources identified along the route. Public toilets at Praia do Amado (3).
- No bars or restaurants along the route.

Accommodation and dining upon arrival (E):
- Several accommodation options in Vila do Bispo, which can be found using your favourite search engine. Suggestion: Hotel Mira Sagres, opposite the church (E).
- Several restaurants in Vila do Bispo within a 100 m radius of the church.

Hike completed by the author on 15 April 2025.

- Superb panoramic views from the cliff edge between (2) and (10) and between (13) and (15).
- Church of Vila do Bispo (E).