From Vila Nova de Milfontes to Almograve

Departure from the church in Vila Nova de Milfontes (or from your accommodation).

Blue and green markings

(S) Facing the church, turn left into Rua Samento Beires. At the first crossroads, continue straight ahead and at the next one, turn slightly right into Rua Custódio Bárs Pacheco. Continue straight ahead until you reach a roundabout.

(1) Turn right and immediately cross Rua da Cerca das Ávores on the right-hand side. About 20 metres further on, turn left onto a path. At the triangular junction that appears immediately (not shown on the map), turn left and at the next triple fork, take the path on the right. Descend through the vegetation, then climb up an embankment and you will come out onto a main road (N393).

(2) Follow the road to the right along its wide tarmac verge and cross the bridge over the river (nice view). Continue along the road, take a parallel path behind the safety barrier and, at the end of it, look for a gate on the right.

(3) Go through the gate and follow the path along the edge of the field. Notice a few cork oaks here and there. Further on, turn right and leave the field. Go downhill, cross a stream and go back uphill. You will come to another field; go around it on the right.

(4) Pass by the foot of an abandoned house, turn right and go down a stony path. At the next crossroads, turn right at the hairpin bend, come out onto a road and follow it to the left for about 150 m. Then turn right and walk along a car park.

(5) At the end of the tarmac road, continue along the track or the path running parallel to it on the right-hand side. Pass a few car parks and you will come to a junction with a road near a small house.

(6) Turn left, take a path parallel to the road (on the right-hand side) and climb slightly. When the road turns left, take a wide path on the right.

(7) At the three-way junction, turn right and, at the next fork (not shown on the map), turn left. Continue along a good path between fields on the left and woods on the right. Ignore a few paths on the right and you will come to a crossroads.

(8) Turn right onto a shaded path and, at the T-junction near the sea, go left. Descend, cross a stream on a footbridge, climb back up and take a second footbridge. Follow a sandy path and, at the following intersections (not all shown on the map), go left.

(9) At the T-junction, turn right. Keep heading south-west and, at the various forks, keep to the right.

(10) At the T-junction, turn left. Keep heading south along a long, shaded path.

(11) At the fork, bear left and at the T-junction (not shown on the map), turn left. Climb up a cliffside path to a viewpoint. Continue south-east and join a three-way junction.

(12) Bear right, head south and, at a fork, keep right. Continue south and cross a stream.

(13) At the three-way junction (not shown on the map), turn right, pass by a viewpoint and continue south.

(14) At the sandy crossroads (not shown on the map), turn right. Follow a sandy path through dense vegetation, pass a viewpoint and continue winding your way through the vegetation.

(15) Cross a stream via a footbridge and continue through the vegetation. Further on, walk along a fence on your left, then turn left at the corner of the fence and continue for about 30 metres.

Blue and green + red and yellow markings

(16) Take the path on the right and cross a stream via a footbridge. Continue uphill on a sandy path until you reach a viewpoint overlooking a large beach. Turn left and follow a sandy path.

(17) At the crossroads, first turn left then right. Continue south along the cliff edge, with the sea below on your right, ignoring the paths on your left.

(18) Descend slightly to the right, cross a wet passage and climb back up. At the T-junction, turn right onto a sandy path. There are two parallel paths: take the one on the right and you will reach a marker post.

(19) Turn right and cross a stream. Continue along the cliff edge, passing two points on your right, until you reach a fork.

Blue and green markings

(20) Turn left (ignore the path on the right that descends to a beach), cross a small wood and continue along a stabilised path. Ignore a path coming from the left, then turn right onto the main path that passes between two fenced meadows.

(21) At the crossroads, turn right, descend, cross a stream and climb back up until you reach a road.

(22) Follow it to the right on its left-hand side. Enter Almograve and continue straight on until you reach a roundabout (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:
- A significant part of the hike is on sandy paths, which makes walking more strenuous.
- We recommend following the route using the Visorando app or, failing that, a detailed map.

Resources along the way:
- No water sources identified along the route.
- Convenience stores in Vila Nova de Milfontes, between (S) and (1).
- Bar at (5).

Accommodation and restaurants at the finish:
- Several hotels in Almograve (E) or Longueira (at (22), follow the road to the left for about 1.2 km), which can be found using your favourite search engine. Suggestion: Pousada de Juventude (youth hostel), Rua do Chafariz, just before the roundabout, +351 283 010 532 (no restaurant).
- Several restaurants in Almograve and Longueira.

Hike completed by the author on 14 April 2024.

- Superb panoramic views of cliffs and sea views.
- Pleasant countryside just before Almograve.