Discovering the Rota Vicentina: Walking the Circular Route from Odeceixe to the Sea

One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the Alentejo and Vicentine Coast is on foot along the Rota Vicentina, a network of walking trails that stretches across Portugal’s southwest.

The most famous path is the Fishermen’s Trail, which follows the dramatic coastline from village to village. But if you’re short on time, you don’t have to walk the entire route. You can also enjoy shorter circular walks that start and end in the same place. Perfect for a morning or a day trip from Casa Tarapoto.

Last week, I walked one of my favorites: the Odeceixe–ao-Mar circular route, a 15 km loop that begins and ends in the lovely little town of Odeceixe.

A Perfect Day Hike

The great thing about this route is that you can park your car in Odeceixe, enjoy a full day of walking through incredible scenery and easily drive back to Casa Tarapoto afterwards. It’s the perfect option if you want a taste of the Rota Vicentina without committing to a multi-day hike.

Odeceixe itself is super charming. A small, picturesque town with a cute square surrounded by restaurants and cafés. This is where your walk begins.

The first stretch of the trail takes you through peaceful meadows with grazing cows before reaching the banks of the Odeceixe River. It’s a lovely part of the walk, though you do share a short section with a road, so watch out for traffic as there’s not much of a shoulder.

After about four kilometers, you’ll reach the coast...and it’s absolutely stunning.

Coffee with a View

Here I stopped for a cappuccino and a pastel de nata, while watching surfers catch waves in the distance. If you’re ready for something more substantial, the nearby restaurant Dorita is a great choice for a fresh seafood platter with a sea view.

Odeceixe Beach itself is gorgeous. A wide stretch of sand where the river meets the ocean. On this day, it was full of surfers and families enjoying the calm water at the river mouth, perfect for children.

Along the Cliffs

After my coffee break, I continued along the well-marked trail. And I really mean well-marked! Even someone who can’t go anywhere without Google Maps (that’s me!) will have no problem here. If you stray off course, you’ll immediately see a sign with a red cross showing you’re going the wrong way.

The next section leads you along the coastline through soft sand, with breathtaking views from the cliffs. You’ll find yourself stopping every few minutes to take photos; it’s that beautiful. On my walk, I hardly met anyone else, which made it feel even more special.

Back Through the Countryside

Eventually, the trail heads back inland, following unpaved rural roads through quiet farmland. It’s peaceful here...just the sounds of nature and your footsteps on the gravel. A perfect moment to clear your mind and take it all in.

Back in Odeceixe, I took a short stroll through the village before driving back home to Casa Tarapoto, feeling both relaxed and recharged.

Why We Love It

The Odeceixe–ao-Mar circular route is ideal if you want:

• A moderate, scenic 15 km hike

• A mix of countryside, river, and coast

• A route that’s easy to follow and close to home

• And a chance to enjoy a cozy coffee or fresh seafood right by the beach

Truly, it’s one of those walks that reminds you why the Rota Vicentina is so special. Wild nature, endless views and the simple joy of walking.