Fishermen’s Trail Portugal – Sagres to Lagos

In Spring 2025, I walked the 226km of the Fishermen’s Trail in Portugal during one continuous journey, on my own. For this final part, I’d like to share my experiences on the last 3 days, walking from North to South. From my start in Sagres to Lagos. On the way, I passed Salema and Luz, before I reached Lagos in the end, which is the end of the Fishermen’s Trail

This blog is about the last 3 walking stages, and I’d like to share my own experiences, practical tips, and inspire you to explore Fishermen’s Trail from Sagres to Lagos in Portugal on your own.

If you like to read about the stages from Porto Covo to Odeceixe and from Odeceixe to Sagres, check the different posts. Check out the whole category of Fishermen’s Trail posts here.

Note about the blog: I paid for everything in full myself. I was not paid or sponsored. All my opinions and experiences are my own.

Probe around the Globe does use affiliate links. If you decide to follow one of my links and make a purchase, I’ll earn a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you.

What is the Fishermen’s Trail from Sagres to Lagos?

The Fishermen’s Trail is a continuous, coastal hiking trail in the Southwest of Portugal. It connects the Alentejo region and the Algarve together. It is called Trilha dos Pescadores in Portuguese.

The trail is managed by the Rota Vicentina organisation. The Rota Vicentina has several trails in Portugal, like the Historical Way, a cultural, immersive hiking trail located inland. And of course, the coastal route, called the Fishermen’s Trail. Sometimes these routes overlap, intertwine, and run parallel.

On this page, I only discuss the Coastal Fishermen’s Trail from Sagres to Lagos and my experiences hiking this path.

Fishermen’s Trail Day 11: Sagres to Salema (19.5 km)

I thought this stretch was brutal. The distance and the steep descents and ascents make this a particularly hard day if you’re not a mountain goat.

I had a rest day in Sagres, but I didn’t feel much rested when I left Sagres. It had rained a lot last night, and a storm swept through the area. As I head out early morning, I pass broken windows, snatched in two umbrellas, and a lot of fallen and broken flower pots, beach chairs, and garbage. The weather still looks ominous and it is a good reflection of my mood. Maybe I’m a bit scared of today, which isn’t the best attitude to approach such a stage, but it might explain my feelings a bit.

Red clay

The first part of the day isn’t too bad. I leave Sagres behind and pass a beach. The beach bar owners are working frantically to clean up the mess before the next storm rolls in. I climb the cliffs above the beach, and I need all 4 to hoist myself up on the cliffs. Luckily, from then on out, the path evens out, and I follow the path along the edge of the cliff.

Here, the earth has a fiery red color, but the rains have transformed this red dirt into a slippery, muddy clay. Deep footprints are edges into the path, and I can clearly see where someone slipped. I use my trekking poles to keep me going, but every now and then, I too slip to the side or lose my footing in the slippery clay.

Part of me wants to keep pushing and increase my walking speed a bit, but another part of me is walking very carefully, as I imagine myself slipping and falling, face-first, into the red mud. The green grass around me is waving frantically in the intense wind coming from the sea.

Rollercoaster coastal path

I pass an abandoned farmhouse and continue walking until the cliffs just drop down. I look into the deep below me and realize, I’ll have to descend here. Luckily, the path is not made of slippery clay here, so I slowly make my way down. I reach a beach full of campervans and tents. Some people take a dip in the sea in their Adams costumes, and others bum a smoke from each other.

I take a small break and look around me. I see other hikers coming in my direction, but it is hard to tell where they came from. From this distance, I don’t see a path, but as I approach the rocks at the other end of the beach, I see I have to climb this rocky cliff too.

It isn’t too bad, but I need all 4 again to crawl myself up this rockface. It’s not like rock climbing, but the steps are definitely big, and I like to hold onto something sturdy. Obviously, what goes up needs to come down again, too. From the top, I see another beach below me, and I see the tide creeping in. I want to make it across this beach, so instead of taking my time, I keep pushing on.

This descent is a lot steeper, through small trees and with rocky and gravely underfooting. The steps are deep, and my pack bums occasionally on the step above me.

No time for break time

Although I feel I’m rushing myself, I’m being overtaken left, right, and center. Some people almost run down, and there I am, taking it one step at a time. Sometimes, I release my trekking poles, put them down on the path beside me, lower my body weight, and almost scoot on my bum down. When possible, I hold onto the rock wall or a tree, anything to give me the idea of having control and getting some support from the trail.

Once at the beach, I’m a bit shaky. I’d love to take a break, but I’d like to cross this beach with the tide coming in, and I think the next beach should be doable via the beach instead of cutting inland and up and over the cliffs.

Onward with the roller coaster

On the other side of the beach, the path goes up again. It is steep but manageable. And down again to another beach. There is a small beach shack, and I use the facilities here. I allow myself a small break, but the owner is taking in the beach furniture as the wind is picking up again.

I head out again and have some issues finding the path again, but some other hikers have the same issue, and together we scramble up the rocks to the top. It evens out a bit on top, and I look back at the lovely beach below. Massive waves crash down on the golden beach below me.

Onwards to the next beach, Praia das Furnas. Here, you can pass via the beach at low tide to Praia de Figuiera. It not only saves you a detour inland (which saves a lot of kilometers) but also a big rollercoaster section.

Praia das Furnas

I look down at the beach, and I immediately see it: that will never work. All of a sudden, my legs turn to mush, and I let a big group of Italians pass me. They jump from rock to rock, bouncing down, and in no time, they are on the beach. I, on the other hand, need to take my time. This descent is even more brutal, and I find it very steep. Small rocks tumble down into the deep as I slide over them.

Don’t ask me how, but I made it down. I’m starting to like this day less and less, and that anxious feeling is creeping up more and more. As I didn’t make it in time to this beach for low tide. I might as well take a little rest. Just as I have taken off my socks and shoes and installed myself in the sun, clouds roll in, the wind picks up, and a fluky rain shower hits the beach. Just my luck! Quickly, I gather all my stuff again and follow the path that leads away from the trail inland.

Praia da Figuira

We walk on the road. Although it is a steep ascent, it is manageable. The route turns inland quite a bit, and I see the village of Figuiera in the distance. I contemplate going via the village and the road to Salema, as I’m 100% done with the rocky roller coaster along the cliffs. However, I feel like I’ve come this far, so I have to finish it on the coastal path.

For the next section, I descend and ascend on crumbly rocks, loose gravel, and slippery clay. The path is hardly visible, and it is so steep. I finally see Praia da Figuira in the distance below. But first, I have to go down.

I think it is the worst descent thus far. Steep, sheer rock faces where I scoot down on my bum, gravely underfoot between tree roots, and a heavingly eroded path. I slide down a few times, but as I’m so close to the ground already, it’s nothing serious.

Reaching Salema

I reach the bottom of the descent, and I stumble to a bench in the sun. And this is the moment I break. I’m so tired, so scared, and so done with today. This is not fun anymore. Tears stream down my face, and I have a little sob party of one. I try to gather myself a bit, drink my last water, eat some gummy bears (best snack ever at this point!), and look to where I have to go next. Another majorly steep climb up on the other side.

And then, all of a sudden, I hear the voices of two women. They speak my local accent, and they come my way. They ask me if I’m ok, and tears stream from underneath my sunglasses. Instead of brushing it off, they are compassionate, understanding, and with a lot of humor, we assess the situation. They invite me to come with them. Their car is down by the beach. They assure me it’s not far to Salema, and I catch a ride.

I skipped the final 4 km to Salema, but at that moment, it was the best decision to make. My legs were all mushy and trembling; maybe I could have done the final climb, but I decided not to risk it. They drop me off at Salema beach, and I find my accommodation for today. I’m staying at Apartamentos Salema Praia Club in Salema for 2 nights. It is right on the trail and has spacious apartments. I enjoy the swimming pool. Although nice, it feels a bit outdated. A very popular alternative is Salema Eco Camp – Sustainable Camping & Glamping, which is 3 km up a steep hill off-trail.

Stats day 11: Sagres to Salema

Distance: 19.5 km – 12.2 miles
Terrain: sand, farm tracks, red muddy clay, rocks
Weather: moody. Some sun, some rain, a lot of wind
Challenges: relentless, steep rollercoaster section
Altitude: 343 meters up, 386 meters down
Steps all day: 32.318 steps
Calories burnt all day: 4.408 calories
Kilometers all day: 27.97 km
Sleep: 7.22 hours of sleep
Accommodation: Apartamentos Salema Praia Club in Salema

Another rest day in Salema

I figured I could use another rest day in Salema, and I’m glad I did. The next day, it is super nice outside. I go to the beach and walk as far as I can go. I enjoy the smooth sand and bask in the sun. I treat myself to a nice snack and drinks at the local beach club, relax some more, swim in the swimming pool, and nap a lot.

In the evening, I go to the local Indian restaurant, and it is delicious! I’m glad I made a reservation in the afternoon, because the place is packed at night.

Fishermen’s Trail Day 12: Salema to Luz (11.5 km)

From Salema to Luz and from Luz to Lagos are short sections. I think it is manageable to crunch them together if you’re short on time. I’m nearly at the end of my time in Portugal, but I can still enjoy it to the max. So today is a short day, only from Salema to Luz.

As most hotels don’t have check-in until 3 pm, I sleep in and leave Salema quite late in the morning. The path meanders through the town and then climbs up to the cliffs above the beach. The weather is quite moody again, and I’m happy I had such a sunny rest day yesterday.

The ascents and descents continue on this part of the trail, but they are not as steep as before. I reach a beach and have to cross a stream. I see other hikers descend on a massively steep climb on the face of the cliff. As I’m scared I’ll have to descend in a similar way, I decide to take a detour and walk along the road. It is a long detour, and it is not much easier as it is steep, but finally I reach the castle ruins on top.

Turns out, no steep descent at all, as the path levels out and just gradually meanders down.

Burgau

There is a tricky section when the path goes around a luxury villa. The storm from the days before has completely eroded part of the path, and it is a steep scramble, but I make it to the beach on the other side.

I continue on the coastal path. Sandy paths, succulents, the sea crashing on the pointy rocks below, and the open shoreline as far as the eye can see. I approach the village of Burgau as it starts to rain again. The rocks become quite slippery, but I manage reasonably well, so slowly, I regain some confidence.

In a small cafe, I take a bit of a lunch break as I have time.

Reaching Luz

Not sure where Burgau stops and Luz begins, but the path meanders close to the sea, high above the rocks. On the land side, I pass villa after resort, after luxurious villa, while on my right, the sea offers me clear views. It is gorgeous. Not the best part of the trail with that much civilization around, but it is quiet, and I enjoy my time outside.

My hotel is not in the center of Luz, and I veer away from the path to find it. I climb up the steep hills, through a whole neighbourhood of luxury villas, building sites and new to be built resort style hotels. Some workers are fixing the electricity cables so which shows the storm was intense.

I’m staying at Vilamar in Luz. They have big, spacious hotel rooms, a swimming pool, and I can even order a snack with them. Breakfast is included as well, and as I soak in the tub, I conclude that it is an excellent value for money, although not in the town center. In the evening, I walk down to down (10 min gradual descent), but at night I take a 4€ Uber for the ride back.

Stats day 12: Salema to Luz

Distance: 11.5 km – 7.2 miles
Terrain: coastal path with sand and rocks, some road walking, rocks
Weather: moody. Some sun, some rain, a lot of wind
Challenges: not really, except for the eroded path at some points
Altitude: 217 meters up, 217 meters down
Steps all day: 25.310 steps
Calories burnt all day: 3.830 calories
Kilometers all day: 21.88 km
Sleep: 8.32 hours of sleep
Accommodation: Vilamar in Luz

Fishermen’s Trail Day 13: Luz to Lagos (10.9 km)

The final day of my Fishermen’s Trail hike is here! Today, I’ll walk to Lagos! Another short day, so I take my time, sleep in, have breakfast, and gather my stuff.

Today is bright and sunny, what a lovely day to finish the trail like this! I walk to Luz center, and the place is buzzing. People everywhere, and every cafe or restaurant is packed to the brim. People are taking a stroll along the beach, and I continue through town and start climbing the last hill.

It is a long climb, some parts are quite steep, but locals are running up and down as their fitness routine, so I should be able to do it too, right? I find my way up, carefully, and enjoy the view from the top. The sun comes through, and turns the water a mesmerizing emerald. The white houses of Luz are basking in the bright sunlight. What a sight!

As I turn the corner, I can see Lagos! Wow, it is really close. From now on, it is a gradual, easy walk on the rocks above the cliffs, and I slow down my pace. I don’t want it to end just yet!

Ponta da Piedade Lagos

As it turns out, I’m not done yet! Although I reached the first beach in Lagos, the Fishermen’s Trail continues for some kilometers, along the coast, before you reach the center of Lagos.

The path continues through the streets of Lagos, passing beaches, carparks, and over boardwalks. It is great walking. At the tip of town, I reach Ponta da Piedade. The eroded coastline is stunning here. The tide and weather have formed several arches in the rocks below. You can see pillars, bridges, and arches. It is absolutely magical when the sun comes out and colors the waters below in an emerald turquoise color.

The path is busy, with day trippers and holiday makers, but it feels like this natural beauty is there only for me to see. I’m so glad I’m finishing the trail in Lagos, with the stellar part of the coastal path here!

I even find energy to descend down the steps to come even closer to the famous rocks. The climb back up is less smooth, but I’m glad I did that. I continue walking into Lagos as I’m ready to finish the day.

Finish in Lagos

I’ll not walk all the way to the train station. I’m not leaving from there just yet, so I find a beach, draw a line in the sand, and call it done!

The sunworkshippers at the beach frown their brows a bit as I take off my socks and shoes, walk into the sea, do a celebratory dance, and take some pictures, but I don’t care! I made it. I thought about giving up, but I didn’t. I loved almost all of it, but I’m glad I’m done now. Time for some rest.

For my last night in Portugal, I decided to treat myself to a luxury stay. I’ve booked a room at Charming Residence & Guest House Dom Manuel I Adults only in Lagos. It is an amazing place, but way more expensive than anything else I usually book. But it’s an oasis of calm and 100% worth it, if not for the breakfast alone. As Lagos is bursting at the seams with affordable (and expensive) accommodation, I’m sure you can always find something for your budget easily.

Stats day 13: Luz to Lagos

Distance: 10.9 km – 7.2 miles
Terrain: road walking, rocky cliffs, boardwalk, and some sand.
Weather: Mostly sunny
Challenges: nothing, just a glorious day of hiking
Altitude: 214 meters up, 217 meters down
Steps all day: 22.977 steps
Calories burnt all day: 3.645 calories
Kilometers all day: 19.89 km
Sleep: 7.49 hours of sleep
Accommodation: Charming Residence & Guest House Dom Manuel I Adults only in Lagos

Fishermen’s Trail: Sagres to Lagos in 2 or 3 days

If you follow the standard trail sections, it will take you 3 days to walk from Sagres to Lagos. One long day (Sagres to Salema) and two shorter days (Salema to Luz and Luz to Lagos). If you’re short on time, not tired, or otherwise want to walk more, you can easily do this section in 2 longer days. Sagres to Salema and then Salema, via Luz to Lagos.

As Salema is notoriously expensive and has very limited accommodation options, some people opt to stay in Burgau instead. That makes Sagres to Burgau (via Salema) a very long and hard day. It’s doable, but prepare for a lot of altitude difference and coastal roller coaster sections. If you stay in Burgau, you can continue straight to Lagos the next day.

Practical tips for hiking the last stages from Sagres to Lagos

Unlike other parts of the Fishermen’s Trail, you can be more flexible with the final stages of the Fishermen’s Trail. You can pick a base and use public transport or ride services to get to the trailhead. Although this section of the Fishermen’s Trail is less busy with through-hikers, you’ll find a lot of day hikers, section hikers, and holiday makers on or near the trails.

So as always, I’d advise booking ahead both your accommodation and luggage transfer, if needed. I carried everything myself.

On this section, it is easier to buy water or refill your water, but I always carry enough, just in case. Check the opening hours of restaurants along the way if you rely on them for lunch and/or drinks.

Get to the start: You can easily take the bus to Sagres from either Faro (airport) or Lagos. From Lagos, there are direct airport buses to Faro Airport that run daily. Routes to Lisbon and other destinations in Portugal are less frequent. I used Vamus bus services in this part of Portugal.

Do you want to read more? Check out my posts about the past hiking stages from Porto Covo to Odeceixe and from Odeceixe to Sagres here. Looking for all posts on the Fishermen’s Trail, click here.