Day 3: Hiking the Fisherman’s Trail
From Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar
On the third day of our epic Fisherman’s Trail expedition, we awoke to a promising adventure that would unfold with diverse landscapes and the unveiling of hidden beaches along the rugged coastline. Little did we know that this day would not only be filled with natural beauty but would also mark a significant moment in our lives, as we would become engaged during a mesmerizing sunset in Zambujeira do Mar. Our journey from Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar turned out to be a day etched in our memories.
Breakfast with a Local Flair
Our day began in the cozy but slightly quirky hotel in Almograve. Though the hotel had its quirks, we enjoyed a restful night’s sleep and were ready for the day ahead. Breakfast was a delightful surprise, with an old Portuguese lady, with warm and welcoming smile, guiding us through a homemade feast. The buffet featured delicious coffee, an array of fresh fruits, and mouthwatering pastries – the perfect fuel for our day.
Red sand dunes, cliffs and sunburnt skin
Check out the map here!
A Scenic Start
Energized by our hearty breakfast, we embarked on our hike, initially tracing a dusty pathway where cars shared the route. Spectacular views of the beach, cliffs, and rocks greeted us. The morning sun painted the landscape in breathtaking hues, setting the stage for a memorable day. As we progressed along the coastline near Almograve, we noticed large posts every 100 meters or so, each offering exercise instructions, highlighting the village’s effort to keep visitors active. We encountered runners, bikers, and even yoga enthusiasts, adding a dynamic vibe to our hike.
The Red Sand Dunes and Fishermen’s Pursuit
The scenery soon transformed, leading us onto red sand dunes with soft, powdery sand underfoot. We walked along the coastline, gazing down at secluded beaches where local fishermen were hard at work. These dedicated fishermen used nets rather than traditional fishing rods, giving us a glimpse into their unique trade. The landscape was a striking contrast of arid red sand dotted with dry bushes, evidence of scarce rainfall. We trekked past dunes until we suddenly veered left, finding ourselves in a picturesque pine tree forest. Tall pine trees shaded our path, and we found ourselves tempted to take home one or two of their oversized pine cones, though our already-heavy backpacks forced us to resist.
Yearning for Praia do Tonel
Shifting Scenery and Cliffside Views
Leaving the forest behind, we returned to the cliff’s edge, this time with a backdrop of red sand. The rugged cliffs remained, but the scenery had evolved. Then, an unexpected turn led us back to a pine tree-lined path leading to the village of Cavaleiro. The road was wide, free from challenging sand, and we saw farms with goats and horses along the way, also greeted by a donkey at the entrance of the village. In the heart of the village, a vibrant market with colorful sheets to shield shoppers from the sun reminded us of markets in Bulgaria, bustling with bargaining activity. Continuing along the road, we passed beautiful villas before exiting the village. Our path led us through picturesque terrain, with lush bushes and trees, ultimately guiding us to the cliff’s edge, where breathtaking views awaited. Though the temperature hovered around a comfortable 25°C, the presence of a refreshing ocean breeze made us feel even more at ease. The cool coastal air not only kept us comfortable but also enhanced the overall experience as we took in the dramatic cliffside views and ever-changing scenery.
Along the way, we began spotting tourists, drawn by the road accessible by car, eager to witness the mesmerizing views and a lighthouse with white and red colors in the distance.
Pushing on Under the Sweltering Sun
Despite encountering beautiful cliffs along the way, we decided to press on rather than stopping to admire them, even though it was already noon and lunch time. The heat seemed to have dulled our appetites, so we continued along the well-marked road, which was lined with wooden pillars and featured red sand and small rocks. The absence of soft sand made walking easy, and occasional bushes provided glimpses of the magnificent cliffs around us.
However, as we walked, we realized there was no nearby beach to take a break and cool down. Undeterred, we pushed ahead under the swelting sun. The road eventually led us through a long, shadeless section between bushes, intensifying the sun’s scorching heat. We decided not to stop, even for water breaks, as we feared we would loose our pace. Our legs felt like they were on autopilot, driven by the single goal of reaching a beach near Zambojeira do Mar where we could rest and refresh.
Praia do Tonel – A Missed Opportunity
However, the more we trekked, the more tired we started feeling. At this point, our hike was well underway, and we started yearning for a beach to cool off. We walked closer to the coastline and spotted Praia do Tonel, a beautiful beach below us. But its steep and challenging path deterred us. We knew we were only 5 kilometers from our destination, motivating us to press on without a break.
Exploring Coastal Pathways and Fishing Enclaves
Along the cliff’s edge, we glimpsed another small village in the distance, Porto da Barca, as our ambitious spirit drove us onward. Our path took us down a steep wooden staircase, arriving at a bustling port of the village adorned with boats and a multitude of fishing nets and fishing cages. The maritime atmosphere was palpable, and it was evident that this area was a hub of fishing activity. But we soon realized that after a descend, comes an ascend too! To continue our hike, we had to regain some elevation, so we followed a steep asphalt road, which eventually revealed several fishing restaurants filled with locals savoring a hearty lunch. Along this route, we couldn’t help but notice the local houses adorned with fishing nets and byuo creating a picturesque scene with their white and blue colors.
Determination in the Sun
Our path led us away from the fishing village and we continued along an asphalt road, with a designated section for hikers. Although shade remained elusive, scattered trees provided brief respites from the sun. As we walked, we passed exercise stations with informative posts describing various workouts and even some standing bikes, highlighting the area’s dedication to outdoor activity. Despite initially expecting to find a beach for lunch and rest, we weren’t discouraged by the additional steps we took. The panoramic cliff views that unfolded before us were simply breathtaking. We encountered diversions leading to beaches, as indicated on the map, but these paths ultimately led only to the cliffs’ edge, offering stunning vistas. The beaches we glimpsed in the distance were named Praia da Pedra da Buca and Praia da Arquinha. Returning to the official Fisherman’s Trail, we turned right, following a red sand pathway that led us to yet another cliff’s edge, overlooking Praia de Nossa Senhora.
Magical moments at Praia de Nossa Senhora
Praia de Nossa Senhora – A Welcomed Rest
With the sun blazing overhead, we marched relentlessly along an asphalt road. Shade was scarce, and our legs seemed to move automatically. Occasionally, a tree provided brief respite from the sun’s intensity, but we dared not stop, fearing we might lose our momentum. Finally, the path took a turn, revealing Praia de Nossa Senhora below. We decided to seize the opportunity to rest, though it required descending a long wooden staircase. Finding a shady spot on the beach, we enjoyed a simple meal of bread and tomato while dipping our feet in the refreshing ocean water.
Zambujeira do Mar: A Charming Arrival
After this refreshing break, we continued our trek and arrived in Zambujeira do Mar. Our new hotel was a welcome improvement from the previous one, boasting a cozy room and a charming inner courtyard with a small pond inhabited by a friendly turtles.
Sunset Magic and Memorable Moments
But our day didn’t end there. We had heard rumors of Zambujeira do Mar’s legendary sunset, so we set out to witness this spectacle. We also made a stop at the local supermarket to stock up on supplies for dinner at the beach and the day ahead. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were treated to a mesmerizing display of colors, confirming the rumors – Zambujeira do Mar’s sunset was indeed magical.
Our adventure had already been filled with spectacular landscapes, picturesque villages and memorable last sunset of a summer August month, but there was a special moment yet to come. Amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the setting sun, we shared a deeply significant moment – we became engaged. With the sun’s golden rays casting a warm glow over the horizon, we celebrated love, we exchanged promises, making this breathtaking sunset even more magical. It was a memory that would forever be etched in our hearts, marking this day on the Fisherman’s Trail as a truly unforgettable one.
Day 3 of our Fisherman’s Trail hike was a rollercoaster of landscapes and feelings, from red sand dunes to cliffside paths and picturesque forests, tiring and testing moments under the scorching sun and love moments. We encountered dedicated fishermen, enjoyed breathtaking views, and soaked in the beauty of secluded beaches. Our journey from Almograve to Zambujeira do Mar was filled with challenges and rewards, leaving us eager to continue our adventure along this remarkable trail. As the sun dipped below the horizon, we were treated to a mesmerizing display of colors, confirming the rumors – Zambujeira do Mar’s sunset was indeed magical. It was the perfect way to cap off an exhilarating day on the Fisherman’s Trail, and it will forever hold a special place in our hearts as the day we became engaged.
Start
Almograve
End
Zambujeira do Mar
Duration
6 hours
Length
22 km
Difficulty
Intermediate
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