When to walk the Fisherman’s Trail (São Torpes → Lagos)

On the Fisherman’s Trail (Rota Vicentina) from São Torpes to Lagos, the most reliable start window is May to early June, or late August to September. These months usually bring warm but manageable days, settled skies, open services, and either spring flowers or prime swimming.

This coast is exposed: long stretches of cliffs and dunes with little shade. Winter is wetter and windier; high summer is hotter and busier. Plan around sun, wind, and sand rather than cold.

May and early June — best for flowers and mild warmth

• Why it’s great: Bright, comfortable walking with blooming headlands and a cooling northerly breeze. Trails are mostly dry and villages are lively without peak-season crowds.
• Keep in mind: A brief shower can still pass through, especially earlier. Start early to beat midday sun on sandy sections.

Late August and September — best for swims and calmer heat

• Why it’s great: Heat eases, the ocean is warm, and paths quieten after mid‑August. Clear days and golden evenings make the cliffs shine.
• Keep in mind: It can still feel hot on exposed dunes, and early September can throw a short-lived shower. Carry extra water and pace your days.

March–April — greener but changeable

• Lovely wildflowers and fresh hillsides, but expect mixed days with sun, wind, and some rain. Beach variants can be affected by swell. Pack a light shell and keep plans flexible.

Late June to mid‑August — hot and busy

• Dry and sunny, yet the sun is fierce and shade is scarce. If this is your window, start at dawn, shorten stages, and build in swim stops. Late August edges into the more comfortable period above.

October — pleasant shoulder with a few fronts

• Often still very walkable with warm seas and quieter paths, but the first autumn systems can bring wind or rain and shorter daylight. Bring a light rain layer.

November–February — mild, wetter, and windier

• Winters are gentle for Europe, but these months are the most unsettled: frequent showers, lively seas, and shorter days. Good for hardy walkers willing to wait out weather; some services run shorter hours.

Quick practical notes

• Exposure: Little shade; sun and wind build from late morning. Early starts help.
• Wind: Afternoon northerlies are common in summer—cooling but blustery on headlands.
• Water and resupply: Plan refills in villages and carry extra on sandy stages.
• Sea and surf: Brisk in spring; inviting by late summer/early autumn. Big swell can affect beach sections in the wetter months.

Of course, while these recommendations provide a solid starting point, everyone's preferences and circumstances are unique. For example, if you prefer walking in the cooler morning hours to avoid midday heat, you might prioritize dates with drier conditions. On the other hand, if you are more accustomed to colder climates, you may choose to avoid hotter periods - even if it means encountering more rain. Our search tool allows you to customize your journey to align with your specific needs and preferences, ensuring the best possible experience on the trail.

Furthermore, if your plan differs from walking the standard stages from São Torpes to Lagos, then you can edit the Search Settings below accordingly.