Fishermen’s Trail Itinerary and Route Planner — ALONG DUSTY ROADS

Footwear / Our original notes say “for the love of god do not wear hiking sandals for last section”, so that’s probably the most useful way to pass the message on! We switched between trainers and sandals today, but boots would have been best choice to push through at the end and make the slippy bits significantly less slippy.

Rose / Undoubtedly, it was the fantastic seafood lunch at Sebastião on Praia da Ingrina. Praia das Furnas was perhaps the most beautiful beach we saw in the two weeks and, although we had absolutely no enthusiasm for them, the final beaches before Salema are spectacular.

That first Super Bock at the end was also priceless.

Thorn / The last 5km or so truly were a never-ending torture, partly because of blisters and sandals, partly because of flagging energy and tiredness, and partly because the official route decided to become all pointless detours and sharp, slippy ascents and descents.

Eat / There are several great options for food along the way, so you can eschew the packed lunch for today.

Even if it’s a bit out of the way, Picnic Sagres is a great shout for your morning coffee.

We recommend Sebastião (closed Tuesday), whilst the popular Restaurant Zavial is not too long after (closed Mondays).

In Salema, we picked up things to cook just before closing time at the little supermarket (maps), so unfortunately don’t have an eating out recco; O Lourenço is where we’d have chosen though, but it may require a reservation at weekends.

Tip / Hiking poles would be very useful on this section. Leave early. Don’t wear hiking sandals for the last section.

Stay / We only realised, half-pissed, that our accommodation (Villa M6 Salema – unfortunately not currently available) was another twenty-minutes uphill from where we had post-hike drinks! However, it was an excellent set-up for the night.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many guesthouses or B&Bs in Salema, with the small number of hotels more catering to a holiday stay – and therefore set at a pretty high price point. Hotel Residencial Salema is probably your best bet, as prices drop quite considerably after the peak summer months.

Having looked on Airbnb, it appears that the vast majority of properties require at least a two night stay, which obviously isn’t practical for those on the Fishermen’s Trail – we suggest taking a look anyway in case the hosts reduce these requirements during the super off-peak season.

Wherever you end up in Salema, make sure it’s comfortable as you’ll definitely want a good rest tonight.