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The Historic Means is a 6-day inland route of the Rota Vicentina. It’s one of many two long-distance routes of the Vicentina networks. The route takes hikers by way of non-touristy areas of the Alentejo area within the south of Portugal. The Historic Means could be walked as a separate route or mixed with the Fisherman’s Path.
The Historic Means route overview
- Distance – 120 km/74 mi
- The required time – 6 days
- Place to begin – Santiago do Cacém, Alentejo
- Ending level – Odeceixe, Algarve
- Whole ascent (over 6 days) – 2505 m
- Whole descent (over 6 days) – 2629 m
- Strolling floor – gravel street, footpath
- Route marking – white and pink markers
- Common value – 30-40 Euro per particular person per day (together with transport, lodging, meals, and so forth.)
- Lodging – resorts, guesthouses
To make your planning simpler we’ve created a downloadable PDF file that comprises strolling levels and locations to remain on the Historic Means of the Rota Vicentina.
Strolling the Historic Means vs the Coastal Route
The Historic Means is a 100% inland route. The closest it will get to the ocean is Odeceixe, which is about 2 km from the seaside. The Fishermen’s Path follows the shoreline more often than not. We’ve walked each multi-day routes of the Rota Vicentina and personally favor the Fishermen’s Path over the Historic Means.
Benefits of the Fishermen’s Path
- Initially, as a result of we take pleasure in strolling alongside the coast.
- The surroundings on the coastal route was extra spectacular than on the inland route.
- There are extra locations to remain on the Fishermen’s Path together with campsites and hostels.
Benefits of the Historic Means
- The route is less-crowded even within the peak summer time season there are only a few folks on the path.
- It may be an excellent choice to stroll if strolling near the sting of steep cliffs provide you with vertigo.
Each routes are stunning all of it will depend on what surroundings you favor the coast or fields/forest. If you would like you may mix each routes.
Possibility 1. Begin strolling on the Historic Means from Santiago do Cacém to Odeceixe and from there proceed south following the Fishermen’s Path all the way in which to Lagos or cease earlier. The route from Santiago do Cacém to Lagos is 274 km/170 mi. It takes 13 days to finish.
Possibility 2. Begin in Santiago do Cacém stroll to Odeceixe and from there proceed north on the Fishermen’s Path in the direction of Porto Covo. The entire distance of this route is 196 km/121 mi. You want 10 days to finish it.
The most effective time for mountaineering
Spring months between mid-March to Could is one of the best time for strolling the Historic Means of the Rota Vicentina. It’s our favourite time for mountaineering in Portugal. We’ve executed a number of routes together with the Portuguese Camino within the spring. The climate is good, it’s heat and sunny however not as sizzling because it will get in the course of the summer time. There usually are not too many individuals. It doesn’t matter in case you stroll solely the inland route however in case you resolve to mix it with the coastal route it’s fairly vital. In June it begins getting sizzling and busy however it’s nonetheless an excellent month for strolling.
The height summer time season July to mid-September is the most popular time within the Alentejo area. It’s not one of the best time for mountaineering particularly the inland route with no recent sea breeze it will get even hotter right here than by the coast. These months are the height touristy season it’s a must to e book lodging and plan your journey upfront.
From mid-September to mid-November is an efficient time for mountaineering. It’s nonetheless heat and often sunny although in November you would possibly get some rain and there usually are not many vacationers.
Winter months December to February are high quality for strolling you simply must be ready that it’d rain particularly in December. It will get fairly chilly, particularly within the mornings and at evening it’s higher to carry hotter garments not only for mountaineering however for sporting indoors as homes in Portugal usually are not nicely insulated typically it’s colder inside than exterior.
The price of strolling the Historic Means
Right here is the entire breakdown of our spending on the Historic Means, 6 days, 2 folks. We didn’t camp or keep in hostels (there is just one campsite and one hostel on the route in Odeceixe) lodging was our primary expense. Half of the time we went out for lunch or dinner half of the time purchased meals in outlets and supermarkets. We weren’t on a really strict price range however tried not to spend so much.
Listed here are our spending;
- Lodging – 230 Euro
- Consuming out – 82 Euro
- Purchasing – 50 Euro
- Espresso, beer, truffles – 18 Euro
- Transport – 65 Euro; bus Lisbon – Santiago do Cacém, 14 Euro per particular person, bus Odeceixe – Lisbon, 18,5 Euro pp.
Whole: 445 Euro 2 folks/6 days or 37 Euro per particular person per day.
The best way to get to Santiago do Cacém?
Santiago do Cacém, the start line of the Historic Means could be reached by bus from Lisbon and plenty of different cities and cities in Portugal. There are 7-8 day by day buses from Lisbon Sete Rios Bus station to Santiago do Cacém. Buses go away all through the day. The journey takes 2 hours. The ticket prices 14€.
After ending the hike in Odeceixe you will get again to Lisbon by bus. There are 3-4 direct day by day buses. The journey takes 3h30min. The ticket prices 18,5€. You possibly can verify the up-to-date itinerary and purchase tickets on-line on the Rede Expressos web site.
Lodging on the Historic Means
Each city on the route has a few resorts/guesthouses. The path goes by way of off-the-beaten-path areas of the Alentejo area consequently there are fewer lodging choices than on the Fishermen’s Path (the coastal route). Some locations could be booked on-line some solely by way of e-mail or over the cellphone.
There is just one campsite and one hostel on the Historic Means each are in Odeceixe. Should you’re planning to stroll this route it’s not price carrying a tent and tenting gear until you don’t thoughts wild tenting.
The Historic Means strolling itinerary
Day 1. Santiago de Cacém – Vale Seco, 18,5 km/11,4 mi
- Distance – 18,5 km/11,5 mi
- Time – 4h.
- Ascent – 496 m
- Descent – 434 m
- Problem stage – 3 out of 5
Notice! For this present day we’d extremely suggest reserving lodging beforehand.
The path begins on the Parish Church (Igreja Matriz) of Santiago do Cacém on the prime of the hill, subsequent to the citadel, it’s about 500 m uphill from the knowledge workplace. On the church, you’ll see the space indicators and route markers – pink and white stripes which might be painted on small picket poles, timber, and rocks all alongside the route. From the church, the route goes all the way down to the valley and continues by way of the fields and hills with a number of ascents and descents within the first half of the stroll, after about 7 km the route turns into flatter and simpler.
Be sure that to hold sufficient water with there shall be no place alongside the way in which to get extra water and with all of the ups and downs you get fairly thirsty.
Highlights
- Spectacular citadel and church of Santiago do Cacém crowning the highest of the hill – the start line of the route.
- Peaceable pastoral surroundings on the second half of the route.
Challenges
- A number of ascents and descents at first of the day.
- No locations to cease for meals or water alongside the way in which.
- A few unfriendly canine although all of them have been chained or behind the fence in order that they couldn’t do any hurt to us.
Vale Seco
- Lodge – sure
- Hostel – no
- Campsite – no
- ATM – no
- Restaurant – sure
- Grocery store/store – sure
- Pharmacy – no
- Seaside – no
This place was our primary concern we couldn’t discover a lot details about the world and only a few lodging choices. We went to the knowledge workplace in Santiago do Cacém they phoned a few locations however every thing appeared totally booked. Fortunately we acquired a cellphone variety of a visitor home from our pal from Porto Covo.
Vale Seco shouldn’t be a city or village, it’s a few farms and a bar/store within the center. On the bar you will get espresso, sandwiches, snacks, beer, the bar store could be very small with restricted choices; bread, cheese, ham, drinks, some greens, and fruit. Carry money with you may’t draw cash right here or pay by card.
Casinhas da Aldeia visitor home
We have been fortunate to search out this place, our pal Nicolau (the proprietor of Ahoy hostel in Porto Covo) gave us contact particulars of this place, we booked it over the cellphone. It’s 600 m away from the bar proper on the route, you gained’t miss it there are an enormous gate and a banner with the cellphone quantity.
We beloved this place, it’s a farm with a few small visitor homes, very tranquil and comfortable. We acquired a double room with a toilet, the room is spacious, clear, comfy and has all you want. Worth 40 Euro for 2 folks. The homeowners Fatima & Ludgero are very good folks, tremendous pleasant and welcome. Should you’re in search of a peaceable place to remain for a day or two it is a good choice. Cellphone +351-926-135-594, +351-962-284-363 Fatima.Krus@gmail.com
Services
- Kitchen – sure, a small kitchenette with a microwave, kettle, fridge, cups, and plates
- Scorching bathe – sure
- Wi-fi – sure
- Energy sockets within the room – sure
- Washer – sure
- Further – towels, TV, swimming pool, bottled water
Day 2. Vale Seco – Cercal do Alentejo, 22 km/13,6 mi
- Distance – 22 km/13,6 mi
- Time – 4h30min.
- Ascent – 374 m
- Descent – 409 m
- Problem stage – 3 out of 5
It was a quiet strolling day principally by way of the fields, the route was well-marked and simple to observe. In actual fact, the day went so shortly we didn’t even discover it. We stopped twice to drink espresso at Vale de Éguas and to relaxation on the lake.
Highlights
- Very peaceable surroundings; pasture fields with cows and sheep, patches of eucalyptus forest, and farms in between.
- Albufeira de Campilhas – a pleasant and fairly massive lake on a pleasant day it’s an excellent spot to cease for relaxation.
Challenges
The stroll was fairly straightforward our primary problem for the day was the final little bit of strolling to Cercal do Alentejo – a whole lot of flies got here from nowhere and we walked within the fly cloud for about 1 km.
Stops on the route
- At 8 km a tiny village Vale de Éguas with two eating places.
Cercal do Alentejo
- Lodge – sure
- Hostel – no
- Campsite – no
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant – sure
- Grocery store/store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
- Seaside – no
It’s fairly an enormous and never very touristy place, there are a number of lodging choices, many bars and eating places and a few outlets. There’s a self-service laundry as nicely however it’s fairly costly, 4,5 Euro for laundry and 1,5 Euro for drying.
From Cercal do Alentejo you’ve gotten two route choices; go to Sao Luis (19 km) which implies persevering with inland on the Historic Means or go to the coast to Porto Covo (18 km) and stroll the Fishermen’s Path.
Casazul M&B Lodge
Casazul M&B Lodge – the one place on the route with out wi-fi, that they had wi-fi on the reception however not within the rooms. The place was high quality; spacious rooms, good bathe, good mattress, new bedding, and so forth. The situation is nice, near the grocery store, eating places, and the path. I’d say it was our least favourite place on the route.
Services
- Kitchen – no
- Scorching bathe – sure
- Wi-fi – sure, solely on the reception
- Energy sockets within the room – sure
- Washer – no
- Further – towels, AC, balcony
Day 3. Cercal do Alentejo – S.Luís, 19 km/12 mi
- Distance – 19 km/12 mi
- Time – 4h15min.
- Ascent – 550 m
- Descent – 542 m
- Problem stage – 3 out of 5 it was in all probability one of the crucial difficult days on the route resulting from many ascents and descents and no shade to cover and nowhere to cease for meals or water.
The stroll was fairly good, the primary 8 km from Cercal weren’t too tiring, the surroundings was stunning; lush inexperienced hills, slightly little bit of forest. The second half was more difficult over the hills with many ascends and descends and beautiful views over the world.
Highlights
Nice views within the second a part of the stroll from the highest of the mountains you may see the ocean, valleys, small villages, and so forth.
A viewpoint at 17 km (2 km earlier than Sao Luis), it’s about 1,5 km additional to stroll there and again and various up and down. The view is nice however not a lot completely different from what you see on the final 7 km so in case you don’t really feel like strolling additional don’t fear about it.
Challenges
- After first 8 km, the path goes up and down all the way in which until Sao Luis
- No place to cease for meals or water
S.Luís
- Lodge – sure
- Hostel – no
- Campsite – no
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant – sure
- Grocery store/store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
- Seaside – no
We arrived right here on Sunday consequently outlets have been closed and we needed to eat in an area bar. The most effective place we may discover was Restaurante O Pinguim their omelets with French fries are fairly massive and filling. Not like somewhere else, no one right here may communicate any English it was a bit difficult to clarify what we wish in Spanish.
Locations to remain in S.Luis
Day 4. S.Luis – Odemira, 24 km/15 mi
- Distance – 24 km/15 mi
- Time – 5h.
- Ascent – 379 m
- Descent – 536 m
- Problem stage – 3 out of 5
The entire day could be divided into two elements; the primary half with typical for the route surroundings; fields and hills and the second half is thru the attractive lush forest. Once more very solitary stroll in the entire day we noticed one different hiker and never even a bicycle owner on the route. In Could once we walked the Rota the world was coated in flowers from far it seemed like a colourful carpet.
Highlights
Lovely forest stroll within the second half of the day, after first 12 km; large timber, lush vegetation, small rivers, many birds and butterflies round.
Challenges
- No place to cease for meals or water for twenty-four km be certain that to take at the least 1,5l of water per particular person
- All day slight ascents and descents
Stops on the route
- At about 14 km a picnic spot with a desk and two benches however not meals or water there.
Odemira
- Lodge – sure
- Hostel – sure
- Campsite – no
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant – sure
- Grocery store/store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
- Seaside – no
One other off-the-beaten-path city on the route I assume individuals who stroll the Historic Means are the one vacationers right here.
Lodge Residencial Rita
Lodge Residencial Rita was the most suitable choice we may discover within the city, there are solely three or 4 locations to remain. The resort was high quality, a typical resort within the countryside.
Services
- Kitchen – no
- Scorching bathe – sure
- Wi-fi – sure
- Energy sockets within the room – sure
- Washer – sure
- Further – towels, breakfast
Day 5. Odemira – S.Teotónio, 19,5 km/12 mi
- Distance – 19,5 km/12 mi
- Time – 4h.
- Ascent – 437 m
- Descent – 288 m
- Problem stage – 2 out of 5
The route from Odemira continues over the bridge and alongside the street for about 1 km after which turns into the fields providing some peaceable countryside surroundings; inexperienced hills and the Eucalyptus forest. The day went fairly shortly for us we noticed three different hikers on the picnic spot and no one else in the entire day.
Highlights
- A really quiet strolling day by way of the fields and forest stunning surroundings
Challenges
- A few steep however quick ascents
Stops on the route
- At 13 km there’s a picnic spot you will get cool drinks, espresso and a few snacks right here (it’s extra like a stall unsure if it’s all the time opened).
S.Teotónio
- Lodge – sure
- Hostel – sure
- Campsite – no
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant – sure
- Grocery store/store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
- Seaside – no
Probably not a vacationer vacation spot extra of an area city with not a lot to see or to do. The central sq. in entrance of the church is a pleasant place to return for beer or espresso however we stayed about 700 m away from there so we went for espresso and lunch to the close by grocery store. There’s a restaurant inside the place you will get a set menu with salad, primary dish, drink, bread, and low for six,5 Euro, it’s an excellent worth for cash.
Locations to remain in São Teotónio
Day 6. S.Teotónio – Odeceixe, 17 km/10,5 mi
- Distance – 17 km/10,5 mi
- Time – 3h40min.
- Ascent – 269 m
- Descent – 420 m
- Problem stage – 2 out of 5, a brief strolling day with a few quick ascents and descents on the way in which
In the present day is the final day of strolling inland from tomorrow on there shall be route choices that take hikers to the coast. At 3 km there’s a break up each routes undergo the forest and fields to Odeceixe one is 15 km one other one is 17 km. We took the 17 km route the day is fairly quick anyway we didn’t really feel like slicing 2 km from it however it’s completely as much as you I don’t suppose in case you take a shorter route you’ll miss out lots.
The stroll was very good and quiet the entire day we noticed solely a gaggle of cyclists and one mountaineering couple strolling in the wrong way. From Odeceixe, you may proceed strolling to Cabo de S.Vicente and Lagos following the Fishermen’s Path itinerary of the Rota Vicentina.
Highlights
- Inexperienced hills, pine forest, fields coated in wildflowers – very peaceable surroundings.
Challenges
- A steep descent at 9 km
- No place to cease for meals or water for about 15 km from S.Teotonio to S.Miguel.
Stops on the route
- At 15 km S.Miguel – a small city with a few eating places, a grocery retailer, and a campsite
Odeceixe
- Lodge – sure
- Hostel – sure
- Campsite – sure, 3 km earlier than the city on the route
- ATM – sure
- Restaurant – sure
- Grocery store/store – sure
- Pharmacy – sure
- Seaside – sure, 3 km away
A picturesque city on the foot of the hill, surrounded by the pasture fields, about 3 km away from the seaside. From Odeceixe you’ll begin seeing extra folks on the path the Historic Means and the Fishermen’s Path be part of right here, many individuals come from the Fishermen’s route and proceed to Cabo de S.Vicente following the Historic Means.
Should you’re planning to camp remember the fact that the closest campsite is about 3 km earlier than Odeceixe, in S.Miguel, don’t miss it.
If you wish to keep on the seaside you may stroll 3 km to Praia de Odeceixe simply remember the fact that lodging choices there are restricted and costlier and there’s no grocery store solely two or three eating places. The seaside is on the way in which in case you take the coastal route from Odeceixe in case you proceed inland then it’s fully off route.
Hostal Seixe
We stayed at two completely different locations in Odeceixe (we have been in Odeceixe twice). The primary time we stayed at Hostal Seixe, it’s a pleasant place with non-public rooms and dormitories.
Services
- Kitchen – sure
- Scorching bathe – sure
- Wi-fi – sure
- Energy sockets within the room – sure
- Washer – no
- Further – towels, washing strains
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