If you love spectacular cliffs and amazing views while you walk, then the Praia do Porto de Mós to Praia da Luz trail should be on your radar. It’s the perfect balance between “I’m a hiker now” and “I’ll be at the beach bar by lunch.” Here’s everything you need to know before you lace up your shoes and hit the trail.
The Basics:
- Length: 5 km
- Difficulty: Easy/Medium (translation: mostly easy, but your calves might remind you about the steep bits)
- Time: 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes (depending on how many “Oh wow, look at that view!” moments you have)
- Tail Markers: Blue and green trail markers show the way (part of the Fisherman’s Trail – see below)
Starting Point:
The start of this hike is Praia do Porto de Mós (Porto de Mos Beach). If you have a vehicle, park in the large dirt car park. You can easily walk to the beach from the old town in around 35 minutes or you can catch Bus 2 from the main street of Lagos (Avenida dos Descombrimentos)
The starting point is just behind Restaurante O António. This is your launching pad. Maybe grab a quick espresso before heading out – you’ll want the energy, especially for that initial stretch.
The Trail:
The first is a bit steep. Don’t worry, though – no mountain goat training required! Just watch your step, and if you have a walking stick, you’ll feel like a pro. The good news? After that, it’s all about enjoying the spectacular coastline. Think: cliffs and ocean as far as the eye can see, and enough Instagram-worthy spots to fill your feed for days.
Once you’ve made the initial climb, follow the cliff top and keep the ocean to your left. Along the way, if you can tear your eyes away from the drop-dead gorgeous views, you’ll see the vineyards of Falesia Winery and further along a stone pine (pinus pinea) plantation (in Portuguese they’re called pinheiro-manso).
After about 50 minutes (give or take) you’ll see a large white geodesic point (looks like an obelisk). This is the highest point on the hike, 108 meters above sea level and marks the beginning of the descent into Praia da Luz. The official trail winds down in a series of switchbacks (because walking straight down a hill is for daredevils and actual goats). If you’re younger than me (good chance you are), on a bike or are in a hurry, there are plenty of options for getting to the bottom in a hurry.
Whichever route you choose, you’ll find yourself strolling right into Praia da Luz’s waterfront, where restaurants are waiting to reward you with a well-deserved breakfast or lunch.
The Fisherman’s Trail (Rota Vicentina)
This trail is the last leg of the legendary Fishermans Trail part of the Rota Vicentina – a 226.5 km hike that runs from Sines to Lagos. If you’re not quite ready to tackle that entire journey, don’t worry – this 5 km section gives you a taste of its beauty, without the need to pack for days.
Tips For The Hike:
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes with good grip will make you feel like a mountain goat—minus the hooves.
- Sun protection: There’s not much shade along the way, so sunscreen, hats, and water are your best friends.
- Best time to go: Early mornings offer the best light for photos and fewer people on the trail.