Knowing where to stay on a multi-day hike is always a bit of a puzzle. You kind of only have one shot at picking the right places and you can easily end up reading reviews until the you pass out. My hope for this article is to give you some tried and tested options for each stage of the Fisherman's Trail that can give you a good starting point. I've personally stayed many of these of these places and the remaining ones are recommeneded based on fellows hikers' experiences. My recommendations are based on value for money and I think they strike a good balance between price and experience.
As we go through the different stages, I'll also encourage you to check out our Planner to see other available options for each stage. There are quite a few options to choose from - however, some places are more popular with Fishermen's Trail hikers. I prefer these options as they will contribute to your overall trail experience - after all, the people you meet along the way are a big part of the experience. Here's a quick overview before we dive into the details:
- Stage 1 (Porto Covo): MUTE Hostel Porto Covo
- Stage 2 (Vila Nova de Milfontes): MUTE Hostel Vila Nova de Milfontes
- Stage 3 (Almograve): Almograve Beach Hostel
- Stage 4 (Zambujeira do Mar): Hakuna Matata Hostel
- Stage 5 (Odeceixe): Surf Seixe Guest House
- Stage 6 (Aljezur): Amazigh Hostel
- Stage 7 (Arrifana): HI Arrifana Destination Hostel
- Stage 8 (Carrapateira): Hostel do Mar
- Stage 9 (Vila do Bispo): Pure Fonte Velha B&B
- Stage 10 (Sagres): Algarve Surf Camp & Hostel Sagres
- Stage 11 (Salema): Salema Beach Hotel
- Stage 12 (Luz): Club House Casa Velha da Luz
- Stage 13 (Lagos): Orange3 Hostel
Let's take each stage step by step!
Stage 1: São Torpes - Porto Covo
For the very first stage you'll finish in Porto Covo, the first real town on the coast. The city is rather small, but has a pretty good selection of accommodation options. The city is centered around a main shopping/restaurant street so you'll not find yourself far away from whatever you need in town.
Recommendation: MUTE Hostel Porto Covo is a pretty epic hostel to say the least. It's large, modern and clean and should fit most people's needs as it offers both dorms and private rooms (so you can fit to your budget). It's also located in the center of town so you'll be able to find food easily. There is a large terrace that is perfect for relaxing and socializing with other hikers. This place really seemed to be the most popular option - even attracting people staying in other places to drop by for the vibe.
(another honourable mention is the Ahoy Hostel that provides super personal service and good above and beyond for the guests. I met the South African hiker Andrea that stayed here and experienced the owner getting her a table at the otherwise full seafood restaurant down the street)
Stage 2: Porto Covo - Vila Nova de Milfontes
Wrapping up this stage will leave you in Vila Nova de Milfontes which is one of the larger resupply towns (meaning lots of life, different supermarket options and a bunch of restaurants). The city has different areas with accommodation, some at the outskirts, some closer to the water and a more central part too. However, I think its fair to say that the town is still a manageable size so don't fear staying too far from the trail.
Recommendation: MUTE Hostel Porto Covo is another of the MUTE chain hostels. These guys have pretty much nailed the core concept of what a trail hostel should offer; with the risk of sounding like a broken record I'd recommend MUTE once more. It's modern, clean and specious and again offer both dorm and private rooms. I paritcularly like the dorm option setup that they have here with curtains and per-bed storage options; it gives you just enough privacy to feel it ease. Vila Nova de Milfontes is placed right at the mouth of Mira river (with the trail's stage 3 continuing on the other side) - this means that the city has some overall great views. To enjoy this, MUTE has you covered with a large rooftop terrace.
Stage 3: Vila Nova de Milfontes - Almograve
You finish in Almograve, a small low-key town above the cliffs. The town can be covered with a short stroll - from the center at the main roundabout you will find a handfull of bars, a few kiosks and a small supermarket. The city has limited accommodation options when it comes to hotels and hostels. However, if open to full apartment rental you have more options (although at a higher price).
Recommendation: Almograve Beach Hostel is a good option for most hikers. It clean and simple with a good vibe. The common areas are decent, but with less wow-factor than the other MUTE hostels. However, the location is great and the hostel is very close to the trail.
p.s. the Almograve beach and its beach bar is absolutely epic, check it out!
Stage 4: Almograve - Zambujeira do Mar
Welcome to Zambujeira do Mar! This town is a very popular destination for tourists, hikers and surfers. For good reason - Zambujeira do Mar is a beautiful town with plenty of high quality seafood restaurants and a great beach. The town is located in the cliffs so you can expect a magnificent sunset. Due to the popularity of the town, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from - including a full service campground.
Recommendation: Hakuna Matata Hostel has a great location in town - just a short walk away from th beach and the town center. The hostel has a really good atmosphere; a bit more of a homely vibe than other places so far on the trail. The beds are OK and does the job, but don't expect too much. However, the common areas are great and the kitchen is well equipped for some post-hike cooking. Both dorm and private rooms are available.
Stage 5: Zambujeira do Mar - Odeceixe
When you reach Odeceixe you've made it to the end of the original five stage Fishermen's Trail. The town is a popular destination - both for groups wrapping up their hike but also quite a few hikers starting a reverse Fishermen's Trail hike from here. The town has a good selection of accommodation options and a few supermarkets making it great for a full resupply or a rest day.
Recommendation: Surf Seixe Guest House is on the list as it offers great value for money. It's clean, straight forward and a common choice for Fishermen's Trail hikers which means you can expect to meet other hikers here and share a great time. The guest house itself is not spectacular, but it has a good kitchen with all the basics. It also has a nice self check-in process that makes it easy at arrival.
Stage 6: Odeceixe - Aljezur
You'll finish in Aljezur (old and new town is split - check map before you book to stay close to the trail). Aljezur is a wonderful and charming town with cobblestone streets, a historica castle and the old town build on steep hill. Altogether it makes for a great place to stay and will be a memorable stop on your hike.
Recommendation: Amazigh Hostel is - no pun intended - an amazing hostel! I really loved the stay here. The common areas are great - plenty of space for chilling in couches, reading and socializing in the main room. The kitchen is well equipped and will be a lively buzz at night. Additionally there is a nice rooftop terrace with great views of the town and a chance to enjoy the sunset. The hostel offers a range of different room types - the dorm option is popular and works great. Each dorm room has private bathroom and all beds have some dedicated storage space. This place is quite popular with Fishermen's Trail hikers so I'd encourage you to book early to reserve your spot.
Stage 7: Aljezur - Arrifana
Arrifana is a small cozy surfer town with a great beach and a few surf shops, hostels and a bunch of holiday rentals. You'll feel the surf culture everywhere in town, so let down your guards and embrace the surfer vibe 🏄♂️
Recommendation: HI Arrifana Destination Hostel has quite a luxurious feeling to it for being a hostel. There is a restaurant in the hostel that serves fairly priced dishes throughout the day. There is also a nice terrace with some great views and a small garden for hanging out and recovering from the hike of the day. Breakfast is also offered - a great start of the day. This seems to be one of the popular choices for Fishermen's Trail hikers (together with the Arrifana Surf Camp) and have a good trail reputation.
p.s. if you explore the inland part of the town (or arrive to Arrifana via the Historic Way) please make sure to visit The Bakery - absolutely amazing pastries and coffee!
Stage 8: Arrifana - Carrapateira
Carrapateira is know on trail to have pretty limited accommodation options with small capacity. So the recommendation here is to book early - I met quite a few hikers who either skipped the town to wild camp or squeezed out a double stage to make it to Vila do Bispo instead. Anyways - Carrapateira is a cute little town with small narrow streets and the amazing Praia da Bordeira very close by. Eat your lunch or dinner at Alecrim - we had the portuguese bacalhau (cod fish stew with olives, eggs, potatoes and herbs) here and it absolutely blew our minds!
Recommendation: Hostel do Mar is a great option in Carrapateira. The hostel is located in the center of town and whole complex has a homely apartment/town house atmosphere to it. The place is clean and tidy and the toilets and showers are great; a perfect excuse for a good long hot shower!
Stage 9: Carrapateira - Vila do Bispo
Vila do Bispo is a lively town of a pretty decent size - excellent for either a rest day or a full resupply. You'll find a nice little town square with a handful of cozy cafées to try out.
Recommendation: Pure Fonte Velha B&B is a bit of a gem here in Vila do Bispo. Compared with the previous recommendations this B&B is a bit more upscale, but is totally worth it! The style is true to Portuguese coastal style with a bit of a modern twist. The rooms are spacious and clean with a private bathroom. The common areas are great for socializing and the breakfast is great.
Stage 10: Vila do Bispo - Sagres
You've made it to Sagres - the dramatic southwestern tip of Portugal. This small town has a strong surf culture running through its veins. The famous Sagres Fortress is well worth a visit if your legs still have some left in them; the views from the cliffs are absolutely wild. Keep in mind that accommodation in Sagres is a bit more spread out than in previous towns, so double-check the map before booking to make sure you're not adding unnecessary distance to your day.
Recommendation: Algarve Surf Camp & Hostel Sagres is a top-rated hostel with a laid-back surf vibe that fits perfectly into the trail rhythm. The breakfast is included and genuinely great - fresh ingredients and even vegan options. The outdoor communal areas are a highlight with hammocks, a ping pong table and a pizza oven that gets fired up regularly.
Stage 11: Sagres - Salema
This stage is one of the most beach-heavy on the entire trail - you'll pass around a dozen beaches between Sagres and Salema. The village itself is a proper little gem; a traditional fishing village that has managed to stay remarkably unspoiled. The village is compact and capacity is limited so don't leave this one to the last minute.
Recommendation: Salema Beach Hotel is a solid beachfront pick. The location is hard to beat - literally 100 metres from the beach, so you can fall asleep to the sound of the waves. The rooms are comfortable with air conditioning and private bathrooms, and if you're lucky you'll get a sea-view balcony that makes the whole stay feel special. Breakfast is included with a good variety - for sure a big plus!
Stage 12: Salema - Luz
You're now entering the busier part of the Algarve and you'll start to notice the shift. Praia da Luz is a charming little resort town that still manages to hold onto some of its laid-back village character despite the tourist buzz. The town is built around a beautiful beach and has a good selection of restaurants and bars along the waterfront.
Recommendation: Club House Casa Velha da Luz is a great option just 200 metres from the beach. This one is more of a proper hotel experience - think swimming pools (they have two!), a sauna, hot tub and well-maintained gardens. After days on the trail, a place like this feels like pure luxury. The rooms are spacious and many come with kitchenettes if you fancy cooking for yourself. The staff are friendly and the breakfast is solid with fresh and diverse options.
(some hikers decide to go for the last 10 km push to Lagos and skip staying in Luz; consider this option if you have the energy and want a larger selection of cheaper accomodation options)
Stage 13: Luz - Lagos
You made it! Lagos is the official end of the Fishermen's Trail and what a way to finish. The final stretch into town passes through Ponta da Piedade - a spectacular grand finale of ochre and red rock formations. Lagos itself is a vibrant town with a beautiful old town, an endless selection of restaurants and bars, and a buzzing atmosphere that feels well-earned after days of salt, sun and cliffs. This is your reward night - treat yourself with a celebratory dinner (for this seriously consider The Garden - outdoor seating, festive vibe and grilled catch up the day right off the grill)!
Recommendation: Orange3 Hostel is a superb hostel tucked away in Lagos Old Town, just a minute from the center and a short walk from the beaches. The standout feature is the beautiful courtyard garden with orange trees - the perfect spot to kick back and let it sink in that you actually walked the whole thing. The hostel is clean, well-maintained and the staff are friendly and helpful. At this hostel you will for sure meet other hikers - either finishing up or beginning their hike from here.
Wrapping it all up
So, this was just all my take on how to plan your accomodation for the Fishermen's Trail. I hope it helps you plan your trip and if you have any questions or feedback, please don't hesitate to reach out. Remember to tailor your trip exactly to your own needs and "hike your own hike" - happy hiking!
