We are a fit family up for a good hike. Since there are four of us coming from Lisbon it seems to make sense to rent a car in Lisbon and drive to Odeceixe. Any thoughts on this? Also, we like hostels and waliking. What would be a good itinerary for 3-4 days? We like the idea of the Fishermans traiil and wondering if need to book the entire route for lodging. Unfortunately we have to travel in Mid August. Oh well!
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112 helpful votes "...rent a car in Lisbon and drive to Odeceixe"
As there is only one bus a day from Lisbon and very few when you get there, very good idea!
I don't know the trail but I am sure others do. If you do rent a car your plan must include a means of getting back to base camp at Odeceixe. Other than taxis, the timetable below is the sum total of public transport south of Odeceixe - http://www.algarvebus.info/036.htm - and there are links there to the times of the two buses a day to the north of the town. Note the absence of weekend service.
Mid August - at least you will be near the coast for some cooling breezes. Daytime temperatures down here can reach 100ºF (38ºC) in August. Hotels and hostels, such as there are, will be very busy. I suspect that advance booking will be essential.
I hope this helps as a starter.
Thanks so much! Your advice is very helpful! I was thinking of staying in São Teotónio for 2 nights at what looks like a nice hostel, a place called Carpe Diem, and then heading on the trail. Is this a good idea rather than Cientiex? also, what would be a good destination after the trail? Im thinking inland, we like castles and climbing1
thanks so much for your great prompt replies and advice.
I meant Odeceixe, not Cientiex. thanks!:)
If you do the Fishermen trail, you'll need to arrange transfers because it's a linear trail, but you have 1 circular route around Odeceixe (mixing the historical and Fishermen trails), and since you have a car that can be an option for some freedom. But with a car and for the "independence" that it can give I would have a look at the circular trails around Carrapateira/Bordeira.
Inland in August? Alentejo inland can reach temperatures around and above 40ºC, are you comfortable with that?