Book excerpt: A guidebook to trekking Portugal’s Rota Vicentina, a 224km (139 mile) trail comprised of the Historial Way (Caminho Histórico) and the Fishermen’s Trail (Trilho dos Pescadores). With the central stages hugging the Atlantic seaboard, the route stretches from Santiago do Cacém to the southwestern tip of mainland Europe at Cabo de São Vicente. The trail is suitable for most walkers, with stages graded easy or moderate. The main route is presented in 12 stages of between 12 and 24km (7–15 miles). Also included in the guidebook is a four-stage inland variant running north from Odeceixe to form a circuit with the northern half of the main route. Route description illustrated with 1:100,000 mapping GPX files available for download Refreshment and accommodation information provided for each trek stage Accommodation listings Advice on planning and preparation