Walk Portugal's wild coast
A clifftop crossing of Portugal's untamed southwest shore, reimagined as a virtual challenge you complete with your everyday steps.
This 217 km route follows the Fishermen's Trail of the Rota Vicentina — the sandy coastal path once trodden by local fishermen — through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, from the Atlantic beach of São Torpes near Sines all the way south to the harbour town of Lagos in the Algarve.
With Zelus, you walk the real trail coordinates along Europe's most dramatic cliff edges. Your daily steps move you along the route on a live map, unlocking twelve milestone checkpoints at whitewashed fishing villages, the stork-topped sea stacks of Cabo Sardão, the surf strands of Arrifana and Amado, and the windswept fortress of Sagres at the edge of the old world.
12 milestones along the way
Each milestone marks a real landmark on the Fishermen's Trail. Unlock them one by one as your daily steps add up.
Begin on the open Atlantic sands of São Torpes, the northern gateway to the Fishermen's Trail.
Wander the whitewashed streets of the fishing village above its sheltered rocky coves.
Look out to the island fort of Pessegueiro, marooned just offshore beneath the cliffs.
Cross the wide Mira estuary to the white town of Vila Nova de Milfontes.
Reach the clifftop lighthouse of Cabo Sardão, where storks nest on the sea stacks below.
Pass the cliff-edge chapel and golden beach of Zambujeira do Mar.
Arrive at the horseshoe river-mouth beach of Odeceixe, the gateway into the Algarve.
Trace the surf cliffs above Praia da Arrifana and its ruined clifftop fort.
Cross the wild dunes of Bordeira to the surf strand of Praia do Amado.
Stand on the windswept headland fortress of Sagres at the edge of the old world.
Round the south coast to the sheltered bay and red cliffs of Praia da Luz.
Finish in the harbour town of Lagos, where the trail reaches the old waterfront at the mouth of the Bensafrim. Route complete — your medal is earned.
How it works
Ready to start walking?
Download Zelus and pick the Fishermen's Trail route. Your first steps today count toward the finish line.
Frequently asked questions
How long does this challenge take?
The target is 165 days, but there's no time limit. At around 3 km of walking per day (roughly 4,000 steps), you'd finish in about 10 weeks. Go at whatever pace feels sustainable.
What is the Fishermen's Trail?
It's the coastal route of the Rota Vicentina, a network of trails along Portugal's southwest shore. The Fishermen's Trail follows sandy clifftop paths once used by local fishermen through the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Natural Park, from Sines down to Lagos in the Algarve.
Do I need to run?
No. Zelus is built for walking — commuting, errands, lunch walks, pacing on a phone call. Running counts too, but it's not required.
How are my steps converted to distance?
Zelus syncs with your phone's step counter and converts steps into kilometres using a calibrated stride length. Your position updates on the map automatically.
What happens when I finish?
You earn the Fishermen's Trail completion medal, which is permanently added to your profile. Then you can pick your next route from the 16+ challenges available.
What if I miss a day?
Nothing happens — your progress stays exactly where you left it. The goal is consistency over time, not perfection. Pick it back up whenever you're ready.