?? Fishermen’s Trail at National Geographic Traveler

The magazine National Geographic Traveler states the region is well suited for ramblers and says the Fishermen’s Trail is the most popular of the two itineraries, incurring however on the wrong information that you’ll find “memorable camping spots”, supposedly in the wild. The truth is that we are in a Natural Park and it is not allowed to camp outside designated camp sites.

Read the full story here.

Rota Vicentina, Southwest Portugal

The Algarve’s charms have long turned this corner of the continent into Portugal’s premier fly-and-flop destination, but step beyond the brochure-shot beaches and family resorts and you’ll find a region well suited to ramblers. It makes the opening of the Rota Vicentina welcome news indeed. Stretching north from Europe’s most southwesterly point, the new trail is, rather confusingly, actually two near-parallel routes — one (the 75-mile Fisherman’s Trail) hugs the coast, while the other (the 143-mile Historical Way) veers inland.

Both routes begin in the Algarve and finish in the Alentejo region. The Fishermen’s Trail is the more popular of the two, largely because of its wild clifftop scenery and the prospect of some memorable camping spots. But the Historical Way, which can be cycled as well as walked, also has much to recommend it. It’s an easier hike, for a start, and follows trails used by pilgrims and travellers of centuries. Both can be enjoyed in shorter sections, and in either direction.

The project was conceived not only to promote economic activity in rural areas but to sustain the region’s cultural heritage, and the advantage of it being close to a holiday hotspot means there’s also an excellent chance of good walking weather. You’re best sticking to the poolside in the heat of high summer — ideally with a cold cerveza in hand — but temperatures at other times are almost invariably pleasant. rotavicentina.com

Best for: A new take on a holiday spot.
Difficulty rating: 6/10.

Welsh Coastal Path. Image: © Crown copyright (2014) Visit Wales