Salema – Luz – Lagos
May 20, 2026
The final day! Many hikers on the Fisherman’s Trail will split this stage into two shorter days: the first to Luz, then the final push to Lagos. I opted to make it one longer day. I left the campground around 7 AM and quickly walked back to Salema and the trail. Once I left the village, I followed the trail up the surrounding hills so I was once again overlooking the ocean. I expected today would be pretty easy compared to yesterday. But I was wrong! The section between Salema and the village of Burgau had some extremely treacherous spots that made the going very slow.
After making my way through the steep, narrow streets of Burgau, I saw Debbie having breakfast at a cafe at the top of the hill. She had opted to take the Historical route that day. I continued towards Luz, where I decided to stop and eat my last sandwich sitting at a bench overlooking the ocean. Luz is a busy seaside village with a long walkway along the beach full of restaurants, shops, and tourists. I saw Debbie again as she waited to check in to her accommodation in Luz. I looked east at the massive hill I would have to climb leaving town!
Lagos
It was a strenuous climb leaving Luz, first on the cobblestone streets, then on the dirt trails. A monolith sits atop the giant hill east of Luz, and the views of Luz from the top are stunning! From here, the trail follows high above the ocean and remains flat for the most part. I passed many day hikers as I got closer to Lagos and saw some spectacular homes with gorgeous ocean views. The trail left the sea as I entered Lagos and wound its way through town, eventually arriving at the park-like setting at São Gonçalo de Lagos. A maze of boardwalks led to jaw-dropping views before arriving at the lighthouse. It was mid-afternoon by this time, and I was met with busloads of tourists also enjoying the sights. I was hot and tired and still had to make my way to the old section of Lagos where I was staying.
Where I stayed:
I stayed two nights at the Good Vibes Guest House, a shared apartment where I booked a private room and bath. There was no view from my room, but the location was great. I was a short walk from the town square and the giant wall that surrounds the old part of the town. It was also a short walk to a nice grocery store, a laundromat, along with many great restaurants. I spent the day after finishing the Fisherman’s Trail seeing the sights and beaches of Lagos before taking a bus back to Lisbon.
I booked my room on Booking.com and paid $118 for two nights.
