One of the greatest things about walking the Rota Vicentina are the many nearly secluded beaches. Often, I was hiking the cliffs high above the beaches, but frequently it is necessary to drop down onto a beach, cross it, and walk back up the other side. Very difficult to not stop and enjoy a break once my feet hit the sand.

And the solitude! Very few of the beaches along the route had any people on them. Several fellow hikers were usually seen, and occasional loungers, but mostly I was alone with the wind, the sun, and those constant waves.