The new Vicentina Route, along the rugged western coast of the region, opened on May 11, 2012. The walking and cycling route will run from Santiago do Cacém in the Alentejo to Sagres in the Algarve and is to be integrated into the extensive European GR11 route part of the GR footpath network of paths, tracks and trails which will connect Sagres.

Sixty % of the land in the Algarve is protected and the new route is part of a tourism initiative to promote areas of the Algarve beyond its popular coastline. Southern Portugal has a major new hiking route, with 150 miles of trails, divided into two routes that complement each other: the historic path, which recreates the old road and crossing the main towns, and the path of fishermen along the coast and across the entire Costa Vicentina park.