The first leg of the Fishermen’s Trail goes from Lagos to Praia da Luz. It’s a short stage, making it a great way to ease into the trail. The path kicks off at the harbor in Lagos and follows the cliffs westward. The initial section, still within the city limits, features well-maintained wooden boardwalks, and you’ll find quite a few day hikers here. The cliffs are absolutely stunning and dramatic, the views are spectacular, and the walking is easy. We’ve had a lot of rain recently, but today the weather was impeccable—beautiful summer conditions.

We arrived early in Praia da Luz and checked into Club House CVL, which boasts two swimming pools in its spacious outdoor area.