The E9 European long distance path - hiking trail

Have you ever heard about this hiking route? It is one of the longest hiking trails in Europe, running some 5000 kilometers from Cabo de São Vicente in Portugal to St Petersburg in Russia. It is also called the E9 path or European coastal path since it follows the mainland coastline as well as parts of the British coast.
It passes quite close to where I am in Caparica, Setúbal Peninsula, so I like to grab every chance I get to hike for a couple of hours on this trail. Depending on where you are in Europe you may have a sea view or you may be a bit further inland but the coast is never too far away which suits me perfectly since I love the proximity to the sea and the fresh breeze that comes with it. 



In this area the trail passes quite close to the sea and you can get some spectacular views over the whole coast reaching from the mouth of the river Tejo in one end and the light tower at Cabo Espichel at the other end. Most of the trail consists of sandy paths here in the vicinity so it is quite ergonomic to walk and you burn quite a lot of calories just walking through the soft sand whilst you enjoy the the splendid view or listen to the birds chirping. The nature around the trail consists mostly of sandy banks and hills, pine trees such as stone pine (Pinus Pinea) and maritime pine (Pinus Pinaster) , strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo), Phillyrea Angustifolia, Spanish lavender (Lavandula Stoechas), and thyme (Thymus Vulgaris). If you want to enjoy the wildlife, the birds are your best bet in this area. Especially the Common buzzard (Buteo Buteo) which is a beautiful raptor. 

So in case you are anywhere near this trail, either in Portugal or in Europe, try to find the route and enjoy some hiking. Gather your binoculars, camera, wind proof jacket, comfortable shoes, some water and food and set off! In this area the hiking signs are white and red so keep a lookout for them so you don't get lost on the many smaller paths.