The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales Suspensos) is a wonderful coastal hike positioned in the Algarve area of southern Portugal. This half-day hike is one among the prime issues to do in the Algarve, with lovely seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the hanging Atlantic coast. No matter the place you’re staying in the Algarve area of Portugal, be sure to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – The Details
The Seven Hanging Valleys path runs between the seashores of Vale Centeanes and Praia da Marinha. You can begin from both finish, however most hikers start at Praia da Marinha, often known as one among the most lovely seashores in Europe.
Hugging the Atlantic Ocean with excessive viewpoints, seashore entry, and even locations to get pleasure from meals and wine, the journey begins with attractive views of Acro Natural, or as our information favored to name it, Elephant Rock and Praia da Marinha Beach. It’s a reasonably difficult hike, so be sure to put on good climbing footwear and carry water.
Location: Algarve, Portugal
Length: 5.7 kilometers (a method)
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 3-4 hours (a method)
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
Getting There
By Car: From Faro, it’s a few 45-minute drive to Praia da Marinha. There’s parking out there close to the trailhead. Parking fills up shortly, and it’s tough to discover a spot. Overflow parking heaps are filled with potholes and dust roads, so watch out if in case you have rented a automotive. We practically bottomed out, making an attempt to get out of the car parking zone.
If you drive, you’ll have to hike again, so be sure to issue that into your time.
Public Transport: Buses run from main cities in the Algarve to Carvoeiro. From there, you may rent a taxi, Uber, or Tuk Tuk.
From Carvoeiro, you may take a taxi to the trailhead or hike instantly from the seashore. The path connects to Carvoeiro; it is going to simply add a bit extra time
We stayed at the Tivoli Carvoiero Hotel in Carvoiero, which supplied free shuttles to the begin of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and we might hike the whole approach again to the lodge.
What to Expect on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
During the Seven Hanging Valleys path hike, you may anticipate to see a few of the most lovely landscapes on earth. A couple of years in the past, we hiked the Great Ocean Road in Australia and thought there may very well be no extra lovely place on earth. However, the Seven Hanging Valleys has an analogous panorama, compacted into one small space, making it one extraordinary view after one other. You’ll see excessive sea cliffs, hidden caves, and panoramic ocean views; this path provides an unforgettable expertise for everybody.
If you don’t need to hike the whole 5.7 km, there are parking heaps dotted all through the hike, so you may exit and see a portion of the path and its views. So, even in case you aren’t up for a hike, not less than make it to 1 or two of the lookout factors.
It is an up-and-down climb (it’s referred to as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, in spite of everything), so you can be climbing as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which climbing down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly tough, however if in case you have mobility points, it’s a drawback, and the floor is uneven.
From the car parking zone of Praia da Marinha, it’s even so that you don’t must climb as much as begin the journey. If you need to go to the seashore, there’s one entry level and you’ll have to scramble down. So simply bear in mind, you’ll have to come again up.
Which Direction Should You Hike?
The most picturesque a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail begins at Praia da Marina, so we propose beginning right here. Plus, in case you take all day, you may finish in Carvoiero to get pleasure from dinner, drinks or procuring.
Make certain to begin early in the morning when it’s cooler and fewer crowds.
Things to See on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
Here’s a complete information that will help you make the most of your journey.
1. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is the start line for many hikers, and it’s one among the most crowded locations. Lots of people hike out only a brief distance to view Elephant Rock and one among Portugal’s most lovely seashores from the path earlier than heading again. If you proceed to stroll you’ll discover that the crowds skinny out.
Make certain to take the time to hike out to the numerous viewpoints. There is seashore entry, and you’ll go right down to loosen up on the golden sands, get pleasure from totally different views of the seashore’s iconic double arch, and discover sea caves.
2. Clifftop Views
As you ascend from Praia da Marinha, you’ll be greeted with extra hanging views of the Atlantic Ocean. Trails lead out to a excessive plateau, providing numerous views of the sea arches and suggestive shoreline.
3. Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is one among the star points of interest of the Algarve, and it’s potential to see it from the path via its skylight. However, there isn’t any entry to the inside, and there are ropes round it, so the view isn’t the greatest.
It is a well-liked cease on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and there’s a close by car parking zone, so individuals merely stroll out to see it.
If you actually need to see Benagil Cave, we propose reserving an organized tour by boat or kayak. The guidelines relating to methods to see it are consistently altering, and we have now lined them right here. However, no one is allowed to swim or step foot on the seashore inside the cave, and solely organized excursions can take you. So be sure to guide with a licensed information.
4. Praia de Benagil
The subsequent cease is Praia de Benagil. This is a good place to take a break, seize some lunch, and luxuriate in the seashore. You should stroll down a set of stairs to the seashore and city, however the path is well-marked with yellow and purple stripes on rocks and signposts. These markers will information you alongside the route. We had no bother discovering our approach.
The path is dotted with wildflowers and resilient shrubs. You could also be wanting down at the views of the water consistently, however be sure to lookup each every now and then and preserve an eye fixed out for seabirds hovering overhead. Occasionally, you might even see dolphins in the waters under. We noticed them on our boat tour only a brief distance offshore.
5. Farol de Alfanzina (Alfanzina Lighthouse)
The path from Benagil to Alfanzina Lighthouse winds alongside cliffs which are a bit extra rugged than the remainder of the path. From Benagil, its an uphill climb up a set of stairs. As you strategy Alfanzina Lighthouse, you’ll encounter lush Mediterranean vegetation and the occasional sighting of seabirds.
The lighthouse itself is perched on a excessive cliff and is a hanging sight with its basic white tower and purple roof.
This part of the path is comparatively reasonable, with well-marked paths that often turn out to be rocky and uneven. Along the approach, hikers can look forward to finding quite a few alternatives to pause and soak up the vistas, together with the rock formation at Cabo Caroeir and the well-known Leixão do Ladrão.
6. Vale Centeanes Beach
Vale Centeanes Beach is the path’s endpoint and a very good place to loosen up, lease an umbrella, or get pleasure from a beer. This lovely seashore has a big sea cave, golden sand, and welcoming clear waters. Towering limestone cliffs body the seashore, which provides a number of small caves and grottos to discover.
There is a snack bar, and excursions may be booked right here. Despite its pure magnificence and facilities, Vale Centeanes Beach is usually much less crowded than a few of the extra well-known Algarve seashores. Most individuals don’t make it this far on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, so it’s a very good place to loosen up earlier than shifting on or calling a taxi.
7. Tivoli Carvoiero and Vale Covo Beach
If you’re staying at the Tivoli Carvoeiro like us, you may proceed to stroll to the lodge from the seashore. You can really stroll all the method to the city of Carvoiero from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Vale Covo Beach is a rare cease with a large sea cave to view. There are stairs right down to the seashore which is simply accessible at low tide.
Even if you’re not staying at the Tivoli Carvoiero, you may proceed to stroll in direction of city. We noticed lots of people going via the gates for entry.
8. Algar Seco
After one other up-and-down and back-up hike, you’ll come to the well-known rock formations of Algar Seco. This is understood for views via its rock home windows. The most notable is Boneca Cave, which interprets to “Doll’s Cave.” This pure formation has two window-like openings that body beautiful views of the ocean. A brief walkway and steps lead guests into the cave, the place they’ll get pleasure from the picturesque vistas.
9. Boardwalks
The path can proceed all alongside the coast, however it is a good level to only get pleasure from the boardwalks and views till you get to the city of Carvoeiro. The boardwalk is accessible and a wonderful method to get pleasure from the coastal views as you make your method to the closing vacation spot.
10. Carvoeiro
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail ended a couple of stops in the past, however it’s value climbing on to Carvoeiro. There are loads of eating choices, equivalent to sitting on a patio to get pleasure from views of the seashore, consuming some seafood, and sipping a cocktail.
It can also be simpler to rent an Uber or taxi from right here. Hiking a method moderately than out and again enables you to see way more of the Carvoeiro Coastal Walk that continues after the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. Plus, Carvoeiro has a seashore the place you may get pleasure from a dip in the sea earlier than heading again to your lodge.
Tips for Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Wear Proper Footwear: The path is rocky and uneven in locations. Sturdy climbing boots or footwear with good grip are important.
Stay Hydrated: There aren’t any amenities alongside the path, so convey loads of water and a few snacks.
Sun Protection: The Algarve solar may be intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades.
Check the Weather: Avoid climbing throughout excessive warmth or inclement climate. Avoid the path throughout excessive winds or rain, as it may be harmful Early mornings or late afternoons are ideally suited.
Respect Nature: Stick to marked paths to guard the fragile coastal setting and keep away from disturbing wildlife.
Safety First: Some elements of the path are near cliff edges. Watch your step and preserve a protected distance from the edge. Avoid venturing too near the cliff edges, as they are often unstable. We noticed lots of people standing dangerously near the edge.
Accommodation
Where to Stay: The close by cities of Carvoeiro and Lagoa supply loads of lodging choices, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. We stayed at the Tivoli Carvoeiro, which is in an incredible location. Read extra about the place to remain in the Algarve at our submit: Where to Stay in Algarve: 5 Best Areas To Stay
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a must-do for anybody visiting the Algarve. With its dramatic cliffs, hidden seashores, and beautiful ocean views, this path showcases the pure fantastic thing about Portugal’s southern coast. Whether you’re an skilled hiker or simply searching for a scenic stroll, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
So pack your digital camera, lace up your climbing boots, and prepare to discover one among Portugal’s most lovely coastal trails!