The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales Suspensos) is a stupendous coastal hike positioned in the Algarve area of southern Portugal. This half-day hike is certainly one of the high issues to do in the Algarve, with stunning seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the placing Atlantic coast. No matter the place you’re staying in the Algarve area of Portugal, be certain 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, referred to as certainly one of the most stunning 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 beautiful 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 certain 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 couple of 45-minute drive to Praia da Marinha. There’s parking accessible close to the trailhead. Parking fills up shortly, and it’s troublesome to discover a spot. Overflow parking heaps are stuffed with potholes and filth roads, so watch out you probably have rented a automobile. We almost bottomed out, attempting to get out of the parking zone.
If you drive, you’ll have to hike again, so be certain 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’ll 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 may hike the whole method 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 stunning landscapes on earth. A couple of years in the past, we hiked the Great Ocean Road in Australia and thought there could possibly be no extra stunning 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 presents an unforgettable expertise for everybody.
If you don’t wish 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, a minimum of make it to 1 or two of the lookout factors.
It is an up-and-down climb (it’s known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, in any case), so you’ll be climbing as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which climbing down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly troublesome, however you probably have mobility points, it’s a downside, and the floor is uneven.
From the parking zone of Praia da Marinha, it’s even so that you don’t must climb as much as begin the journey. If you wish 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 recommend 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 certainly one of the most crowded locations. Lots of people hike out only a brief distance to view Elephant Rock and certainly one of Portugal’s most stunning seashores from the path earlier than heading again. If you proceed to stroll you can find 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 all the way 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 placing 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 certainly one of the star sights of the Algarve, and it’s potential to see it from the path via its skylight. However, there is no such thing as a 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 parking zone, so folks merely stroll out to see it.
If you actually wish to see Benagil Cave, we recommend reserving an organized tour by boat or kayak. The guidelines relating to how you can see it are continuously altering, and we’ve got 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 certain to ebook with a licensed information.
4. Praia de Benagil
The subsequent cease is Praia de Benagil. This is a superb place to take a break, seize some lunch, and luxuriate in the seashore. You must stroll down a set of stairs to the seashore and city, however the path is well-marked with yellow and crimson stripes on rocks and signposts. These markers will information you alongside the route. We had no bother discovering our method.
The path is dotted with wildflowers and resilient shrubs. You could also be wanting down at the views of the water continuously, however be certain to search for each infrequently and hold an eye fixed out for seabirds hovering overhead. Occasionally, you might even see dolphins in the waters beneath. 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 might be 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 placing sight with its basic white tower and crimson roof.
This part of the path is comparatively average, with well-marked paths that sometimes grow to be rocky and uneven. Along the method, hikers can anticipate finding quite a few alternatives to pause and absorb 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 stunning seashore has a big sea cave, golden sand, and alluring clear waters. Towering limestone cliffs body the seashore, which presents a number of small caves and grottos to discover.
There is a snack bar, and excursions could 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 folks don’t make it this far on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, so it’s a very good place to loosen up earlier than transferring 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 unprecedented cease with an enormous sea cave to view. There are stairs all the way down to the seashore which is simply accessible at low tide.
Even in case you are not staying at the Tivoli Carvoiero, you may proceed to stroll in the 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 thought 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 will 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 stupendous method to get pleasure from the coastal views as you make your method to the last vacation spot.
10. Carvoeiro
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail ended just a few stops in the past, however it’s price climbing on to Carvoeiro. There are loads of eating choices, resembling 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 far 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 are not any services alongside the path, so convey loads of water and a few snacks.
Sun Protection: The Algarve solar could 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 splendid.
Respect Nature: Stick to marked paths to guard the fragile coastal surroundings and keep away from disturbing wildlife.
Safety First: Some components of the path are near cliff edges. Watch your step and hold 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 publish: 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 great thing about Portugal’s southern coast. Whether you’re an skilled hiker or simply in search of 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 certainly one of Portugal’s most stunning coastal trails!