The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales Suspensos) is a gorgeous coastal hike situated in the Algarve area of southern Portugal. This half-day hike is one in all the high issues to do in the Algarve, with stunning seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the putting Atlantic coast. No matter the place you might be staying in the Algarve area of Portugal, ensure 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 in all 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 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 ensure to put on good climbing sneakers 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 accessible close to the trailhead. Parking fills up shortly, and it’s tough to discover a spot. Overflow parking heaps are filled with potholes and grime roads, so watch out when you’ve got rented a automotive. We almost bottomed out, attempting to get out of the car parking zone.
If you drive, you’ll have to hike again, so ensure to issue that into your time.
Public Transport: Buses run from main cities in the Algarve to Carvoeiro. From there, you possibly can rent a taxi, Uber, or Tuk Tuk.
From Carvoeiro, you possibly can take a taxi to the trailhead or hike instantly from the seashore. The path connects to Carvoeiro; it should simply add a bit extra time
We stayed at the Tivoli Carvoiero Hotel in Carvoiero, which provided free shuttles to the begin of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, and we may hike the total method again to the lodge.
What to Expect on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
During the Seven Hanging Valleys path hike, you possibly can count on 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 the same 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 affords an unforgettable expertise for everybody.
If you don’t wish to hike the total 5.7 km, there are parking heaps dotted all through the hike, so you possibly can exit and see a portion of the path and its views. So, even in the event you aren’t up for a hike, at the least 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 spite of everything), so you may be climbing as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which climbing down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly tough, however when you’ve got 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 should 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 keep 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 the event you take all day, you possibly can finish in Carvoiero to get pleasure from dinner, drinks or purchasing.
Make positive to start out 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 in all the most crowded locations. Lots of people hike out only a quick distance to view Elephant Rock and one in all Portugal’s most stunning seashores from the path earlier than heading again. If you proceed to stroll you will discover that the crowds skinny out.
Make positive to take the time to hike out to the varied viewpoints. There is seashore entry, and you may go all the way down to calm down 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 putting views of the Atlantic Ocean. Trails lead out to a excessive plateau, providing varied views of the sea arches and suggestive shoreline.
3. Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is one in all the star points of interest of the Algarve, and it’s doable to see it from the path by means of its skylight. However, there isn’t 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 car 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 see it are always 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 ensure 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 must stroll down a set of stairs to the seashore and city, however the path is well-marked with yellow and pink 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 trying down at the views of the water always, however ensure to lookup each every now and then and hold a watch out for seabirds hovering overhead. Occasionally, you may even see dolphins in the waters under. We noticed them on our boat tour only a quick 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 method 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 putting sight with its traditional white tower and pink roof.
This part of the path is comparatively reasonable, with well-marked paths that sometimes turn into rocky and uneven. Along the method, hikers can look forward to 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 calm down, 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 affords 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 commonly 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 place to calm down earlier than transferring on or calling a taxi.
7. Tivoli Carvoiero and Vale Covo Beach
If you might be staying at the Tivoli Carvoeiro like us, you possibly can proceed to stroll to the lodge from the seashore. You can truly stroll all the option to the city of Carvoiero from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Vale Covo Beach is a unprecedented cease with a large sea cave to view. There are stairs all the way down to the seashore which is just accessible at low tide.
Even in case you are not staying at the Tivoli Carvoiero, you possibly can proceed to stroll in the direction of city. We noticed lots of people going by means of 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 by means of 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 this can be 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 gorgeous option to get pleasure from the coastal views as you make your option to the closing vacation spot.
10. Carvoeiro
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail ended just a few 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 somewhat 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 possibly can 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 sneakers with good grip are important.
Stay Hydrated: There are not any amenities alongside the path, so carry 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 ideally suited.
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 secure 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 provide 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 on the lookout for a scenic stroll, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
So pack your digicam, lace up your climbing boots, and prepare to discover one in all Portugal’s most stunning coastal trails!