The Seven Hanging Valleys Path (Sete Vales Suspensos) is an exquisite coastal hike positioned within the Algarve area of southern Portugal. This half-day hike is likely one of the high issues to do within the Algarve, with lovely seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the hanging Atlantic coast. Regardless of the place you’re staying within the Algarve area of Portugal, make sure that to hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Path for a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.
Seven Hanging Valleys Path – The Particulars
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 called one of the lovely seashores in Europe.
Hugging the Atlantic Ocean with excessive viewpoints, seashore entry, and even locations to take pleasure in meals and wine, the journey begins with beautiful views of Acro Pure, or as our information favored to name it, Elephant Rock and Praia da Marinha Seashore. It’s a reasonably difficult hike, so make sure that to put on good mountain climbing footwear and carry water.
- Location: Algarve, Portugal
- Size: 5.7 kilometers (a method)
- Issue: Reasonable
- Period: 3-4 hours (a method)
- Finest Time to Go to: Spring (March to Could) and Autumn (September to November)
Getting There
By Automobile: From Faro, it’s a few 45-minute drive to Praia da Marinha. There’s parking obtainable close to the trailhead. Parking fills up rapidly, and it’s tough to discover a spot. Overflow parking heaps are stuffed with potholes and filth roads, so watch out when you’ve got rented a automobile. We practically bottomed out, making an attempt to get out of the car parking zone.
Should you drive, you’ll have to hike again, so make sure that to issue that into your time.
Public Transport: Buses run from main cities within the Algarve to Carvoeiro. From there, you’ll be able to rent a taxi, Uber, or Tuk Tuk.
From Carvoeiro, you’ll be able to take a taxi to the trailhead or hike straight from the seashore. The path connects to Carvoeiro; it’s going to simply add a bit extra time
We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoiero Resort in Carvoiero, which supplied free shuttles to the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and we may hike your entire means again to the lodge.
What to Count on on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
Through the Seven Hanging Valleys path hike, you’ll be able to count on to see a few of the most lovely landscapes on earth. A couple of years in the past, we hiked the Nice Ocean Street in Australia and thought there could possibly be no extra lovely place on earth. Nonetheless, the Seven Hanging Valleys has an identical 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.
Should you don’t wish to hike your entire 5.7 km, there are parking heaps dotted all through the hike, so you’ll be able to exit and see a portion of the path and its views. So, even if you happen to aren’t up for a hike, a minimum of make it to 1 or two of the lookout factors.
It’s an up-and-down climb (it’s known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, in spite of everything), so you may be mountain climbing as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which mountain climbing down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly tough, however when you’ve got mobility points, it’s a drawback, and the bottom is uneven.
From the car parking zone of Praia da Marinha, it’s even so that you don’t need to 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 Course Ought to You Hike?
Probably the most picturesque a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path begins at Praia da Marina, so we advise beginning right here. Plus, if you happen to take all day, you’ll be able to finish in Carvoiero to take pleasure in dinner, drinks or purchasing.
Make certain to begin early within the morning when it’s cooler and fewer crowds.
Issues to See on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
Right here’s a complete information that will help you take advantage of your journey.
1. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is the start line for many hikers, and it is likely one of the most crowded locations. Lots of people hike out only a brief distance to view Elephant Rock and one in all Portugal’s most lovely seashores from the path earlier than heading again. Should you proceed to stroll you can find that the crowds skinny out.
Make certain to take the time to hike out to the varied viewpoints. There’s seashore entry, and you may go right down to loosen up on the golden sands, take pleasure in completely 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 ocean arches and suggestive shoreline.
3. Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is likely one of the star points of interest of the Algarve, and it’s potential to see it from the path by means of its skylight. Nonetheless, there isn’t a entry to the within, and there are ropes round it, so the view isn’t the perfect.
It’s a standard cease on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and there’s a close by car parking zone, so folks merely stroll out to see it.
Should you actually wish to see Benagil Cave, we advise reserving an organized tour by boat or kayak. The foundations relating to the best way to see it are continuously altering, and we’ve coated them right here. Nonetheless, no one is allowed to swim or step foot on the seashore contained in the cave, and solely organized excursions can take you. So make sure that to e book with a licensed information.
4. Praia de Benagil
The following cease is Praia de Benagil. It is a good spot to take a break, seize some lunch, and benefit from the seashore. You’ll have to 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 hassle discovering our means.
The path is dotted with wildflowers and resilient shrubs. You could be trying down on the views of the water continuously, however make sure that to search for each occasionally and preserve a watch out for seabirds hovering overhead. Often, you might even see dolphins within 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 can 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 hanging sight with its basic white tower and crimson roof.
This part of the path is comparatively average, with well-marked paths that sometimes change into rocky and uneven. Alongside the best way, hikers can look forward to finding quite a few alternatives to pause and take within the vistas, together with the rock formation at Cabo Caroeir and the well-known Leixão do Ladrão.
6. Vale Centeanes Seashore
Vale Centeanes Seashore is the path’s endpoint and a very good place to loosen up, hire an umbrella, or take pleasure in a beer. This lovely 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’s a snack bar, and excursions will be booked right here. Regardless of its pure magnificence and facilities, Vale Centeanes Seashore is commonly 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 Path, so it’s a very good place to loosen up earlier than shifting on or calling a taxi.
7. Tivoli Carvoiero and Vale Covo Seashore
If you’re staying on the Tivoli Carvoeiro like us, you’ll be able to proceed to stroll to the lodge from the seashore. You’ll be able to truly stroll all the best way to the city of Carvoiero from the Seven Hanging Valleys Path.
Vale Covo Seashore is a rare cease with an enormous sea cave to view. There are stairs right down to the seashore which is just accessible at low tide.
Even in case you are not staying on the Tivoli Carvoiero, you’ll be able to 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. That is recognized for views by means of its rock home windows. Probably the most notable is Boneca Cave, which interprets to “Doll’s Cave.” This pure formation has two window-like openings that body gorgeous views of the ocean. A brief walkway and steps lead guests into the cave, the place they’ll benefit from the picturesque vistas.
9. Boardwalks
The path can proceed all alongside the coast, however it is a good level to simply benefit from the boardwalks and views till you get to the city of Carvoeiro. The boardwalk is accessible and an exquisite technique to benefit from the coastal views as you make your technique to the ultimate vacation spot.
10. Carvoeiro
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path ended just a few stops in the past, however it’s price mountain climbing on to Carvoeiro. There are many eating choices, similar to sitting on a patio to take pleasure in views of the seashore, consuming some seafood, and sipping a cocktail.
Additionally it is simpler to rent an Uber or taxi from right here. Mountain climbing a method quite than out and again enables you to see rather more of the Carvoeiro Coastal Stroll that continues after the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. Plus, Carvoeiro has a seashore the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in a dip within the sea earlier than heading again to your lodge.
Suggestions for Mountain climbing the Seven Hanging Valleys Path
Put on Correct Footwear: The path is rocky and uneven in locations. Sturdy mountain climbing boots or footwear with good grip are important.
Keep Hydrated: There aren’t any services alongside the path, so convey loads of water and a few snacks.
Solar Safety: The Algarve solar will be intense. Put on sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades.
Test the Climate: Keep away from mountain climbing throughout excessive warmth or inclement climate. Keep away from the path throughout excessive winds or rain, as it may be harmful Early mornings or late afternoons are best.
Respect Nature: Persist with marked paths to guard the delicate coastal surroundings and keep away from disturbing wildlife.
Security First: Some elements of the path are near cliff edges. Watch your step and preserve a secure distance from the sting. Keep away from venturing too near the cliff edges, as they are often unstable. We noticed lots of people standing dangerously near the sting.
Lodging
The place to Keep: The close by cities of Carvoeiro and Lagoa supply loads of lodging choices, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoeiro, which is in a tremendous location. Learn extra about the place to remain within the Algarve at our put up: The place to Keep in Algarve: 5 Finest Areas To Keep
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path is a must-do for anybody visiting the Algarve. With its dramatic cliffs, hidden seashores, and gorgeous ocean views, this path showcases the pure fantastic thing about Portugal’s southern coast. Whether or not you’re an skilled hiker or simply in search of a scenic stroll, the Seven Hanging Valleys Path guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
So pack your digicam, lace up your mountain climbing boots, and prepare to discover one in all Portugal’s most lovely coastal trails!
