Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
A breathtaking coastal hike in the Algarve, Portugal, showcasing dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and hidden beaches.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Best Time
Pleasant temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A breathtaking coastal hike in the Algarve, Portugal, showcasing dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and hidden beaches.
"Beautiful views on an enjoyable and very scenic hike!"
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Rocky and uneven terrain requires good hiking shoes or trainers.
💧 Bring lots of water
Little shade means you'll need to stay hydrated.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Praia da Marinha
Trailhead
Iconic beach with stunning rock formations and arches, a perfect starting point for the hike.
Benagil Cave
Along the trail
Famous sea cave accessible by boat or kayak, though views from the trail above are also impressive.
Alfanzina Lighthouse
Coastal viewpoint
Offers panoramic views of the coastline and serves as a prominent landmark along the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Footwear is Key
Hydration & Sun Protection
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Rocky and uneven terrain requires good hiking shoes or trainers.
💧 Bring lots of water
Little shade means you'll need to stay hydrated.
☀️ Sun protection is vital
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are a must.
🚗 Parking can be tough
Arrive early or consider a taxi/Bolt to start.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear sturdy shoes
Rocky and uneven terrain requires good hiking shoes or trainers.
💧 Bring lots of water
Little shade means you'll need to stay hydrated.
☀️ Sun protection is vital
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are a must.
🚗 Parking can be tough
Arrive early or consider a taxi/Bolt to start.
📸 Capture the views
The scenery is breathtaking, so have your camera ready!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail's breathtaking coastal scenery, calling it a must-do hike in the Algarve. The dramatic cliffs, sea arches, and access to beautiful beaches are consistently praised. Some find the trail challenging due to its rocky terrain and lack of shade, and parking can be difficult.
"Beautiful views on an enjoyable and very scenic hike! The trails are well established but you do want running shoes or hikers on (ideally). Also, most of the walking is fitting for most ages but if you want to get a bit more adventurist, which you absolutely can, you will need good balance and reasonably strong legs."
James Albidone
"Hike with beautiful breath taking views of the coast! I hiked to the cave and back. The cave was honestly under whelming, you can't see the water. The other sights on the hike was worth it!
Parking is challenging, the road was closed off and we ended up finding street parking 20min away from the entrance. Water closets and food trucks (that take credit card) are by entrance. Take plenty of water. Close to cave on the hike was a vendor selling water and soft drinks."
Toni Sterling
"What an awesome place to go for a hike. This path goes along the coast side and you really get to see first hand how beautiful it is here.
If the weather is warm, you should probably be sure to bring enough water because the is no shade to hide and also be sure to wear some good hiking shoes, as the terrain is quite hard/rocky and not many "flat areas" to tread so careful.
Very beautiful hike and highly recommended!"
Kim Allerslev
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common starting point is Praia da Marinha. You can drive and park there, though parking can be challenging. Alternatively, take a taxi or ride-sharing service like Bolt to the trailhead.
Yes, the trail is generally well-marked, especially near Praia da Marinha. Look for signs indicating the path along the coast.
You can start from Praia de Vale de Centeanes as well. Many hikers opt for a one-way trip and arrange transport back from their endpoint.
While direct public transport to the trailhead might be limited, local buses can get you to nearby towns like Carvoeiro or Lagoa, from where you can take a taxi.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is about an hour's drive from Faro, the capital of the Algarve region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a public coastal path and is completely free to access.
The trail is open 24/7 as it's a natural coastal path. However, it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Praia da Marinha itself does not have an entrance fee. Access to the beach and the trail starting from it is free.
Yes, many companies offer guided tours of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, which can enhance your experience with local insights.
The trail is rugged and uneven, making it challenging for those with mobility issues. Some sections near the beaches might be more accessible.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The trail is about 6km one way, taking approximately 2-3 hours to complete without significant stops. Doing it as an out-and-back will take longer.
It's generally considered an easy to moderate hike. While not technically difficult, the terrain is rocky and has some steep inclines and descents.
Don't miss Praia da Marinha, the Alfanzina Lighthouse, and the stunning coastal formations leading to Benagil Cave. 
Restrooms and food trucks (accepting cards) are available near the entrance at Praia da Marinha. Some vendors may sell drinks along the route.
Several beautiful beaches are accessible from the trail, like Praia da Marinha and Praia de Carvalho. Always check local conditions and swim safely.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire trail offers incredible photo ops! Focus on the dramatic cliffs, sea arches, hidden coves, and the expansive ocean views.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) provides the most dramatic lighting for coastal landscapes. Midday sun can be harsh.
Yes, you can get excellent aerial views of Benagil Cave from the cliff tops along the trail, offering a unique perspective.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vast landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on distant rock formations.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and restrictions before flying a drone in this protected coastal area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a boat trip to Benagil Cave as an alternative or addition to the hike, which can be more manageable for younger children. The visual spectacle of the cliffs and caves is sure to captivate young imaginations. Remember to keep a close eye on children near cliff edges and always prioritize safety.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive guided tours, consider hiking the trail independently. You can save on transport by using ride-sharing apps like Bolt or exploring local bus routes to nearby towns. The stunning natural beauty requires no admission fee, making it a top-tier free activity in the Algarve.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
+2While the trail itself is free, accessing popular spots like Benagil Cave often involves boat tours. Many visitors opt for a one-way hike and arrange a taxi or Bolt for their return journey, as retracing the 12km round trip can be tiring. The path offers numerous viewpoints, so allow ample time for photos and simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Key landmarks along the route include the Alfanzina Lighthouse and various stunning rock formations. Be prepared for a lack of shade, making hydration and sun protection crucial, especially during the summer months.
The Geology and Natural Wonders
+1One of the most famous geological marvels accessible from the trail is the Benagil Cave (Algarve's most famous sea cave), known for its distinctive 'eye' or opening to the sky. While the trail offers views from above, many visitors choose to explore the cave by boat, kayak, or paddleboard.
Other notable formations include the arches near Praia da Marinha and the dramatic cliffs that define the coastline. The unique geology not only creates stunning visual landscapes but also supports a diverse marine ecosystem. The clear waters and rugged coastline are a haven for various seabirds and marine life, adding to the natural appeal of this protected area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit