The Seven Hanging Valleys Path (Sete Vales Suspensos) is a fantastic coastal hike situated within the Algarve area of southern Portugal. This half-day hike is likely one of the prime issues to do within the Algarve, with stunning seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the placing Atlantic coast. Irrespective of the place you might be 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 some of the stunning 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 preferred to name it, Elephant Rock and Praia da Marinha Seashore. It’s a reasonably difficult hike, so make sure that to put on good mountaineering sneakers and carry water.
- Location: Algarve, Portugal
- Size: 5.7 kilometers (a technique)
- Problem: Average
- Length: 3-4 hours (a technique)
- Greatest Time to Go to: Spring (March to Might) and Autumn (September to November)
Getting There
By Automobile: 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 rapidly, and it’s troublesome to discover a spot. Overflow parking heaps are stuffed with potholes and filth 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 happen to 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 is going to simply add a bit extra time
We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoiero Resort in Carvoiero, which provided free shuttles to the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and we may hike the whole approach again to the lodge.
What to Anticipate on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
Throughout the Seven Hanging Valleys path hike, you’ll be able to count on to see among the most stunning landscapes on earth. Just a few years in the past, we hiked the Nice Ocean Highway in Australia and thought there could possibly be no extra stunning place on earth. Nonetheless, 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 happen to don’t need to hike the whole 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 in the event you aren’t up for a hike, no less than make it to at least one or two of the lookout factors.
It’s an up-and-down climb (it’s referred to as the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, in spite of everything), so you’ll be mountaineering as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which mountaineering down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly troublesome, however when you’ve got mobility points, it’s a downside, and the bottom 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 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 Path Ought to You Hike?
Essentially the most picturesque a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path begins at Praia da Marina, so we recommend beginning right here. Plus, in the event you take all day, you’ll be able to finish in Carvoiero to take pleasure in dinner, drinks or procuring.
Be certain that 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 can assist you take advantage of your journey.
1. Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha is the place to begin for many hikers, and it is likely one of the most crowded locations. Lots of people hike out only a quick distance to view Elephant Rock and certainly one of Portugal’s most stunning seashores from the path earlier than heading again. If you happen to proceed to stroll you will discover that the crowds skinny out.
Be certain that to take the time to hike out to the varied viewpoints. There’s seashore entry, and you may go all the way down to loosen up on the golden sands, take pleasure in 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 varied views of the ocean arches and suggestive shoreline.
3. Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is likely one of the star sights of the Algarve, and it’s potential to see it from the path via its skylight. Nonetheless, there isn’t a entry to the within, and there are ropes round it, so the view isn’t the very best.
It’s a standard cease on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and there’s a close by car parking zone, so individuals merely stroll out to see it.
If you happen to actually need to see Benagil Cave, we recommend reserving an organized tour by boat or kayak. The foundations concerning tips on how to see it are continually altering, and we have now 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 ebook with a licensed information.
4. Praia de Benagil
The subsequent cease is Praia de Benagil. This can be a excellent 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 purple stripes on rocks and signposts. These markers will information you alongside the route. We had no hassle discovering our approach.
The path is dotted with wildflowers and resilient shrubs. You could be trying down on the views of the water continually, however make sure that to lookup each on occasion and hold a watch out for seabirds hovering overhead. Sometimes, you might even see dolphins within the waters beneath. 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 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 placing sight with its basic white tower and purple roof.
This part of the path is comparatively reasonable, with well-marked paths that often change into rocky and uneven. Alongside the way in which, hikers can anticipate 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, lease an umbrella, or take pleasure in 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’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 among the extra well-known Algarve seashores. Most individuals don’t make it this far on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, so it’s 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 way in which 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 all the way 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 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. That is identified for views via its rock home windows. Essentially 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 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 a fantastic method to benefit from the coastal views as you make your method to the ultimate vacation spot.
10. Carvoeiro
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path ended a number of stops in the past, however it’s price mountaineering on to Carvoeiro. There are many eating choices, comparable to sitting on a patio to take pleasure in views of the seashore, consuming some seafood, and sipping a cocktail.
It’s also simpler to rent an Uber or taxi from right here. Climbing a technique fairly than out and again permits you to see way 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 Climbing the Seven Hanging Valleys Path
Put on Correct Footwear: The path is rocky and uneven in locations. Sturdy mountaineering boots or sneakers with good grip are important.
Keep Hydrated: There are not any services alongside the path, so deliver loads of water and a few snacks.
Solar Safety: The Algarve solar will be intense. Put on sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades.
Verify the Climate: Keep away from mountaineering 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 ultimate.
Respect Nature: Persist with marked paths to guard the delicate coastal atmosphere and keep away from disturbing wildlife.
Security First: Some components of the path are near cliff edges. Watch your step and hold a protected 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 provide loads of lodging choices, starting from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious resorts. We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoeiro, which is in an incredible location. Learn extra about the place to remain within the Algarve at our put up: The place to Keep in Algarve: 5 Greatest Areas To Keep
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path 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 or not you’re an skilled hiker or simply on the lookout for a scenic stroll, the Seven Hanging Valleys Path guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
So pack your digital camera, lace up your mountaineering boots, and prepare to discover certainly one of Portugal’s most stunning coastal trails!