The Seven Hanging Valleys Hiking Trail is touted as the most beautiful hiking path in the Algarve—and perhaps in all of Europe, according to European Best Destinations. It’s one of our top picks too. We love it so much that we’ve hiked it three times in just one year!
Because you might not be able to visit Portugal right now, we hiked it again last week to bring you a video of this stunning trail. Our goal is to inspire you to explore it yourself when you get the chance. Enjoy!
The trail is about 12 kilometers in total, stretching from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes and back. Even though it’s not a circular route, the views in both directions are breathtaking and full of surprises. The hike isn’t very challenging, but there are parts where you’ll need to climb on rocky surfaces, so be sure of your footing.
We recommend starting your hike at Praia da Marinha, or Marinha Beach. The car park there is new and spacious, and there’s a bus stop as well, making it convenient even if you don’t have a car. Just hop on bus no. 77 to get there.
Plan for about 4 to 6 hours for the hike, depending on your pace, whether you want to swim, or if you just love photographing the gorgeous coastline. There’s plenty to capture, trust me!
Make sure to bring food, water, and snacks. Depending on when you visit, there might not be any restaurants open along the trail, especially in winter. If you’re visiting in late spring or summer, you might find cafés, snack bars, or restaurants open at Praia da Marinha, in Benagil, and at your endpoint, Praia do Vale de Centeanes.
If you’re up for an aquatic adventure, be sure to check out the Benagil caves from Praia de Benagil. They offer boat trips and kayak rentals, so don’t forget to bring some cash and a waterproof bag for your electronics.
The Seven Hanging Valleys hike showcases the stunning seascape of the Algarve. The unique karst landscape has formed over thousands of years due to the erosion of limestone by water, creating an intricate coastline with arches, caves, and sinkholes.
The limestone rocks here are highly fissured, which allows water to seep through quickly. Due to its carbon dioxide content, rainwater is slightly acidic and dissolves the calcium carbonate in the limestone, deepening cracks and creating underground rivers over time. This process eventually forms a complex network of wells, galleries, and caves.
A hanging valley is a ravine that isn’t directly connected to the sea. It was likely created by a stream that has since dried up; otherwise, it would have continued eroding the rock until it reached the ocean.
Near the Alfanzina lighthouse, you can see pristine shell fossils embedded in sandstone that date back to the Miocene period—between 5 and 23 million years old. They look like they were made just yesterday!
Along the trail, you’ll have the chance to dip your toes into the Atlantic at four of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches. First, there’s Praia da Marinha, a personal favorite. Although it’s a bit of a trek to get there, it’s worth it for the stunning geoforms and close-up views of the cliffs.
Next is Praia de Benagil, which lies at the mouth of a narrow gully carved by an old stream. Historically a fishing community, its boats now mostly ferry visitors to the amazing Benagil caves, accessible by boat or kayak from the beach.
Then there’s Praia do Carvalho, which you can reach through a tunnel along the trail. It’s a hidden gem where you can feel like you’ve got a private island—at least until the next set of hikers arrives.
The last beach, Praia do Vale de Centeanes, offers sunseekers a place protected by steep cliffs from northern winds. Just avoid setting up too close to the cliffs due to the risk of falling rocks. It’s a fantastic spot to soak in the majesty of the Algarve’s coastline.
The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, as the trail is called in Portuguese, was recently voted one of the Best Hiking Destinations in Europe by nearly 30,000 travelers from 153 countries. But you should judge for yourself—it’s an experience not to be missed!
For more great hike ideas in the Algarve, we highly recommend Cicerone guidebooks, like “Walking in the Algarve.”
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