Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (O Percurso dos Setes Vales Suspensos, PR1 LGA) is the most famous coastal hike in the Algarve region in Portugal. The scenery is stunning and if you do just one hike in Algarve, don’t look any further.
But where exactly to start and in which direction to hike? How to get to the trailhead? Where to park your car and how to get back to it if you rather not walk the same path twice? Can you do the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail with kids? Can you see the same scenery without hiking? And which parts of this trail are worth it the most if you can’t do the entire hike?
In this guide, you will find answers to all these questions about the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail, a map, and insider tips for a better experience.
Good to know: We visit the Algarve several times a year and have hiked the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail on multiple occasions. This guide is packed with all the information we wish we’d known during our first hike, along with our personal tips and recommendations.
My Top Tips:
- Start at Praia da Marinha, hike one way, have lunch at Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and take a taxi or Uber to return to your starting point.
- Without a car, consider booking a guided tour. Most tours include nearby highlights, making it the best way to maximize your time and explore more.
- If you are looking for a nice hotel in this area, the Tivoli Carvoeiro is by far the best choice.
READ ALSO: Top Places Not to Miss in Algarve
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – OVERVIEW
Hike Info
The Seven Hanging Valleys is a coastal area in the Algarve region in southern Portugal. It stretches between Praia do Vale de Centeanes in the west to Praia da Marinha in the east.
Officially, it’s a linear out-and-back trail starting and ending at Praia do Vale de Centeanes. However, since both trailheads are accessible by car, you can hike it one way in either direction (further below, you can read which direction is better and why).
- Trailhead: Praia da Marinha OR Praia do Vale de Centeanes.
- Distance: 5.7 km one way, or 11.4 km if you hike there and back (3.5 – 7 miles).
- Duration: 2.5 – 3 hours one way, or 5-6 hours if you do it in both directions.
- Difficulty: Medium.
- Elevation change: About 170 meters if you start at Praia da Marinha or about 180 meters if you do it starting at Vale de Centeanes (550-600 ft).
- Signage: The hike is well-indicated with wooden signs with yellow/red stripes.
- Season: Year-round. However, avoid hiking here during rain, strong winds, or the hottest hours in the summer.
- Equipment: Hiking shoes are highly recommended. Drinking water and sun protection are a must.
- Fee: None.
Facilities: Limited and seasonal. At Praia da Marinha’s parking area, you’ll find souvenir and snack stands (no bathrooms) and a seasonal beach restaurant. Praia do Vale de Centeanes has a larger restaurant, while Benagil offers a few dining options about halfway through the hike. There are also picnic tables at the Marinha trailhead and a small shaded picnic spot near the lighthouse on the trail.
Good to know: Many points of interest along the Seven Hanging Valleys trail are accessible by car. For example, you can drive to Benagil Cave, Alfanzina Lighthouse, and various beaches along the way.
This flexibility means that you can easily adjust the hike’s length to suit your preferences. More details are provided below.
How much time do you really need: We did the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail one way with kids, and the entire hike took us just 2 hours and 15 minutes, including photo stops and a detour to Carvalho Beach.
While the official 3-hour estimate is generous, if it’s your first time in the area, you’ll likely want more time for photos, so plan for about 3 hours. Count at least 5 hours if you do the entire hike both ways. More realistically, you will need at least 6 hours, including some time for a picnic lunch.
READ ALSO: Algarve Itinerary
Map
Below, you can find two maps.
The first one is the picture of the official Seven Hanging Valleys trail map that you will find on informational panels on both ends of this hike.
As you can see, the trail follows the shoreline between Vale Centianes Beach and Marinha Beach. There is little elevation change. The lowest point is Benagil Beach at 7.5 meters and the highest point is close to Praia do Vale de Centeanes at 45.5 meters.
And here is an interactive map of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail which we created to help you with all the names and exact locations.
We indicated the starting/ending points of the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike, the parking areas at both ends of the trail, as well as the nicest places to see along the route and parking areas at each of the main sights if you decide to visit them by car.
Further below, you can find more practical information about the hike and pictures of all these places.
How to use this map: Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: What’s In The Name
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail follows the clifftop paths along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Algarve coastline.
The “hanging valleys” are places where – in the distant past – river mouths met the ocean. This unique scenery was formed due to the erosion and strong water flow from the rivers to the sea.
Along this trail, you’ll see stunning landscapes with limestone cliffs and sinkholes sculpted by water over millions of years. The area is also home to many marine birds, bats, and also some unique plants.
Best Time to Hike
The Seven Hanging Valleys trail is spectacular year-round and can be done in any season and any time of the day. But the best times to hike are in spring and fall, early morning, or late afternoon near sunset. Winter is also great if the weather is good, with any time of day being suitable.
From personal experience, we’ve hiked the trail in various seasons: the full hike in April, parts in September, and half in November and around New Year. It’s always stunning, with the rocky shoreline and water colors shifting depending on the season and weather.
- Spring and Fall: Temperatures are perfect, and wildflowers are abundant—especially in spring.
- Summer (April–October): The vibrant colors are breathtaking, and you’ll see boats and kayaks exploring below. However, the trail’s lack of shade makes summer hikes challenging. Start early in the morning, wear a swimsuit for cooling off at the beaches, and avoid midday heat.
- Winter: Rougher seas and crashing waves add drama, but it can be windy, so avoid cold, rainy, or stormy days.
TIP: Parking fills up quickly as this area is popular for both the hike and the beaches. If you are coming by car, arrive early (before 10 am in the low season, around 9 am in the shoulder season, and no later than 8-8.30 am in the peak summer season (May-September)). In the summer, you will want to start very early anyway, before it gets too hot.
WHAT IT’S LIKE TO VISIT Algarve in April – in November –in December
Which Direction Is Best?
You can start the Seven Hanging Valleys hike from either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and it’s possible to hike one way or do a round trip. However, we recommend starting at Praia da Marinha for several reasons:
- Easier Parking: Praia da Marinha has a larger parking area, making it easier to find a spot.
- Sunlight Advantage: Walking east to west means the sun will be behind you, enhancing the views and reducing glare.
- Less Elevation Gain: Starting at Praia do Vale de Centeanes requires climbing a lot of stairs right at the beginning, which you can avoid by starting at Praia da Marinha.
- Convenient Finish: The restaurant O Stop at Praia do Vale de Centeanes is a great spot for lunch after your hike (or a mid-hike break if walking round trip). Note that it’s usually closed in winter (November–March), so check ahead during the off-season.
If you choose to hike one way, practical tips for getting back to your car are provided below.
Getting There & Where to Stay Nearby
By far the best way to get to one of the trailheads of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is by car, taxi/Bolt/Uber, or with a tour. Public transport options are limited.
If you are staying very close by, you could also walk to the trail from your hotel. For example, Vila Alba Resort is just about 20 minutes walk from Marinha Beach, or – on the other side – Tivoli Carvoeiro, just about 15 minutes walk to the trailhead at Praia do Vale Centeanes.
There are also many smaller hotels and privately rented accommodations in this area, mostly in Benagil and Carvoeiro.
That said, you don’t really have to stay nearby in order to do this hike. It makes a nice excursion from pretty much anywhere in the Algarve. For example, Albufeira or Portimao are less than 30 minutes drive from Marinha Beach and Lagos is about 40 minutes.
READ ALSO: Where to Stay in Algarve
How to Get Back to Your Car
When planning the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, one big question is how to avoid walking back to the starting point—a major concern if you’re hiking with kids or just don’t want to double the effort.
Public transport options are limited, and walking to or from the nearest bus stop could take almost as long as hiking back. Luckily, there’s an easy solution: taxi, Bolt, or Uber.
Uber and Bolt are widely available in the area, and the drive between the trailheads takes under 15 minutes.
TIP: Bolt is often slightly cheaper than Uber in the Algarve, though both are very affordable. If you’re staying nearby, consider taking a transfer both ways to skip the hassle of parking and start your hike when you feel like it.
Best Places to See
The main draw of the Seven Hanging Valleys hike is the breathtaking coastal scenery. While some sections of the trail are more striking than others, much of the same landscape can also be enjoyed by driving to key points and walking to the viewpoints.
Just to make it clear – I strongly recommend hiking the full trail if possible. But if the heat, length, or difficulty is a concern, then driving between highlights is a viable alternative. Just note that parking can be tricky, especially in high season, so this option works best during the quieter months.
Here are the most impressive places to see along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail:
Praia da Marinha
Marinha Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail starts or ends at this beach, but the trail doesn’t take you to the beach itself. You can see it from the viewing area at the top of the cliffs.
In addition, you can easily take a small detour to the beach itself as well. For that, walk east all the way to the end of the viewing area at Praia da Marinha. Soon, you will see steep stairs leading to the beach on your right side.
There is a seasonal restaurant at Marinha Beach.
Good to know: You’ll need to foresee at least 30 minutes of extra time for a visit to this beach.
The Coastline & Natural Arches near Marinha Beach
Some of the most impressive scenery of the 7 Hanging Valleys hike can be found west of Praia da Marinha.
As you start the hike and follow the signs for the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, you will see quite a few small detours to the left towards the edge of the cliffs. Be sure to check out the views here – the area is stunning!
One of our favorite spots here are the colorful rock formations that look a bit like the ones at the famous Falésia Beach between Vilamoura and Albufeira further east. Another must-see is the impressive natural arches (see the picture below and also the featured image at the very top of this article).
TIP: This area is so beautiful that it’s well worth seeing it from the water. So if you have some extra time, we highly recommend going kayaking here. If interested, you can find our detailed guide with tips and recommendations via the link below.
READ ALSO: Top Spots for Kayaking in Algarve
Benagil Cave & Praia de Benagil
Benagil Cave is the Algarve’s most famous sea cave, drawing large crowds year-round.
While you can see the cave from the trail through the hole above, the view is limited. For a closer look, you’ll need to visit the inside of the cave. Keep in mind that disembarking on the beach inside is no longer allowed; you must stay on the boat or kayak.
Access: The cave is only reachable by water, so you’ll need to join a guided kayak tour or a SUP tour. These tours start at Benagil Beach, just a short detour from the trail, and typically last about 2 hours, covering more of the coastline beyond Benagil Cave.
Pro Tip: Benagil Cave is incredibly popular, so if you want to combine a visit to the cave together with the hike without wasting time, be sure to book this in advance!
Planning Tips:
- If starting your hike at Marinha Beach, it takes about 40-60 minutes to reach Benagil. To avoid rushing, schedule your kayak tour 1.5 hours after your planned hike start.
- Alternatively, drive to Benagil to visit the cave before or after the hike, or even explore it by boat on a different day.
Note: Access to sea caves depends on sea conditions, which are usually calmer during the warmer months. For more details, check out our comprehensive guide to visiting Benagil Cave (link below).
LEARN MORE: How to Visit Benagil Cave
Praia do Carvalho
As you continue west from Benagil, you’ll soon reach Carvalho Beach, a small, charming spot accessible via stairs on your left—a short detour we highly recommend!
What makes this beach special is its unique entrance. To reach the sand, you’ll descend stairs and pass through a narrow tunnel carved into the rock. It’s such a fun way to arrive at the beach and a nice change in scenery. If it’s warm and you have swimwear, consider stopping for a swim. Don’t forget quick-drying towels!
For families hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, Carvalho Beach is a must. Kids will love the stairs and tunnel, and it’s a perfect spot for a break or a picnic.
Good to Know: There’s no restaurant at the beach, so bring your own snacks and drinks. A small drinks kiosk is located in the parking area above, but it’s often closed, especially in the low season.
Farol de Alfanzina
Alfanzina Lighthouse, operational since 1920 with a light visible for over 30 miles, is another worthwhile stop along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
While the lighthouse itself isn’t open to visitors and is fenced off, you can walk around it and enjoy the scenic surroundings. The area is beautiful and worth a visit even if you’re not doing the full hike—we’ve made the detour several times and always found it rewarding.
Praia do Vale de Centeanes
Vale de Centeanes Beach is the official starting point of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, but if you’re coming from Praia da Marinha, your hike will end here.
It’s a beautiful beach to relax or even go for a swim after the hike. There’s also a good restaurant, O Stop, offering fresh seafood, homemade cakes, and ice cream. Despite its touristy location, the food and service are good.
The main challenge is finding a free table at lunchtime. If you’re visiting on a weekday outside of the busy summer months, arriving around noon should work. In the summer, it’s best to reserve to guarantee a table. On our visit in April, we arrived around 12:30 PM and found only indoor tables available. By the time we finished lunch, a line had formed outside.
Most Scenic Part of the Hike
If you want to skip the longer sections of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and just do parts of it, the most scenic stretch is between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho. This portion offers the stunning coastal views that the trail is known for.
That said, the area around Alfanzina Lighthouse is also worth exploring, and it’s only a short walk to the end of the trail, where you can enjoy a nice lunch at a beach restaurant.
Overall, walking the trail one way and taking a taxi back isn’t too challenging. We completed it in just 2 hours and 15 minutes, including stops. But if you want to make it even shorter, focus on the stretch between Marinha Beach, Benagil, and Carvalho Beach for the best views.
Hiking Seven Hanging Valleys Trail with Kids
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail can easily be done with children, from around 4-5 years old if they are used to some light hiking. We saw families with kids of that age enjoying parts of the hike. However, the difficulty will depend on the season, the weather, and your kids’ enthusiasm.
The trail has uneven surfaces, steep drops, and potholes, so extra care is needed with younger children. For older kids or teenagers, like ours, the hike is easier and more enjoyable. But as teenagers often prefer not to retrace their steps, we took a taxi to get back to our car.
If you’re hiking with younger children, consider driving to the main viewpoints and walking around each one, or doing a shorter section of the trail followed by some beach time. There are plenty of options to customize the hike based on your family’s needs and kids’ ages.
READ ALSO: Algarve with Kids
Is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail Worth It?
Yes, absolutely. The Seven Hanging Valleys hike brings you to some of the most beautiful coastal areas of the Algarve region. Plus, this is a rather easy hike that only takes a few hours of your time.
Furthermore, you can combine it with a visit to Benagil Cave, spend some time at the beach, and have delicious Portuguese food. It makes for a perfect (half) day trip to the area!
TIP: Explore beyond the Seven Hanging Valleys! The Algarve coast has so much more to offer. If you have some extra time in this area, be sure to check out Algar Seco in Carvoeiro, which is just nearby. The unique scenery here is a must-see, with stunning cliffs and caves that are easily accessible on foot. In addition, there are many other coastal areas, towns, and beaches to explore. Don’t miss out on these nearby gems for a more complete Algarve experience!
READ ALSO: Best Beaches in Algarve
Practical Tips
- Start early or come later in the day. Parking can be scarce, so arriving early in the morning is ideal. If you can’t make it in the morning, consider coming later in the afternoon. The hike at sunset is stunning, but be sure to time it so you’re off the sea cliffs before it gets dark.
- Footwear. Hiking shoes are essential for this trail, regardless of the season. Light hiking shoes (like this) are a good option, as they provide support on uneven terrain. Sneakers may work for short walks, but they can be uncomfortable for longer stretches of the trail. I often see tourists walking to the viewpoints in sneakers and most people struggle even on the seemingly flat terrain. I once visited here in sneakers and it was ok for the viewpoints (I drove everywhere by car), but I wouldn’t have wanted to do the entire hike in them.
- What to bring. Bring plenty of water and a sun hat, and apply sun protection, especially from May to September when it’s hottest. In the summer, bring swimwear and a quick-drying towel. In cooler months, pack a light sweater or jacket, as the wind can get chilly.
- Look back! if you are doing this hike in just one direction, don’t forget to look back once in a while. The scenery is ever-changing and sometimes, the best views are behind you.
READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Algarve
So, this is our guide to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve. I hope that it answers all your questions and helps you plan a perfect visit.
Enjoy your time in this beautiful part of Portugal!
TIP: If you are looking for more travel inspiration, we have tons of articles to help you plan your visit to the Algarve region – see below. For a complete overview, check out our Portugal travel page.
More travel inspiration for the Algarve region:
- My favorite experiences:
- Ponta da Piedade (all the best ways to visit)
- Kayaking at Ponta da Piedade (bucket list!)
- Best towns:
- With kids:
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Andrea
Friday 3rd of November 2023
Thanks a lot for the detailed information. Über worked perfectly on our way back to our car. Without this knowledge, we would't hike the whole way long, thanks for that!
Jurga
Saturday 4th of November 2023
Glad to help, Andrea. Enjoy the rest of your stay in Algarve!
Chris
Tuesday 18th of July 2023
Hi Jurga, thanks for the extremely useful information! We‘ve just returned from the hike which we did from A - Z as recommended by you. It‘s in the middle of July, but cloudy today, that‘s why my family with a 9 and 12 year old reluctantly agreed to join the excursion. We‘ve all enjoyed it very much, the sight, the little trails, the beach bars in between… Time: 2h 20. So, it‘s a really nice hike for families.
Jurga
Wednesday 19th of July 2023
You chose the good day for the hike, Chris. Yesterday was indeed one of the rare grey and cooler days of the summer here. Glad to hear that the whole family enjoyed the hike! Enjoy the rest of your time in the Algarve and if you are looking for something fun to do, check out our article about Slide & Splash water park. I also have one in the drafts about Zoomarine hoping to publish soon. In any case, both of these parks are excellent with kids of that age and in this weather.
Erin
Wednesday 26th of April 2023
Thank you SO MUCH for this guide! We were reading everywhere that you need 6 hours for this hike and we just didn't feel like it was something we could do. We will do the same as you and take a taxi back. It sounds much more doable especially because we will be traveling in the middle of June.
Jurga
Thursday 27th of April 2023
Hi Erin, I know what you mean! I was also wondering how we will manage a 6-hour hike in the heat with kids. But it's so easy to just do it one way, and it didn't even take us 3 hours. It's actually such an easy and beautiful hike. Enjoy it! Just be prepared that it can be very hot in June, so be sure to pack plenty of water and use lots of sun cream!