The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail may well be the most beautiful walk in the Algarve. You follow the clifftops along the coast of Lagoa, with golden rocks, hidden coves and bright blue water below you. If you are staying nearby, this is a route you really should walk at least once.
In this blog you will find everything you need to know: where the trail starts, how long it is, what you will see along the way and when to walk it.
What is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?
In Portuguese the route is called Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, with the official code PR1 LGA. The name refers to the valleys that end abruptly at the cliffs, as if they are hanging above the sea. The trail is well marked with red and yellow waymarks and follows the coast between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Vale de Centeanes, close to Carvoeiro.
Length, duration and difficulty
The trail is about 6 kilometres one way. If you walk there and back, it is around 12 kilometres. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours one way and 5 to 6 hours for the full return walk, including stops for photos and a swim.
The difficulty is moderate. The path is mostly unpaved and rocky in places, with a few steep steps and climbs. With reasonable fitness and good shoes, most people will manage it fine.
What will you see along the way?
The beauty of this walk is that every bend brings something new. These are the highlights:
- Praia da Marinha: one of the best-known beaches in Portugal, with its famous rock arches.
- Benagil: a small fishing village with a beach. From the clifftop you look down into the famous cave. Want to know more? Read everything you need to know about Benagil Cave.
- Praia do Carvalho: a hidden beach that you reach through a tunnel in the rock.
- Farol de Alfanzina: the lighthouse on the cliffs, a nice place for a break halfway.
- Praia do Vale de Centeanes: the end point, a quiet beach where you can relax with a drink.
Where do you start?
You can walk the trail in either direction. Most walkers start at Praia da Marinha, because there is a large car park. At Praia do Vale de Centeanes you park along the road and there is less space. Note that in summer the car park at Praia da Marinha fills up early, so arrive in good time.
Don’t want to walk all the way back? You can also turn around halfway at Benagil, or take a taxi or Uber back to your car at the end.
When is the best time to walk?
You can walk the trail all year round, but spring and autumn are ideal. It is pleasantly warm then and much quieter than in summer. If you walk in July or August, go early in the morning. There is little shade along the way and the sun can be strong.
Tips for your walk
- Bring plenty of water, there is hardly anywhere to buy anything along the way.
- Wear sturdy shoes, flip-flops are not a good idea on the rocks.
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a hat.
- Stay on the path and keep away from the edge. The cliffs are limestone and can crumble.
- Bring your swimwear for a dip at Benagil or Praia da Marinha.
Staying near the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The trail lies in the municipality of Lagoa, where two of our villas are located too. From Villa Torrinha and Casa Tá Top you are at the starting point in no time. After a morning of walking, there is nothing better than coming back to your own villa.
Curious what else Lagoa has to offer? Read more about Lagoa in the Algarve or view all our villas.