How To Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Path: The Final Information

The Seven Hanging Valleys Path (Sete Vales Suspensos) is a wonderful coastal hike situated within the Algarve area of southern Portugal. This half-day hike is among the prime issues to do within the Algarve, with stunning seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the putting Atlantic coast. Regardless of the place you might be staying within the Algarve area of Portugal, ensure 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, seaside entry, and even locations to take pleasure in meals and wine, the journey begins with beautiful views of Acro Pure, or as our information favored to name it, Elephant Rock and Praia da Marinha Seashore. It’s a reasonably difficult hike, so ensure that to put on good climbing sneakers and carry water.

• Location: Algarve, Portugal
• Size: 5.7 kilometers (a method)
• Issue: Average
• Length: 3-4 hours (a method)
• Greatest Time to Go to: Spring (March to Could) 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 out there close to the trailhead. Parking fills up shortly, and it’s tough to discover a spot. Overflow parking tons are filled with potholes and dust roads, so watch out when you’ve got rented a automotive. We almost bottomed out, attempting to get out of the parking zone.

In the event you drive, you’ll have to hike again, so ensure that to issue that into your time.

Public Transport: Buses run from main cities within the Algarve to Carvoeiro. From there, you may rent a taxi, Uber, or Tuk Tuk.

From Carvoeiro, you may take a taxi to the trailhead or hike immediately from the seaside. The path connects to Carvoeiro; it would simply add a bit extra time

We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoiero Lodge in Carvoiero, which provided free shuttles to the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and we may hike the whole method again to the lodge.

What to Anticipate on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike

Through the Seven Hanging Valleys path hike, you may anticipate to see among the most stunning landscapes on earth. A number of years in the past, we hiked the Nice Ocean Highway in Australia and thought there could possibly be no extra stunning place on earth. Nevertheless, 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 provides an unforgettable expertise for everybody.

In the event you don’t need to hike the whole 5.7 km, there are parking tons dotted all through the hike, so you may exit and see a portion of the path and its views. So, even in the event you aren’t up for a hike, at the very least make it to 1 or two of the lookout factors.

It’s an up-and-down climb (it’s known as the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, in spite of everything), so you’ll be climbing as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which climbing down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly tough, however when you’ve got mobility points, it’s a drawback, and the bottom is uneven.

From the 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 seaside, there’s one entry level and you’ll have to scramble down. So simply bear in mind, you’ll have to come again up.

Which Course Ought to You Hike?

Probably the most picturesque a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path begins at Praia da Marina, so we propose beginning right here. Plus, in the event you take all day, you may finish in Carvoiero to take pleasure in dinner, drinks or buying.

Ensure that to start out 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 will help you profit from your journey.

1. Praia da Marinha

Praia da Marinha is the start line for many hikers, and it is among 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. In the event you proceed to stroll you will see that that the crowds skinny out.

Ensure that to take the time to hike out to the assorted viewpoints. There may be seaside entry, and you may go all the way down to calm down on the golden sands, take pleasure in totally different views of the seaside’s iconic double arch, and discover sea caves.

2. Clifftop Views

As you ascend from Praia da Marinha, you’ll be greeted with extra putting views of the Atlantic Ocean. Trails lead out to a excessive plateau, providing numerous views of the ocean arches and suggestive shoreline.

3. Benagil Cave

Benagil Cave is among the star sights of the Algarve, and it’s potential to see it from the path by way of its skylight. Nevertheless, there isn’t a entry to the within, and there are ropes round it, so the view isn’t one of the best.

It’s a in style cease on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and there’s a close by parking zone, so folks merely stroll out to see it.

In the event you actually need to see Benagil Cave, we propose reserving an organized tour by boat or kayak. The foundations concerning methods to see it are continually altering, and we now have lined them right here. Nevertheless, no person is allowed to swim or step foot on the seaside contained in the cave, and solely organized excursions can take you. So ensure that to guide with a licensed information.

4. Praia de Benagil

The following cease is Praia de Benagil. It is a great spot to take a break, seize some lunch, and benefit from the seaside. You’ll have to stroll down a set of stairs to the seaside and city, however the path is well-marked with yellow and crimson stripes on rocks and signposts. These markers will information you alongside the route. We had no hassle discovering our method.

The path is dotted with wildflowers and resilient shrubs. You could be trying down on the views of the water continually, however ensure that to lookup each from time to time and preserve an eye fixed out for seabirds hovering overhead. Sometimes, you may 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 might be 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 putting sight with its basic white tower and crimson roof.

This part of the path is comparatively reasonable, with well-marked paths that sometimes turn out to be rocky and uneven. Alongside the best way, hikers can look forward to 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 calm down, hire an umbrella, or take pleasure in a beer. This stunning seaside has a big sea cave, golden sand, and welcoming clear waters. Towering limestone cliffs body the seaside, which provides a number of small caves and grottos to discover.

There’s a snack bar, and excursions might be booked right here. Regardless of its pure magnificence and facilities, Vale Centeanes Seashore is usually 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 calm down 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 may proceed to stroll to the lodge from the seaside. You may truly stroll all the best way 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 seaside which is just accessible at low tide.

Even in case you are not staying on the Tivoli Carvoiero, you may proceed to stroll in the direction of city. We noticed lots of people going by way of 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 by way of its rock home windows. Probably the most notable is Boneca Cave, which interprets to “Doll’s Cave.” This pure formation has two window-like openings that body gorgeous 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 this can be 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 wonderful technique to benefit from the coastal views as you make your technique to the ultimate vacation spot.

10. Carvoeiro

The Seven Hanging Valleys Path ended a number of stops in the past, however it’s value climbing on to Carvoeiro. There are many eating choices, similar to sitting on a patio to take pleasure in views of the seaside, consuming some seafood, and sipping a cocktail.

It is usually simpler to rent an Uber or taxi from right here. Climbing a method moderately than out and again enables you to see far more of the Carvoeiro Coastal Stroll that continues after the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. Plus, Carvoeiro has a seaside the place you may take pleasure in a dip within the sea earlier than heading again to your lodge.

Ideas for Climbing the Seven Hanging Valleys Path

Put on Correct Footwear: The path is rocky and uneven in locations. Sturdy climbing 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 might be intense. Put on sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades.

Verify the Climate: Keep away from climbing 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 superb.

Respect Nature: Stick with marked paths to guard the delicate coastal setting and keep away from disturbing wildlife.

Security First: Some components of the path are near cliff edges. Watch your step and preserve 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 submit: 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 gorgeous ocean views, this path showcases the pure great thing about Portugal’s southern coast. Whether or not you’re an skilled hiker or simply in search of a scenic stroll, the Seven Hanging Valleys Path guarantees an unforgettable expertise.

So pack your digicam, lace up your climbing boots, and prepare to discover certainly one of Portugal’s most stunning coastal trails!