SETE VALES SUSPENSOS (Seven Hanging Valleys)
37.091695,-8.453938
or
37.090193,-8.412986
There are several walking routes in the Algarve, but if you can only do one, choose the Sete Vales Suspensos route. Even those who don't usually go hiking are amazed by the views that include some of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. It is considered one of the best trails on the continent and those who follow it agree.
The golden cliffs, the turquoise sea, the Mediterranean flora, and the peculiar rock formations and caves are some of the most impressive images of the Algarve, making this tour one of the most unforgettable and unmissable experiences in Portugal. Bring your cell phone or camera well-charged, as you will certainly take countless photos.
The trail connects Praia da Marinha (Marinha Beach), (to the east) to Praia de Vale Centeanes (Vale Centeanes Beach), (to the west), and you can start the walk at any of these beaches or those halfway along the route. Most walkers start at the beautiful Praia da Marinha. From there they cross the cliff to the west, passing by the beaches of Benagil and Carvalho, before ending at Praia de Vale Centeanes. Many people take a break at Benagil Beach and visit the famous cave by boat. Some of these boat trips continue along the coast, passing through other hidden caves and tall rock formations in the sea, which look like authentic works of art, sculpted by the forces of nature over thousands of years.
The walking route is relatively easy but is not recommended for elderly people, very young children or those with reduced mobility. It is also quite safe, but it is recommended that you keep a safe distance from the edge of the cliffs, as only some parts are fenced. In total, the trail is 5.7 kilometers long, but some choose to complete it and return to the starting point, thus covering around 12 kilometers. Depending on how many times you stop to rest or take photos, getting from one end to the other could take more than two hours (more than four hours, round trip). Many relax on the beaches in between, making this a full-day activity. Between the beaches of Carvalho and Vale Centeanes, there is a picnic area near the Alfanzina lighthouse. If you want to walk only a short distance, just take the route between Praia da Marinha Marinha and Praia de Benagil, which is undoubtedly the most impressive part.
The best time of year to do this hike is spring or autumn. If you choose summer, it's best to go early in the morning or late afternoon, when temperatures are milder and sun exposure is less intense. Always wear light clothing, suitable and comfortable footwear, a hat and sunglasses, and don't forget sunscreen. Also, bring water and food.
The name of the route comes from seven deep valleys that flow above sea level – “hanging valleys”. Information panels placed along the trail explain the geology, fauna, and flora of the place.
The beaches in the Seven Hanging Valleys
There are four beaches accessible through the cliffs on the Sete Vales Suspensos trail (there are others accessible only by boat). They are:
MARINHA BEACH
It is one of the most famous beaches in the Algarve, which everyone says is a must-visit. Even those who don't stay sunbathing or sea, spend some time observing the spectacular rock formations from the top of the cliffs.
CARVALHO BEACH
Access to this beach is through a tunnel dug in the ground. It has a fairytale setting, not only because of the “secret” access but also because of the “window” opened in the cliff that frames a perfect view for photographs, with a rock perfectly centered on the sea.
BENAGIL BEACH
It's not a very big beach, and it wouldn't be as visited as it is today if it weren't the main departure point for boats to the famous Benagil cave. This is considered one of the most extraordinary sea caves in the world, and if you can't go by boat, you can always see the interior from above, through the opening you find when following the trail over the cliff.
VALE CENTEANES BEACH
Boats also leave from this beach to the Benagil cave. It is close to Carvoeiro, so it is where many tourists start their walk through the Seven Hanging Valleys, instead of doing it at Praia da Marinha Marinha. Unlike many beaches in this region, it has a restaurant, perfect for recovering energy at the end of the walk.
How to get to the Seven Hanging Valleys
The Seven Hanging Valleys are in the municipality of Lagoa, which is best accessed by car. Trains from Faro and other Algarve locations stop at Estômbar-Lagoa station, but this is outside the city center and far from the coast. The bus is therefore the only reasonable public transport option. Vamus number 52 is in service between May 1st and October 31st, and runs six times a day (every two hours) between Alvor and Armação de Pêra, with stops at Praia da Rocha (Portimão), Ferragudo, Carvoeiro and beaches of Carvalho, Benagil and Marinha, which are part of the Sete Vales Suspensos trail. There is also bus 77, but this has a very limited service. It runs a circular route to/from the Lagoa bus terminal, stopping at Praia da Marinha Marinha and Benagil, but only three times a day between May and October (once in the morning and twice in the afternoon), and only twice between November and April (one in the morning and one in the afternoon). Check the current times on the Vamus website.
If you are staying in Carvoeiro, you can walk from the town center to Praia de Vale Centeanes and start the walk there.
From other parts of the Lagoa area, such as Porches, or even the cities of Portimão, Armação de Pêra, and Albufeira, you can also opt for a taxi or Uber (taxi can be expensive; Uber is a little more economical).
If you come by car, take the A22 or N125 from anywhere in the Algarve to Lagoa and then head towards Praia da Marinha Marinha. This is the beach with the most parking on the Sete Vales Suspensos route Sete Vales Suspensos, but it's still a good idea to arrive early to find a spot.
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