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Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – a 2025 guide

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a not-to-miss hike in the Algarve. This 6-kilometer route is known for its breathtaking scenery. It offers spectacular views of the rugged coast, limestone cliffs, picturesque beaches, and natural caves. The trail is a great short alternative to the famous Fishermen’s Trail, a multi-day route along the west coast of the Algarve.

A wooden boardwalk with a viewpoint on the edge of a cliff in the Algarve, Portugal
A lookout point at the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Portugal

The route overview

  • Total distance – 6 km/3,7 mi one way, it’s a linear route
  • Time – from 2 hours
  • Total ascent – 210 m
  • Total descent – 228 m
  • Difficulty – moderate
  • Starting point – Praia da Marinha, Lagoa/Praia do Vale de Centianes, Carvoeiro
  • Finishing point – Praia do Vale de Centianes, Carvoeiro/Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
  • Walking route – Praia da Marinha – Benagil (at 2 km) – Praia do Carvalho (at 3,5 km) – Alfanzina Lighthouse (at 5 km) – Praia do Vale de Centianes (at 6 km).

GPX file of the trail

You can download our GPX file of the trail and use it on your device (GPS watch or phone) for navigation.

Where is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?

The trail is situated in Southern Algarve, between the towns of Carvoeiro and Albufeira (much closer to Carvoeiro). The famous nearby attractions are Marinhas Beach and Benagil Cave.

Distance to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail from the 6 main tourist towns in the Algarve

  • from Faro – 58 km/36 mi
  • from Vilamoura – 40 km/25 mi
  • from Albufeira – 25 km/15,5 mi
  • from Carvoeiro – 7 km/4,3 mi to the east point, 700 m/0,4 mi – to the west point of the trail
  • from Portimão – 16 km/10 mi
  • from Lagos – 43 km/26,7 mi
A map of the Algarve region with 6 main touristy towns and a hiking trail
The location of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in the Algarve

Local tours and activities

How long is the 7 Hanging Valleys trail?

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a 6 km/3,7 mi linear route. It can be walked as a return trail then the total distance will be 12 km/7,4 mi.

The beautiful Marinha Beach is the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Marinha Beach is one of the highlights of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Where does it start?

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail starts at the famous Marinha Beach, about 7 km from Lagoa. The Micheline Guide named it one of the top 10 beaches in Europe and one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. Lagoa is the nearest town.

Technically the trail doesn’t go to the beach. From the lookout point at the parking lot, the beach is on the left down the stairs and the trailhead is on the right. Once you start following the trail you won’t get to the beach. You can go there before the hike. 

Where does it finish?

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail finishes at Praia do Vale de Centianes in Carvoeiro. The beach is about 2 km from the center of the town and Carvoeiro Beach. The beach area has many guesthouses, a couple of restaurants, and a shop. If you want to stay close to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail there are plenty of accommodation options in Carvoeiro. 

How to get to the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?

The easiest way to get to the start of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is by car. If you’re planning to explore the Algarve and visit several locations renting a car is highly recommended. There are public buses and trains but it takes much longer, and some beaches can’t be reached by public transport. For navigating put Marinha Beach in Google Maps and it’ll lead you directly to the parking lot by the beach.

Rugged cliffs, pinnacles, and a small sandy beach, a view from the top of the cliffs
Hikers get stunning views of the coast right from the start of the trail

If you don’t have a car you can get by bus to Lagoa. Public buses run between the towns in the Algarve. From Lagoa take a taxi or Uber to get to the trailhead. Uber works great in the Algarve. If you don’t want to rent a car and want to get around quickly (without waiting for buses and trains) it’s your best option, especially for relatively short distances.

Places to stay nearby

If you want to stay close to the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail I would recommend Carvoeiro. It’s a nice small beach town with many hotels, restaurants, and bars. 

If you’d rather stay in a bigger place Lagos is a great option. It’s 30 km from the trail. Several beautiful sandy beaches in Lagos are great for tanning, surfing, kayaking, etc. The town has many hostels, hotels, restaurants, bars, and supermarkets.

Is the route well-marked?

Yes, it’s marked with yellow and red stripes painted on wooden poles or rocks from end to end. The route marking of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the same as for the Rota Vicentina. It’s easy to follow the trail in either direction. The route follows the coast from the start to the end even if you miss a sign just continue walking on a footpath along the cliffs.

A white and red route marking on a wooden fence on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Route marking on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail – route options

Walking the trail from start to end

You walk the trail from point to point starting at Marinha Beach and finishing at Vale de Centianes Beach. The total distance of this route is 6 km/3,7 mi. It takes 2 hours to complete it. If you start early in the morning you can be done by 10 am. You can take a taxi or an Uber to get back to your car.

Walking to and back

You can walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail as a return route from Marinha Beach to Vale de Centianes Beach and back. The total distance of the route is 12 km/7,4 mi. It takes 4-5 hours to complete it. In this case, you don’t have to worry about getting to your car.

Doing a part of the trail

You can do any part of the trail that has car access. The most beautiful views are on the Marinha Beach to Benagil Beach part. But there are usually many tourists, especially in summer. The distance is 2 km/1,2 mi one way.

The part between Vale de Centianes Beach and Praia do Carvalho is the least crowded even in the peak season there won’t be too many people. That part is 2,5 km/1,5 mi one way.

The middle part between Benagil Beach and Carvalho Beach has nice caves and beautiful beaches. The distance of that part is 1,5 km/1 mi one way.

Can the trail be walked in either direction?

Yes, the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail can be walked in either direction; starting at Marinha Beach and finishing at Praia do Vale de Centianes or in reverse. Which direction is better is difficult to say. The views are great both ways make sure from time to time to look back. If you drive it’s better to start at Marinha Beach because there is a spacious parking lot nearby.

How to get back after the hike?

The Seven Hanging Valleys trail is a linear route. If you park your car at the start of the trail to get back to it you can either walk back or take an Uber. Walking can be nice if you have enough time. In this case, the hike will take a big part of the day including at least one long stop for lunch and rest. Plan to spend 5-6 hours on the trail. 

If you don’t have time to do the return hike you can take an Uber. We often use Uber in the Algarve it’s cheap and fast. To take a normal Uber (up to 4 people) from Praia do Vale de Centianes to Praia da Marinha costs around 6 euros. For a larger car that can take more than 4 passengers, you’ll pay 10 euros. Waiting time is between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the season. You’ll need an Uber app on your phone to use it.

If you don’t have a car and staying near the trail you can take an Uber both ways to get to the trailhead and back to your hotel.

Marinha Beach from a lookout point on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Portugal
A view of Marinha Beach from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

What is the scenery like on the trail?

The scenery on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is spectacular; rugged limestone cliffs, bizarrely shaped pinnacles, picturesque sandy beaches, dramatic drops, caves and tunnels, and stunning lookout points. It is truly one of the most beautiful coastal hiking routes we’ve ever done. I recommend having enough time to walk the trail to enjoy the scenery.

If you’re looking for a less touristy route with stunning views I recommend the Trail of the Headlands. It’s a 6-kilometer coastal trail that starts in Carvoeiro.

Can you hike to Benagil Cave?

Yes and no. The famous Benagil Cave is on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You can see the hole on the surface but can’t look inside the cave. There is a fence around it that prevents people from getting close to the edges of the cave.

The only way to get to Benagil Cave is on a boat or kayak tour. Due to new restrictions you are not allowed to disembark on the beach inside the cave. The tour takes about 2 hours. In summer it’s recommended to book a tour in advance.

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail map

A map of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
My walking route map of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail description

The route is 6 km one way but with walking around to different lookout points and going down to the beaches your total distance will be more. My total distance was 7 km. 

I’ve divided the trail into three parts according to how busy it is. 

Elevation profile of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail in Portugal
Elevation profile of my walk on the trail. As you can see there are very few ascents and descents on the route

Part 1. Marinha Beach – Benagil Beach, 2 km/1,2 mi

The first part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is from Marinha Beach to Benagil Beach. It’s a 2-kilometer stretch that is extremely busy. Many tourists walk this part between two beaches. Marinha Beach and Benagil are two sights in the Algarve that attract thousands of people. I think this part has the most impressive views over the cliffs, pinnacles with arches, and beaches. 

At Benagil Beach there are 4 restaurants. After that, there will be no cafes or restaurants till the end of the trail except for a food kiosk at Carvalho Beach.

The highlights of the first part include Marinha Beach, Mirador dos Arcos viewpoint, Mesquite Beach, Corredoura Beach, Bengali Cave, and Benagil Beach.

A view of the Benagil Beach from the top of the cliffs on the Seven Hanging Valley Trail
Benagil Beach from a viewpoint on the trail

Part 2. Benagil Beach – Praia do Carvalho, 1,5 km/1 mi

The second part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail from Benagil Beach to Praia do Carvalho is about 1,5 km. Once you pass the Benagil there will be significantly fewer people. Praia do Carvalho is not to be missed here. It’s a small picturesque beach surrounded by limestone cliffs. The access to the beach is through a tunnel with a long staircase. 

The highlights of the second part are stunning views of Benagil Beach from the top of the cliffs, a cave with a long staircase leading to Carvalho Beach, and Carvalho Beach itself.

A tunnel with many stairs, Carvalho Beach, Algarve
The tunnel with a staircase leads to Carvalho Beach, one of the beaches on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

Part 3. Praia do Carvalho – Praia do Vale de Centianes, 2,5 km/1,5 mi

The last part from Praia do Carvalho to Praia do Vale de Centianes is the least crowded. It’s a 2.5-kilometer stretch. I walked the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail on a public holiday and there were few people on this part of the trail. There is a nice picnic spot in the forest at 4,6 km. I enjoyed the last part because it was quiet. The parts of the trail go through the pine forest offering some shade. This part can be called the most challenging because of a long staircase leading up from Carvalho Beach and a couple of ascents and descents along the way. 

The highlights of the last part include several natural pits, Cabo Carvoeiro, several viewpoints, Alfanzina Lighthouse, Vale Suspenso Viewpoint, and Praia do Vale de Centianes. 

Stunning scenery on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail between Alfazina Lighthouse and Praia do Vale de Centianes

The best time for hiking

Weatherwise spring is our favorite time for hiking in Portugal. We’ve done several hikes and long-distance walks along the Portuguese Coast in April/May including the famous Fisherman’s Trail, a beautiful coastal hike in the Western Algarve.

During the summer months, June to September it gets very hot especially from mid-July to mid-September. It’s not the best time for hiking in the Algarve. It’s the peak season for the region there are thousands of people everywhere. If you walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail during these months it’s highly recommended to start early in the morning before it gets very crowded and too hot.

From the second half of September to mid-November it is warm, mostly sunny, and far less crowded than in the summer. Just like the spring, it’s a good time for hiking.

The winter months December to February are cooler and rainier but there are still plenty of sunny days. Except for the Christmas holiday overall that time of the year there are very few tourists. It’s a pleasant time for hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. You don’t have to worry about starting early or finding parking. 

Natural arches in a cliff sticking into the sea on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Two natural arches from a viewpoint at the beginning of the trail

Tips for hiking in the Algarve

  1. Start the hike early in the morning, especially during the summer months. This way you’ll skip the midday heat. 
  2. If you stop for a picnic take all your rubbish and leftovers with you. 
  3. Carry enough water.
  4. Use sunscreen and wear a hat/cap.
  5. Stay on the marked trail.
  6. Don’t climb over the wooden fences to come close to the caves. It’s not safe for you and not good for the structures. Limestone cliffs are very fragile.
  7. If you walk the trail during the busiest months (July and August) and don’t want to spend an hour waiting for your food at one of the restaurants along the trail rather bring snacks or sandwiches with you. There are places to stop for rest and lunch on the trail. 
  8. To find a parking spot, especially on weekends and during the peak season, it’s recommended to arrive at the Marinha Beach parking early in the morning.
Carvoeiro is the end of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail finishes in the spectacular town of Carvoeiro

What to pack for the hike?

Questions or Comments?

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Annika

Sunday 13th of October 2024

Thank you for this! I’m doing the hike tomorrow. I was worried if it’s too much to walk both ways but the Uber tip was excellent!

Stingy Nomads

Sunday 13th of October 2024

Hello Annika. Thank you for the comment. Enjoy the trail. I hope it's a nice day tomorrow. Cheers

Munsu

Monday 23rd of September 2024

Hi,

Thank you for the detailed information! I'm planning to do the Rota Vicentina soon and will have a couple of days in Lagos afterward. I was wondering if this trail would still be worth exploring after experiencing the Rota Vicentina, or if it might feel too similar? Would you recommend any other activities or places to visit instead?

Thanks again!

Stingy Nomads

Monday 23rd of September 2024

Hello. Thank you for the comment. The scenery on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a bit similar to the last part of the Fishermen's Trail in particular the area around Ponta da Piedade in Lagos. It's a short and beautiful route it's worth doing it if after completing the Fishermen's trail you still feel like walking. Otherwise you can do something different e.g. a boat tour to visit the caves or dolphin watching tour, or kayaking. There are many water activities in Lagos that you can enjoy. Cheers

naomi

Wednesday 26th of June 2024

How is the view from here for sunset - thinking to do this later on to catch a nice sunset, or would you advise on going elsewhere for sunset? thanks!

Stingy Nomads

Thursday 4th of July 2024

Hello Naomi. Thank you for the comment. If you face the sea the sun will set behind your back. Cabo de Sao Vicenter in Sagres is one of the best places for watching the sunset in that part of the Algarve. The sunrise though should be good from the trail. Cheers

Mike

Monday 10th of July 2023

Hi! Thanks for the guide. Is there a section off the trail where you can go thru some tunnels and actually get out on the coast, not at a beach but along the cliffs? We did a boat tour and saw people coming out of caves on to stairs somewhere. Thanks!

Stingy Nomads

Thursday 13th of July 2023

Hello Mike. Thank you for the comment. No, there is no section on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail where you go through tunnels and get out on the cliffs. The only tunnel on the trail leads to Carvalho Beach. Cheers

Annouck

Monday 10th of April 2023

Hi,

Great guide, thanks a lot for writing this! I do have and question, is this trail something you can do with small children? (4 years) or is this too difficult? (we wouldn't do the whole trail of course but maybe just the first part of the route)

Thanks a lot for answering!

Annouck and family

Stingy Nomads

Monday 10th of April 2023

Hello Annouck. Thank you for the comment. I would say the entire Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is not really suitable for small children. The trail often goes along the edge of the cliffs I don't think it's very safe for a 4-year-old. The first part from Marinha Beach should be fine as there are wooden rails along the trail. I'd suggest walking from Marinha Beach to Benagil Beach and back, 4 km return. The views are spectacular and I saw people with small children walking there. Cheers

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