When, last year in March I went to visit a friend in the Algarve, the only thing I insisted on doing while there, was hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. Luckily she was up for it, and we tackled it on what turned out to be our only day without rain.

The trail takes one along the coastal strip between Praia da Marinha, about 7 km from Lagoa and Praia de Vale Centeanes, roughly 7 km from Carvoeiro. It is a moderate linear, 6 km hike along rocky dirt paths with spectacular views of the coastline, which is accessible throughout the year, although perhaps best to avoid on very windy or rainy days, as one is quite exposed on the cliff tops. The cliffs along the coastline are also unstable, so it is advisable to keep to the paths and away from the cliff edges. The most exposed stretches of the trail, as well as the sinkholes are fenced off, but one should definitely be aware of the potential danger, as the reason for this incredible coastline is exactly its instability.

The enigmatic karst landscape the Algarve is famous for, is carved out of limestone rocks that are estimated to be between 16 and 24 million years old. Because the calcareous rock is very susceptible to the influence of rain, the sea, and other living creatures, it also erodes in interesting ways. The sinkholes and arches are often the most spectacular, but there are many other shapes to marvel at.

The process of erosion means that the coastline is constantly in the process of changing and receding. Anything between 2 mm and 2 metres per year.

The trail gets its name from the ‘hanging valleys’ that were created when rapid erosion of the coastline changed the landscape. In the distant past, each one of the valleys as it is refered to, was the mouth of a stream flowing into the ocean, but as they are no longer at sea level, they are left hanging above the ravines the trail passes through.

Various signposts along the trail give snippets of information in both English and Portuguese explaining not just various features in the landscape, but also fauna and flora.

Depending on the season one can make a whole day out of it, stopping along the way at one of the beaches for a swim or a picnic, and for the energic overachievers there is always the possibility to hike back to the starting point.

Notes:

Hiking trail distances: 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)

Marinha Beach is about 7 km from Lagoa. From the lookout point at the Marinha Beach Parking, the beach is on the left-hand side down the stairs, while the trailhead is on the right.

If you want to see Benagil Cave (a very popular tourist activity) you can combine it with the hike by doing a kayak or boat tour from Benagil Beach. If not, it is a great spot for having a coffee and pastry at the cafe by the beach before continuing.

Praia do Carvalho is a small picturesque beach surrounded by limestone cliffs, and accessed through a tunnel with a long staircase, which is worth the little detour, as it feels like one is venturing into something secretive. 

The trail is marked with yellow and red stripes painted on wooden poles or rocks. It’s easy to walk it in either direction, but some sites recommend starting at Marinha beach, as there is easy parking. The route follows the coast from the start to the end, and even if you miss a sign you can simply continue walking along the cliffs until you pick up a marker again. You can’t get lost, and as it isn’t off the beaten track, there are always other people around, not necessarily hiking the trail, but just out for a walk in the area.

If you don’t have a car you can always make use of an Uber to get to and from the starting and end points.

Written by: Jolandi