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 without doubt one of the high issues to do within the Algarve, with stunning seashores, pure arches, limestone cliffs, and views of the placing Atlantic coast. Irrespective of the place you might be staying within the Algarve area of Portugal, be sure 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, referred to as one of the vital stunning seashores in Europe.
Hugging the Atlantic Ocean with excessive viewpoints, seashore entry, and even locations to take pleasure in meals and wine, the journey begins with attractive views of Acro Pure, or as our information preferred to name it, Elephant Rock and Praia da Marinha Seashore. It’s a reasonably difficult hike, so be sure to put on good mountaineering footwear and carry water.
Location: Algarve, Portugal
Size: 5.7 kilometers (a technique)
Problem: Average
Period: 3-4 hours (a technique)
Greatest Time to Go to: Spring (March to Could) and Autumn (September to November)
Getting There
By Automotive: 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 troublesome to discover a spot. Overflow parking tons are filled with potholes and grime roads, so watch out in case you have rented a automobile. We almost bottomed out, making an attempt to get out of the car parking zone.
If you happen to drive, you’ll have to hike again, so be sure 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 straight from the seashore. The path connects to Carvoeiro; it’ll simply add a bit extra time
We stayed on the Tivoli Carvoiero Lodge in Carvoiero, which supplied free shuttles to the beginning of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and we might hike all the manner again to the resort.
What to Count on on the Seven Hanging Valleys Hike
In the course of the Seven Hanging Valleys path hike, you may anticipate to see a number of the most stunning landscapes on earth. A couple of years in the past, we hiked the Nice Ocean Street in Australia and thought there might 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 gives an unforgettable expertise for everybody.
If you happen to don’t need to hike all the 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 if you happen to aren’t up for a hike, no less than 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 any case), so you can be mountaineering as much as plateaus overlooking the Atlantic Ocean after which mountaineering down into villages and seashores. It’s not overly troublesome, however in case you have mobility points, it’s a drawback, and the bottom is uneven.
From the car parking zone of Praia da Marinha, it’s even so that you don’t need to climb as much as begin the journey. If you wish to go to the seashore, 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?
Essentially the most picturesque a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path begins at Praia da Marina, so we propose beginning right here. Plus, if you happen to take all day, you may finish in Carvoiero to take pleasure in dinner, drinks or buying.
Make sure 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 place to begin for many hikers, and it is without doubt one of the most crowded locations. Lots of people hike out only a brief distance to view Elephant Rock and one in all Portugal’s most stunning seashores from the path earlier than heading again. If you happen to proceed to stroll you will see that that the crowds skinny out.
Make sure that to take the time to hike out to the varied viewpoints. There’s seashore entry, and you may go right down to chill out on the golden sands, take pleasure in completely different views of the seashore’s iconic double arch, and discover sea caves.
2. Clifftop Views
As you ascend from Praia da Marinha, you’ll be greeted with extra placing 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 without doubt one of the star points of interest of the Algarve, and it’s potential to see it from the path via its skylight. Nevertheless, there is no such thing as a entry to the within, and there are ropes round it, so the view isn’t the most effective.
It’s a well-liked cease on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, and there’s a close by car parking zone, so individuals merely stroll out to see it.
If you happen to actually need to see Benagil Cave, we propose reserving an organized tour by boat or kayak. The foundations concerning the way to see it are always altering, and now we have lined them right here. Nevertheless, no one is allowed to swim or step foot on the seashore contained in the cave, and solely organized excursions can take you. So be sure to e-book 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 seashore. You’ll have to stroll down a set of stairs to the seashore 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 bother discovering our manner.
The path is dotted with wildflowers and resilient shrubs. You could be trying down on the views of the water always, however be sure to lookup each from time to time and maintain a watch out for seabirds hovering overhead. Sometimes, you may even see dolphins within the waters beneath. We noticed them on our boat tour only a brief distance offshore.
5. Farol de Alfanzina (Alfanzina Lighthouse)
The path from Benagil to Alfanzina Lighthouse winds alongside cliffs which are a bit extra rugged than the remainder of the path. From Benagil, its an uphill climb up a set of stairs. As you method 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 placing sight with its traditional white tower and crimson roof.
This part of the path is comparatively reasonable, with well-marked paths that often turn out to be rocky and uneven. Alongside the best way, hikers can anticipate 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 chill out, lease an umbrella, or take pleasure in a beer. This stunning seashore has a big sea cave, golden sand, and welcoming clear waters. Towering limestone cliffs body the seashore, which gives a number of small caves and grottos to discover.
There’s a snack bar, and excursions may be booked right here. Regardless of its pure magnificence and facilities, Vale Centeanes Seashore is usually much less crowded than a number of the extra well-known Algarve seashores. Most individuals don’t make it this far on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, so it’s a very good place to chill out 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 resort from the seashore. You’ll be able to truly stroll all the best way to the city of Carvoiero from the Seven Hanging Valleys Path.
Vale Covo Seashore is a unprecedented cease with a large sea cave to view. There are stairs right down to the seashore which is just accessible at low tide.
Even in case you are not staying on the Tivoli Carvoiero, you may proceed to stroll in direction of city. We noticed lots of people going via 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 recognized for views via its rock home windows. Essentially 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 it is a good level to only benefit from the boardwalks and views till you get to the city of Carvoeiro. The boardwalk is accessible and a wonderful approach to benefit from the coastal views as you make your approach to the ultimate vacation spot.
10. Carvoeiro
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path ended a number of stops in the past, however it’s value mountaineering on to Carvoeiro. There are many eating choices, corresponding to sitting on a patio to take pleasure in views of the seashore, consuming some seafood, and sipping a cocktail.
It’s also simpler to rent an Uber or taxi from right here. Mountaineering a technique 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 seashore the place you may take pleasure in a dip within the sea earlier than heading again to your resort.
Ideas for Mountaineering the Seven Hanging Valleys Path
Put on Correct Footwear: The path is rocky and uneven in locations. Sturdy mountaineering boots or footwear with good grip are important.
Keep Hydrated: There are not any services alongside the path, so carry loads of water and a few snacks.
Solar Safety: The Algarve solar may be intense. Put on sunscreen, a hat, and sun shades.
Verify the Climate: Keep away from mountaineering 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 supreme.
Respect Nature: Follow 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 maintain 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 supply 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 fantastic thing about Portugal’s southern coast. Whether or not you’re an skilled hiker or simply on the lookout for a scenic stroll, the Seven Hanging Valleys Path guarantees an unforgettable expertise.
So pack your digital camera, lace up your mountaineering boots, and prepare to discover one in all Portugal’s most stunning coastal trails!