A path along the cliffs
The Seven Hanging Valleys trail, known in Portuguese as the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, is one of the best-known coastal walks in the Algarve. It follows the clifftops between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes, near Carvoeiro, passing over dry valleys that end abruptly above the sea.
It is around six kilometres each way and mostly easy, though there are some ups and downs and sections close to unfenced cliff edges. Allow a few hours to walk it one way at a relaxed pace with photo stops.
Highlights along the route
Praia da Marinha, at one end of the trail, is often called one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal. Golden cliffs, rock stacks and arches frame a sandy cove, and the water is very clear on calm days.
Along the way, you pass viewpoints over sea caves and arches, including the famous view down into the roof opening of the Benagil cave. Further on is Praia do Carvalho, reached through a tunnel in the rock, and the small lighthouse at Alfanzina. The trail ends near Vale Centeanes, a beach with a boardwalk down to the sand.
Benagil itself is best seen from the water, and boat and kayak trips leave from the beaches nearby. Rules on landing inside the cave have tightened in recent years, so check what current tours offer before booking.
Combining walking and swimming
Several beaches along the trail are reachable by stairs or steep paths, so you can break up the walk with a swim. Pack light: a towel, swimwear, plenty of water and sun protection are the essentials.
Shade is scarce, so in summer start early in the morning or walk in the late afternoon. Spring and autumn are ideal, when wildflowers line the path or the light turns golden.
Logistics
The trail is roughly an hour's drive west of Faro airport. If you have a rental car, park at one end and either walk back or arrange a taxi to collect you. Parking at Praia da Marinha fills quickly in high season.
Stick to the marked route and keep well back from cliff edges, which can be unstable. Rockfalls are a known risk on this coast, so avoid sitting directly beneath cliffs on the beaches.
Good to know
- Start early in summer, as there is little shade.
- Wear sturdy shoes; the path is uneven in places.
- Keep away from cliff edges and avoid sitting below cliffs.