Seven Hanging Valleys Trail - the most beautiful walk in the Algarve?

Walk without blinking. That's the ideal way to walk the 7 Hanging Valleys walking trail in Lagoa. This is one of the best walks in the Algarve for enjoying nature, getting away from the noise, pollution and confusion - even in the hot summer months.

This route can be done whether or not the beaches are closed due to Covid-19 restrictions. In this article you'll find all the information you need to do the 7 Hanging Valleys walk. Important warnings before walking, doing the route with children, how much time you need or what to see and where to sleep.

Living up to one of my mottos - travelling out of season - I took advantage of one of the last few days to take in this trail. You can do it at any speed, independently, as a family or even with children (see my advice below).

In the rolling silence of the Atlantic Ocean, I found a landscape that gave me endless pleasure to explore. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is one of the most beautiful in the Algarve. Stretching nearly six kilometers (12 km round trip), it runs along the cliffs of the coast in the municipality of Lagoa. Don’t miss the Ponta da Piedade Boardwalks or the São Lourenço Trail in the Ria Formosa.

A trail beyond the bathing beauty of the Algarve

The Algarve is more than "just" the beautiful beaches that are often its main calling card. This coastal route takes in several beaches (see which ones below), but the 7 Hanging Valleys go beyond that. There is fauna and flora, coves, cliffs, algares, viewpoints and lighthouses, woods and birds, unique beauty and contemplation.

The natural beauty is the greatest reward for a walk that could have been done without blinking an eye. If you can't, record the amazing landscape in your memory and on your camera's memory card. Don't be daunted by the kilometres, as the natural beauty of the region will ensure that you forget how tired you are.

Seven Hanging Valleys - European recognition

The Seven Hanging Valleys trail (or trilha for Brazilian readers) was recently voted Europe's Best Hiking Destination. The European Best Destinations ranking was voted for by almost 30,000 travellers from 153 countries.

The route is now also part of the European TrailGazersBid project. Over the next few years, the initiative will evaluate the socio-economic success of investments in trails, with the help of technology such as Gopro cameras or drones. These can provide virtual experiences for visitors.

This project includes other routes such as: the Sacred Mountain (Portugal), Plazaola (Navarre), Chemin De Mémoires (Brittany), Taff Trail (South Wales), La Caldera de Taburiente (Canary Islands), Knock / Killaspugbrone Loop (North West Ireland), Inch Levels (Northern Ireland).

What are Hanging Valleys?

Many of the watercourses along the route flow above sea level. Heavy erosion and the rapid advance of the sea have created what are known as hanging valleys. In summer, however, the valleys are dry and won't be so noticeable, except when you face the steep descents and ascents.

The walk takes you along the cliffs that kiss the sea, where little vegetation remains. And where the combined action of the sea and the freshwater streams constantly create and redefine the Algarve coastline. Along the way, geology explains terms and natural formations such as arches, caves, algares and leixões.

Practical information on the 7 Hanging Valleys trail (PR1 LGA)

This is one of the best trails in the Algarve and links Praia de Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha (or vice versa). It's almost 12 kilometres long - round trip.

• Name - Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (PR1 LGA)
• Location - Lagoa, Algarve
• Start of the trail - Praia da Marinha or Praia de Vale de Centianes
• Distance - 11.4 km (round trip)
• Durationbetween 5 and 6 hours
• Type of trail: linear
• Difficulty: average
• Signalling: Approved, signposted and with information panels on the route

Frequently asked questions about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

What to take on the Seven Hanging Valleys walk?

• Reusable water bottle (there are no drinking water points) - I bought this water bottle and I recommend it
• Footwear suitable for hiking (the terrain is rough)
• Picnic snacks (there are also some restaurants)
• Cash (if you want to go to the restaurant and/or for transport)
• Sun hat
• Camera (with extra battery)
• Lantern (if you want to walk until after sunset)
• Sunscreen factor 30 or 50
• Swimsuit (for a swim at the beach)
• Bag for rubbish (at Praia da Marinha there are recycling bins, at the entrance to Praia do Carvalho there is also a rubbish bin)

How much does the walk cost?

You don't have to pay anything to access or walk the trail. You'll only spend on transport and, if you like, restaurants - plus your energy and that of your camera.

When is the best time to go hiking?

I did the walk in spring and even then, in some places, it was sometimes too hot. The area is very hot and arid. Choose a mild day or start your walk early. Don't forget that in the summer months the temperature of 30 degrees centigrade is unbearable when you're on top of the cliffs without any shade. 

You can also break the route into more points. For example: start at Praia de Vale de Centeanes and relax at one of the following beaches - such as Praia do Vale Espinhaço or Praia do Carvalho.

The spring and autumn months (and even a sunny winter's day) are the best times to walk the Seven Hanging Valleys footpath. In addition, in spring the plants sprout and the landscape is blooming and green. This, combined with the vibrant blue of the Atlantic Ocean, is perfect. In summer you can do it too, but only during the cooler hours.

Whatever time of year you go walking, don't forget to have water (see other important tips below).

Should I start at Praia da Marinha or Vale de Centeanes?

As it's a linear route, any of the locations can be used as the start or finish line. Some people choose to start at Vale de Centeanes for a more breathtaking arrival at Praia da Marinha.

In reality, it doesn't matter where you start, it's just a matter of preference. The most beautiful areas are before the Alfanzina Lighthouse and until the end - if you walk in the direction of Vale de Centeanes - Praia da Marinha).

How long do I need to do the walk?

If you want to walk all the way from Vale de Centeanes to Praia da Marinha, remember that it's about 12 kilometres (round trip). At a moderate pace, you could do the whole route in three or four hours. However, I'm sure you'll stop several times to rest and take photos of the Algarve's beautiful coastal scenery. If you add to that a bathing break at one beach or another, you can expect to spend around six hours doing the round trip.

What is the terrain like along the trail?

The Seven Hanging Valleys walking route is well marked and there are signs and information panels. It is classified as medium difficulty, but I believe this is more due to the rugged terrain than the steep climbs. 

In terms of physical preparation, if you're used to walking similar distances you won't have too many problems. The terrain is largely flat. However, I must emphasise that there are loose stones, rocks and tree roots that are an invitation to an accident. Pay close attention and don't get distracted by the scenery as you walk.

Do you have to go back and forth?

The average walk is three hours each way. Nothing or no-one, however, forces you to make the round trip. One option is to leave your car at Praia da Marinha or Praia de Vale de Centeanes and hitchhike or take a taxi to the other side.

One suggestion is to start the walk early and walk the first 6 kilometres to the opposite end of the route, spend a few hours on the beach, have a leisurely lunch and then walk in the opposite direction towards the end of the day. This way, if you do the walk in summer, you'll avoid the hottest period.

Are there places to rest or restaurants?

There are some structures for resting along the route, such as wooden benches or areas to eat a meal. For example, at Praia da Marinha there is a picnic area (exposed), another with shade in the woods next to Praia do Vale Espinhaço. And finally, another wooden structure after Praia do Carvalho and before reaching Leixão do Ladrão.

As for restaurants, there are several in Benagil and also in Vale de Centeanes. I can't recommend any, but I noticed that there were several in Benagil that offered fresh fish, of course. I opted to take my meal and fully enjoy the nature and tranquillity of the Seven Hanging Valleys.

Can the Seven Hanging Valleys trail be done with children?

Yes, but with extra care. In any case, I wouldn't recommend doing the whole route with a child. As I said earlier, there are some dangers in terms of terrain (rocks, roots, steep cliffs), so you have to keep an eye on the little ones. Perhaps the most sensible thing is to do only part of the walk, for example between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho or between Marinha and Benagil.

Do I need a map of the Seven Hanging Valleys?

The route is well signposted, there aren't many ways to go astray or get lost, so I don't think you need a map. If in doubt, look for the horizontal yellow and red stripes. However, if you want to know how many kilometres you have left or covered, I recommend a free app that I use: Maps.me.

Points of interest in the 7 Hanging Valleys

Alfanzina Lighthouse

With a height of 23 metres, the Alfanzina Lighthouse was inaugurated in 1920 and is one of the most recognisable points on the walk. The lighthouse, on the shores of Cabo Carvoeiro, was designed with inspiration from the 19th century engineering school and the flashes of light can be seen 50 kilometres away. Until 1950 it was almost inaccessible, but now it even receives visitors in the summer months.

Viewpoints

Along the Seven Hanging Valleys walking route, you'll come across several viewpoints. You won't regret making small detours to take a look at the clear sea that bathes this part of Portugal's southern coast. For example, the Vale de Centeanes viewpoint.

Beaches

Can you guess how many beaches there are along the walk? Did you think there would be seven? No, there are more. Choose one (or several) to relax and bathe in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Any one of them is sublime. In my opinion, the most beautiful are Praia do Carvalho and Praia da Marinha.

1. Vale Centeanes Beach
2. Espinhaço Valley Beach
3. Oak Beach
4. Benagil Beach
5. Corredoura Beach (only accessible by boat)
6. Mad Dog Beach
7. West Mesquite Beach
8. Mesquita Beach
9. Marinha Beach

Stray cats

There is a project called Street Cats. The project, promoted by the União das Freguesias de Lagoa e Carvoeiro, began in April 2014 and has sterilised dozens of cats. 

Along the way you'll come across these friendly felines who live in freedom, but are dependent on the water and food that is left for them near the shelters. You'll find them at Praia da Marinha, for example, but also at other places along the route. If you see that they need water or food (and you can) leave them some.

Fauna and flora

As you walk between the Vale de Centeanes and Praia da Marinha, you'll come across some of the region's flora and fauna, such as a small grove of Aleppo pines near the Alfanzina Lighthouse. This species is one of the few trees that can survive in arid climates and terrains. 

Pine trees are essential for birds such as titmice, blackbirds and barn owls. You may also come across rabbits, mongooses, foxes, seagulls or cormorants. If you're lucky, you might spot dolphins or whales off the coast.

Arches, caves and natural creativity

One of the main points of interest on the Seven Hanging Valleys is Benagil Beach and the Benagil Caves. But along the route you'll come across other equally beautiful natural arches. Erosion - by sea action - is constant and there are rock forms created exclusively by nature.

You'll also find the so-called algares - natural wells that connect the lower part of the cliff to underground galleries. There you can hear (and see) the crashing of the waves on the limestone rock.

Important warnings before starting the walk

• As someone from Alentejo who is used to more than 40 degrees in summer, I must emphasise that the heat should not be underestimated. Don't try to do this hike during the hottest part of summer. Set out on the road around 8am (or even earlier) when the sun is (still) low.
• Don't try to swim to the Benagil Caves, as it's a rare year when unwary holidaymakers aren't swept away by the strong currents. Take advantage of the great boat trips to visit the Benagil Caves.
• Take extra care if it has rained
• Respect the protective structures. They are there for your safety, as the cliffs are unstable and dangerous. Don't risk losing your life for a selfie
• Drink small sips of water frequently to avoid dehydration. If you feel nauseous or dizzy, find a cool place to cool your body temperature. 
• Don't attempt this walk in flip-flops, as the terrain is very rough. Say yes to trainers or hiking boots and no to beach flip-flops

Photos of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail

The good and the bad of walking

Positive

The tranquillity, the scenery, the beauty of the whole route is phenomenal. The 7 Hanging Valleys walking trail is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful walks in the Algarve, Portugal and - due to its international recognition - Europe. It justifies the physical effort required to do this walk.

Negative

Unfortunately, not everyone keeps their surroundings clean. No matter how hard local authorities or volunteers work to keep the tracks in good condition, cleanliness depends on each and every one of us. For example, I found paper, plastic, glass bottles and - perhaps even worse - Covid-19 masks on the ground. 

There are rubbish bins and recycling points in various places - especially at the entrances to the beaches. So there's no justification for polluting the landscape or harming the species that live there. Adopt a responsible and sustainable attitude.

Map of the Seven Hanging Valleys and points of interest