Latest update: 10 July 2024
If you only do one hike in the Algarve, make sure it is this one. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is the most popular hiking trail for a reason. The cliffs are breathtakingly beautiful, the trail is not too difficult, and you can take a refreshing dip in the ocean after your hike.
Halve the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail!
I’ll be honest: I was dreading it. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a pretty long walk. It’s almost 12 kilometers in total, and I rarely walk such distances at home. But with an early start and plenty of food and drink, it should be fine. The way there and back is the same. You turn around at Praia do Vale de Centianes. But then I find out that there are Uber and Bolt taxis at the turning point. Suddenly the distance is only 6 kilometers, allowing me to explore more of the Algarve. I’m excited!
Quick Facts about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
- Starting point: at Praia da Marinha (here) or Praia do Vale de Centianes (here)
- Endpoint: ditto!
- Number of kilometers: 5.7 there or 11.4 there and back
- Number of hours: 2 to 3 hours there or 4 to 6 hours there and back
- Difficulty: medium
- Chances of getting lost: nil
- Costs Bolt/Uber at turning point: approximately €6 – €10
What is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a coastal trail over the cliffs of the Algarve. You walk from the popular beach Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centianes and possibly back, though it is obviously also possible to walk the other way around.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is one of the most famous hikes in Portugal. You walk past the famous Benagil Caves, and at various points, you can visit the beach.
Do you need a guide for the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?
The very short answer is no. The hike is not too difficult in terms of effort or getting lost/signage. When in doubt, follow the coastline (but don’t walk too close to the cliffs, of course). Walking the trail with a guide is possible, but I don’t think it is necessary. If you prefer to go with a guide, this tour may be an option for you.
What will you see on the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail?
High yellow-orange cliffs. Underground caves. Rock formations in the water. Beautiful beaches. Beautiful view of the sea. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is guaranteed to provide beautiful scenery and pictures. I like the first part from Praia da Marinha the most. Maybe also because I become more accustomed to the stunning cliffs towards the end.
Where is the best place to start the hike?
Most people start the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail at Praia da Marinha, and I recommend that too. There is a reasonably large parking lot here, but there is less space at Praia do Vale de Centianes. At the last beach, you can treat yourself to a drink at the beach bar before you grab a taxi or walk the same way back.
It is easiest to get to the starting point by car. There is public transport, but it takes pretty long. For example, you can rent a car through Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com. If you don’t have a rental car, Uber or Bolt is always an option. They are a lot more affordable in Portugal than in the Netherlands! My experience is that Bolt is usually the cheapest. Just install both apps and compare.
Is the Seven Hanging Valleys hike a difficult hike?
Whether a walk is difficult is quite personal, but I thought it wasn’t too bad. The trails are generally clearly marked. Sometimes, it takes a while to find the red-yellow sign because sometimes it’s on a post and other times it is painted on a stone. But if you just follow the coastline (or the other hikers), you should be fine.
The path is easily walkable but is not landscaped, so there are stones and rocks along the way. That’s why I recommend that you at least wear your sneakers, but preferably walking shoes—definitely no flip-flops!
The height differences are not too bad. Sometimes, it goes up and down a bit, but there are no real climbs. You do have to clamber over the rocks now and then. Most websites indicate that the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail will take 3 to 6 hours, depending on whether you walk there or back. We walked from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centianes in just over two hours, including some photo stops and drink breaks.
Is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail busy?
Of course, it depends entirely on when you walk the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail whether it is busy. But it’s safe to assume that you are certainly not the only one who will make the hike. In mid-September, I always have other people in sight, but there is quite a bit of space between my best friend and me and the other hikers, so it doesn’t feel busy.
But we started early. That’s also smart regarding heat because I don’t feel like plodding along in the full sun, and there is 0.0 shelter on the route. When we return to our car, the parking lot is completely full and many beachgoers arrive. I expect it to be much busier in high season. So: come early and preferably outside the high season.
Good to know about the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
You will hardly encounter any shops or restaurants along the way, so make sure you have enough water and maybe some snacks. And apply sunscreen!
The trail does pass the Benagil Caves, but you cannot just go there. You need a tour to see the caves. For example, one by kayak or boat. You could plan a Benagil tour on the same day as the hike, but I don’t like running on the clock like that. So I would book it for another day or later in the afternoon when you’ve for sure finished your hike. Another option is to ask if a tour leaves soon when you arrive at Benagil Beach. Who knows, you might be lucky!
More Portugal inspiration?
Useful links for your Portugal trip
- Accommodation. All-time favorites: Booking.com and Campspace. Would you rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. You book the best tours and activities with GetYourGuide and Viator. Try WithLocals for experiences with Portuguese locals. Book your ‘free’ walking tours with Freetour.com or GuruWalks, and try bike tours with Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Interested in a 5% discount on museums and other attractions? Use this discount code at Tiqets: KIMOPREIS22
- Car rental. If you want to compare prices, check out Discover Cars or Rental Cars.
- Flights. Compare all your options! Be sure to check out Skyscanner, and Kiwi.
- Guidebooks. I love paper guidebooks to flip through. Buy them at Amazon.
- Package deals. Rather go on a catered trip? Maybe Expedia or CheapOair has a good option.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
- Train and Bus Travel to Portugal with Busbud. And reserve buses and trains on the go with 12Go or Omio.
- Yoga retreat. Or maybe treat yourself to a yoga retreat in Portugal.
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