Just a short drive from Carvoeiro lies one of the most celebrated walks in Europe. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, or Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, follows the clifftops between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes, revealing sea caves, natural arches and secluded beaches at almost every turn.
In 2019, it was named the best walking destination in Europe by the travel site European Best Destinations, and once you have walked it, it is easy to understand why.
Trail at a glance
- Distance: about 5.7 km one way, or roughly 11.5 km there and back
- Time: 2 to 3 hours one way, 4 to 6 hours return with stops
- Difficulty: moderate, with some steep climbs and descents
- Trail code: PR1 LGA, marked with red and yellow stripes
Where to start
Most walkers begin at Praia da Marinha, which has a car park at the top of the cliffs and is the easternmost point of the trail. Facing the sea, the path heads off to your right. The western end is at Praia de Vale Centeanes, which is the closer of the two to Carvoeiro, so you can also start there if you prefer.
The trail is linear, so either walk back the way you came or arrange a taxi to collect you at the other end. If you have the energy, you can extend the walk by continuing west towards the Alfanzina lighthouse.
What you will see along the way
The name comes from the valleys that cut through the cliffs and end abruptly above the sea, carved by ancient streams as the coastline retreated. Between them, the path winds past some of the most striking scenery in the Algarve.
Highlights include the view down onto Praia da Marinha with its famous sea stacks, the natural arch known as Arco de Albandeira, the village beach of Benagil, and the hidden cove of Praia do Carvalho, reached through a tunnel cut into the rock.
You will also pass the skylight above the famous Benagil cave. You can look down into it from the clifftop, but please do not go near the edge, as the ground around it is fragile.
Before you set off
- Footwear: wear trainers or walking shoes. The ground is uneven and can be slippery after rain.
- Go early: in summer, start before 9am to avoid the heat and the crowds.
- Bring plenty of water: there is very little shade, though there are cafes at Marinha and Benagil.
- Pack swimwear: several beaches along the way are perfect for a mid-walk swim.
- Respect nature: stay on the path, keep well back from cliff edges and watch for sinkholes.
Best time to walk
The trail is walkable all year round. Spring brings wildflowers and mild temperatures, while autumn offers warm seas for a swim at the end. In the height of summer, an early start is essential.
After a morning on the trail, there is nothing better than coming home to your own private pool, a cold drink and a long, lazy afternoon.
Make Carvoeiro your base
Our private villas sit within easy reach of everything in this guide. Casa Manala sleeps 8 across four bedrooms, and Casa Tres Rosas welcomes up to 12 guests in six bedrooms. Both have their own private pool for the end of a long day out.