Seven Hanging Valleys Path is a not-to-miss hike within the Algarve. This 6-kilometers route is thought for its breathtaking surroundings. lt presents spectacular views of the rugged coast, limestone cliffs, picturesque seashores, and pure caves. The path is a good brief various to the well-known Fishermen’s Path, a multi-day route alongside the west coast of the Algarve.
Seven Hanging Valleys Path route overview
- Complete distance – 6 km/3,7 mi a method, it’s a linear route
- Time – from 2 hours
- Complete ascent – 210 m
- Complete descent – 228 m
- Problem – average
- Start line – Praia da Marinha, Lagoa/Praia do Vale de Centianes, Carvoeiro
- Ending level – Praia do Vale de Centianes, Carvoeiro/Praia da Marinha, Lagoa
- Strolling route – Praia da Marinha – Benagil (at 2 km) – Praia do Carvalho (at 3,5 km) – Alfanzina Lighthouse (at 5 km) – Praia do Vale de Centianes (at 6 km).
The place does the path begin?
The Seven Hanging Valleys Path begins on the well-known Marinha Seaside, about 7 km from Lagoa. The Micheline Information named it one of many prime 10 seashores and Europe and one of many 100 most lovely seashores on this planet. Lagoa is the closest to the seashore city. Technically the path doesn’t result in the seashore. From the lookout level on the Marinha Seaside Parking, the seashore is on the left-hand aspect down the steps and the trailhead is on the fitting. When you begin strolling you received’t see the seashore anymore. You must go to it earlier than beginning the precise hike.
Learn how to get to the trailhead?
The best manner of attending to the beginning of the path is driving. For those who’re planning to discover the Algarve and go to a number of places renting a automobile is extremely really useful. There are public buses and trains however it takes for much longer, some seashores can’t be reached by public transport. For navigating put Marinha Seaside in Google Maps and it’ll lead you on to the parking zone by the seashore. It’s potential to go to the highlights of the path with a non-public tuk-tuk tour from Albufeira.
The place does the Seven Hanging Valleys Path end?
The path finishes at Praia do Vale de Centianes, a seashore that’s about 7 km from Carvoeiro. The seashore space has many guesthouses, a few eating places, and a store. It’s not likely a city. If you wish to keep close by I’d reasonably keep in Carvoeiro.
Is the route well-marked?
Sure, it’s marked with yellow and pink stripes painted on wood poles or rocks from finish to finish. The route marking is similar as for the Rota Vicentina. It’s simple to observe the path in both course. The route follows the coast from the begin to the top even should you miss an indication simply proceed strolling alongside the cliffs.
Can the path be walked in both course?
Sure, the Seven Hanging Valleys Path will be walked in both course beginning at Marinha Seaside and ending at Seaside or one other manner round. Which course is best is troublesome to say. The views are nice each methods simply make sure that once in a while to look again. For those who drive it’s higher to start out on the Marinha Seaside as a result of there’s a spacious parking zone close by. There are spots to park a automobile alongside the highway however they’re very restricted.
Learn how to get again after the hike?
The Seven Hanging Valleys path is a linear route. For those who park your automobile at the beginning of the path to get again to it you’ll be able to both stroll again or take an Uber. Strolling will be good you probably have sufficient time. On this case, the hike will take you an enormous a part of the day together with a minimum of one lengthy cease for lunch and relaxation. Plan to spend 5-6 hours on the path.
For those who don’t have time to stroll each methods to get again to your automobile you’ll be able to take an Uber. We regularly use Uber in Algarve it’s low-cost and quick. To take a standard Uber (as much as Four folks) from Praia da Marinha prices between 5 and 6 euros. For a bigger automobile that may take greater than Four passengers, you’ll pay 10 euros. Ready time relying on the season is between 5 and 15 minutes. You’ll want an Uber app in your telephone to have the ability to use it.
For those who don’t have a automobile and staying close by the path you’ll be able to take an Uber each methods to get to the trailhead and again to your lodge.
What’s the surroundings like on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path?
The surroundings on the Seven Hanging Valleys Path is spectacular; rugged limestone cliffs, bizarrely formed pinnacles protruding of the water, picturesque sandy seashores, dramatic drops, underground caves, and beautiful lookout factors. It’s really probably the most lovely coastal mountaineering routes on this planet. I’d undoubtedly suggest having sufficient time to stroll the path with out speeding, having fun with the surroundings, and stopping at lovely seashores alongside the route.
Can I see the Benagil Cave from the path?
Sure and no. The well-known Benagil Cave is on the route by means of you’ll be able to see the precise gap on the floor you’ll be able to’t look contained in the cave. There’s a fence round it that forestalls folks from attending to the sting of the cave. The one option to see it’s from a ship.
If you wish to see the Benagil Cave you are able to do a kayak tour to the cave from the Benagil Seaside. The tour takes about 2 hours you’ll be able to mix it with the hike. In summer season I’d suggest reserving the exercise prematurely in any other case you danger spending a few hours ready for the following accessible tour.
Seven Hanging Valleys Path route description
The route is 6 km a method however with strolling round to totally different lookout factors and happening to the seashores it’s very doubtless that your complete distance will likely be extra. My complete distance was 7 km.
I’ve divided the path into three elements in accordance with how busy it’s.
Half 1. Marinha Seaside – Benagil Seaside, 2 km/1,2 mi
The primary a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path is from Marinha Seaside to Benagil Seaside. It’s a 2-kilometer stretch that’s extraordinarily busy. Many vacationers stroll this half between two seashores. Each locations, the Marinha Seaside and the Benagil are two sights within the Algarve that appeal to 1000’s of individuals day by day. For my part, this half has probably the most spectacular views over the cliffs, pinnacles with arches, and seashores.
At th Benagil Seaside there are Four eating places. After that there will likely be no cafes or eating places until the top of the path apart from a meals kiosk at Carvalho Seaside.
The highlights of the primary half embody Marinha Seaside, Mirador dos Arcos viewpoint, Mesquite Seaside, Corredoura Seaside, Bengali Cave, and Benagil Seaside.
Half 2. Benagil Seaside – Praia do Carvalho, 1,5 km/1 mi
The second a part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Path from Benagil Seaside to Praia do Carvalho is about 1,5 km. When you cross the Benagil there will likely be considerably fewer folks. Praia do Carvalho is not-to-miss right here. It’s a small picturesque seashore surrounded by limestone cliffs. The entry to the seashore is thru a tunnel with a protracted staircase.
The highlights of the second half are beautiful views of the Benagil Seaside from the highest of the cliffs, a cave with a protracted staircase resulting in the Carvalho Seaside, and Carvalho Seaside itself.
Half 3. Praia do Carvalho – Praia do Vale de Centianes, 2,5 km/1,5 mi
The final half from Praia do Carvalho to Praia do Vale de Centianes is the least crowded. It’s a 2,5-kilometers stretch. I walked the Seven Hanging Valleys Path on the 25th of April which is a public vacation in Portugal and nonetheless, there weren’t many individuals on this a part of the path. There’s a good picnic spot within the forest at 4,6 km. I actually loved the final half as a result of it was quiet. The elements of the path undergo the pine forest providing some shade. This half will be referred to as probably the most difficult due to a protracted staircase main up from the Carvalho Seaside and a few ascents and descents alongside the way in which.
The highlights of the final half embody a number of pure pits, Cabo Carvoeiro, a number of viewpoints, Alfanzina Lighthouse, Vale Suspenso Viewpoint, and Praia do Vale de Centianes.
When is the most effective time for mountaineering?
Weatherwise spring is our favourite time for mountaineering in Portugal. We’ve finished a number of hikes and long-distance walks alongside the Portuguese Coast in April/Might together with the well-known Fisherman’s Path and the Coastal Route of the Portuguese Camino and at all times had nice climate.
In the course of the summer season months, June to September it will get highly regarded particularly from July to mid-September. It’s not the most effective time for mountaineering within the Algarve. It’s the height season for the area there are literally thousands of folks in all places. For those who stroll the Seven Hanging Valleys Path throughout these months it’s extremely really useful to start out early within the morning earlier than it will get very crowded and too sizzling.
From the second half of September to mid-November it’s heat, largely sunny, and much much less crowded than in the summertime. Identical to the spring, it’s a great time for mountaineering.
The winter months December to February are cooler and rainier however there are nonetheless loads of sunny days. Aside from the Christmas vacation total that point of the yr there are only a few vacationers from that standpoint, it’s the most effective time to go to the Algarve. It’s a pleasing time for mountaineering the Seven Hanging Valleys Path. You don’t have to fret about beginning early or discovering parking.
Suggestions for strolling the Seven Hanging Valleys Path
- Begin the hike early within the morning, particularly in the course of the summer season months. This manner you’ll skip the noon warmth.
- For those who cease for a picnic take all garbage and leftovers with you.
- Carry sufficient water.
- Use sunscreen and put on a hat.
- Keep on the marked path.
- Don’t climb over the wood fences to come back garments to the caves. It’s not protected for you and never good for the buildings. Limestone cliffs are very fragile.
- For those who stroll the path in the course of the busiest months (July, August, September) and don’t need to spend an hour ready in your meals at one of many eating places alongside the Seven Hanging Valleys Path reasonably convey snacks or sandwiches with you. There will likely be locations to cease for relaxation and lunch on the path.
- To discover a parking spot, particularly on weekends and in the course of the peak season, it’s important to reach on the Marinha Seaside parking early within the morning.
Locations to remain close to the path
If you wish to keep near the path I might suggest Carvoeiro. It’s a pleasant small seashore city with many lodges, eating places, and bars.
For those who’d reasonably keep in a much bigger place Lagos is a good possibility. It’s not removed from the Seven Hanging Valleys Path, about 30 km. There are a number of lovely sandy seashores in Lagos which can be nice for tanning, browsing, kayaking, and so forth. The city has many hostels, lodges, eating places, bars, and a number of other supermarkets. For those who’re searching for a funds lodging and meals it’s higher to remain in Lagos.
What to pack for the Seven Hanging Valleys Path?
- A small backpack to hold necessities, water, and snacks.
- Mountain climbing footwear or path trainers which can be snug for strolling on a rocky footpath. I wouldn’t suggest doing the Seven Hanging Valleys Path in flip-flops.
- A water bottle.
- A cap or a hat is essential.
- Sun shades.
- Comfy garments for mountaineering. I’d suggest sporting a skinny long-sleeve shirt (e.g. a working or health shirt) and lengthy pants (e.g. yoga pants or mountaineering pants). We regularly see vacationers within the Algarve even in the course of the winter months with sunburns. On the path, you’re uncovered to the solar with little or no shade to cover.
- Sunscreen is a must have particularly should you’re sporting a short-sleeve outfit.
- A swimming towel in case you determine to go for a swim at one of many seashores.
- Swimsuit or boardshorts.
