Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Sete Vales Suspensos)

The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, or Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, is an 11.7km clifftop path in the municipality of Lagoa connecting Praia de Vale Covo near Armação de Pêra to Praia da Marinha, crossing seven river valleys that end abruptly at the cliff edge, giving the trail its name. The path traces the very edge of the coastline through a continuous sequence of sea arches, blowholes, sea caves and pillar formations, with steep stairways at several points dropping down to remote beach coves such as Praia do Carvalho and Praia da Marinha along the way. Walking the full route one way takes roughly four to five hours at a steady pace, and most walkers arrange transport or a return taxi at the far end rather than doubling back, though the trail can also be walked in shorter sections between individual beach access points for those wanting a two-hour taster. Scenery changes constantly along the route, from open clifftop stretches with sweeping Atlantic views to narrow paths threading close to sheer drops above hidden coves, and the golden-hour light of early morning or late afternoon brings out the layered colours of the limestone most vividly. Walking from Vale Covo toward Marinha in the morning keeps the sun behind walkers for most of the route, useful for photography and for avoiding glare. The trail has no shade for its entire length, so summer walkers typically start at first light to avoid the worst heat, and the path surface includes loose gravel and exposed cliff-edge sections that demand sturdy footwear and a head for heights.