The most spectacular coastal hike in the Algarve, following cliff paths between hidden coves, through sea arches, past blowholes and dramatic viewpoints. The trail connects Praia de Vale Covo (near Armação de Pêra) to Praia da Marinha via a series of seven valley coves carved into the limestone coast.
The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos) runs 11.7km along the limestone clifftops of the central Algarve between Praia de Vale Covo, near Armação de Pêra, and Praia da Marinha. The nearest parking is at either trailhead; drivers can start from the free car park above Vale Covo or the paid summer car park at Marinha, with local buses connecting Armação de Pêra and Lagoa. No permit is required and the path is council-maintained and waymarked with green and red trail signs. The route gains and loses roughly 350m cumulatively as it dips into and climbs out of seven cove valleys carved into the soft limestone, with no single sustained climb longer than a few hundred metres. Underfoot is a mix of packed dirt, exposed rock slabs and short boardwalk sections near the more fragile cliff edges; there is little shade for most of the walk, so exposure to sun and wind is constant. Cliff-edge paths run close to unfenced drops in several places, particularly around the Benagil viewpoints and the sea arches near Praia da Marinha, so care is needed in wind or wet conditions. Landmarks along the way include the clifftop view over the Benagil sea cave, the Vale Centeanes lookout, and several natural sea arches and blowholes; walkers pressed for time can turn around at Praia de Benagil for a shorter 7km round trip. There are no water sources, refuges or shade shelters on the trail itself, though cafés and kiosks operate seasonally at Benagil and Marinha beaches.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lagoa (between Armação de Pêra and Marinha)
- Best season
- April to June and September to October, avoiding peak midday heat in July and August
Highlights
- Benagil Sea Cave viewpoint from the clifftops
- Praia de Vale Centeanes lookout
- Multiple sea arch views
- Praia da Marinha arrival
Tips for visiting
- Carry at least 1.5 litres of water per person; there are no refill points on the trail
- Wear sturdy shoes with grip — several sections cross bare, sometimes slippery limestone slabs
- Start early morning in summer to avoid both the heat and the midday crowds at Benagil
- Stay well back from unfenced cliff edges, especially in windy weather or after rain
- The Benagil-to-Marinha section can be walked alone as a shorter out-and-back if time is limited
When to visit
Early morning or late afternoon is best to avoid both the summer heat and the crowds that gather at the Benagil viewpoint by mid-morning.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible; it follows narrow, uneven clifftop dirt and rock paths with steps and unfenced drops in places.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail suitable for beginners?
The trail is moderate rather than technical, but the constant undulation, cliff-edge exposure and lack of shade make it more demanding than the distance alone suggests. Reasonably fit walkers with no fear of heights manage it comfortably.
Can the trail be shortened?
Yes. Walkers can start or finish at Praia de Benagil, roughly the midpoint, to create a shorter loop or out-and-back of about 7km instead of the full 11.7km.
Is there parking at both ends?
There is free parking above Praia de Vale Covo year-round, while parking near Praia da Marinha fills quickly and becomes paid in the summer season.