Route of the Seven Hanging Valleys
By Two World Backpackers
If you like hiking and the beach, the route of the Seven Hanging Valleys of the Algarve is perfect for you. Also, on a sunny and beautiful day, who can’t resist to take a good dip in the beach after a bit of hiking?
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The Seven Hanging Valleys are located in Lagos, in southern Portugal and is listed as the best European route for hiking by the European Best Destinations organization.
This 11.5km (roundtrip) path that connects Vale Centeanes beach with Da Marinha beach offers magnificent panoramic views with its cliffs, caves, algae, and beaches where you can stop to take a dip and enjoy all of them in each of its beaches.
We park the car in Vale Centeanes, and from there, we start the route. Our favorite spots are:
Alfanzina Lighthouse
Located at Cape Carvoeiro and from where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views.
Carvalho Beach
It is my favorite beach of the entire route, since at least when I went, it was empty being the middle of August. Besides, the access to this beach with crystal clear waters is through a staircase that crosses two tunnels dug in a rocky wall where you can see many fossils buried in the walls.
The Benagil Cave
To see this cave, you have to access it by kayak or boat. There are many companies in the area that offer these tours, but check around first as some are overpriced
Da Marinha Beach
According to the Michelin Guide, it is one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Europe and one of the 100 most beautiful in the world, and after visiting it, we attest to this
It is surrounded by cliffs that offer stunning views and are a photographer’s delight. Also, here is the famous rock with the shape of an M or taking the photo from another cliff just ahead, it seems like a Heart. This famous rock is one of the reasons why Playa Da Marinha is so well known.
It is considered a hike of medium-high difficulty with some difficult parts for children or the elderly, but without a doubt, a route that is worth doing.
What do you think? Do you dare to do the route? Leave us a comment below with your opinion. We will love to read it!
