Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

The Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos runs about six kilometres each way along the clifftop between Praia da Marinha and Praia de Vale Centeanes, crossing seven dry valleys that end abruptly at the cliff edge - hanging above the sea because the coast has retreated faster than the streams could cut down, which is what gives the trail its name. It passes the Algar de Benagil, the sinkhole in the roof of the famous sea cave, which can be looked down into from a fenced viewpoint at the top although the cave itself is entered only from the water; the Alfanzina lighthouse; arches, blowholes and a series of beaches. The ground is carbonate rock and scrub with almost no shade, and the cliff edges are undercut and unstable in places - the marked path exists for a reason, and people who leave it have fallen.

The landscape

• The hanging valleys - seven dry valleys ending abruptly at the cliff edge.
• The Benagil sinkhole - the hole in the cave roof, viewed from a fenced platform.
• The arches and blowholes - carbonate formations along the whole route.
• The beaches - Marinha, Benagil, Carvalho and Vale Centeanes on the way.

When to go

March to June and September to November; summer heat on an unshaded clifftop is punishing. Three to five hours for the return walk. Start early.

Before you go

No shade and no water on the route - carry both. Cliff edges are undercut and collapse; stay on the marked path. Entering the Benagil cave is not possible from the trail, only by boat or kayak, which disappoints people. Very busy in summer near Marinha.

Nearby

Praia da Marinha is at one end; Carvoeiro and Algar Seco are west.