The seven hanging valleys from Praia da Marinha

This unmissable hike in the Algarve connects two magnificent beaches: Praia de Marinha and Praia do Vale de Centeanes. The trail takes you to discover vertiginous cliffs, golden sandy beaches, chasms carved out by the ocean and, if you're lucky, you might even spot dolphins! It is accessible to families and does not present any technical difficulties.

Details

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  • Walking
    Activity: Walking
  • ↔
    Distance: 13.70 km
  • ◔
    Average duration: 5h 00 
  • ▲
    Difficulty: Moderate

  • ⚐
    Back to start: Yes
  • ↗
    Ascent: + 392 m
  • ↘
    Descent: - 392 m

  • ▲
    Highest point: 42 m
  • ▼
    Lowest point: 4 m

Photos

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at Marinha beach (Praia de Marinha).

The entire route is marked with yellow and red signs and is easy to follow if you stay on the path that runs along the cliffs. This route can be done in either direction; it is a round trip.

(S/E) Go to the end of the car park and take the steps down to Marinha beach.

(1) Return to the car park.

(S/E) Look for a small staircase near the picnic tables that leads to a viewpoint and then to a path that runs along the cliffs. Just follow the path(s) along the cliffs. There are sometimes several paths, but they all eventually merge, so just follow whichever one you like best.

(2) At a fork in the path, take the wider one on your left. This passes between several more or less impressive chasms (Algar). Continue until you reach a chasm surrounded by a wooden barrier.

(3) Take the small paths on the right to follow the signs. Continue, always choosing the path closest to the cliffs. Further on, pass a large beach accessible only by boat and reach one of the region's most popular tourist attractions, the Benagil cave, accessible by boat or kayak from Benagil beach.

(4) Continue in the same direction. The path then moves away from the sea and joins a small road.

(5) Go down to the left to reach Benagil beach, leaving the road a little further down.

(6) From the beach, retrace your steps to the road and follow it for a few metres.

(7) Take the path on the left that goes up in the opposite direction of the road and passes in front of a small restaurant. Continue on the path that continues along the cliffs. You will reach Carvalho beach, which can be accessed via a staircase carved into the rock.

(8) Then go back up the steps and take the steps on the left overlooking the beach.

(9) At the end of this staircase, turn left onto the path that runs between the cliffs and magnificent villas with swimming pools before coming out onto a road leading to a lighthouse.

(10) Cross it, following the fence that surrounds the access to the lighthouse, and continue along the path along the cliffs. Further on, at a hotel, take the stairs that lead to a small paved road.

(11) Go down the road on the left to reach Praia do Vale de Centeanes.

(12) Follow the same route in reverse to return to the starting point (S/E).

Waypoints

  1. S/E : km 0 - alt. 32 m - Praia da Marinha car park
  2. 1 : km 0.27 - alt. 9 m - Marinha Beach
  3. 2 : km 1.06 - alt. 23 m - Intersection, on the left
  4. 3 : km 1.19 - alt. 9 m - Chasm
  5. 4 : km 2.1 - alt. 17 m - Benagil Cave
  6. 5 : km 2.43 - alt. 30 m - Intersection with the road
  7. 6 : km 2.67 - alt. 15 m - Benagil Beach
  8. 7 : km 2.78 - alt. 21 m - Path on the left
  9. 8 : km 3.46 - alt. 13 m - Carvalho Beach
  10. 9 : km 3.61 - alt. 31 m - Intersection between the stairs and the trail
  11. 10 : km 5.01 - alt. 40 m - Road junction
  12. 11 : km 6.63 - alt. 27 m - Paved road
  13. 12 : km 6.85 - alt. 25 m - Praia do Vale de Centenaes
  14. S/E : km 13.7 - alt. 32 m - Praia da Marinha car park

Notes

Wear good walking shoes and bring plenty of water, especially if you are hiking in hot weather.
In summer, avoid the hottest hours of the day as there is no shade. Take the opportunity to go for a swim.
Bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
There are showers on Benagil beach (accessible all year round) and on Praia do Vale de Centeanes (accessible in season).

Worth a visit

You can visit Benagil Cave from Benagil Beach (by boat or kayak).

Reviews and comments

4.8 / 5
Based on 41 reviews

Reliability of the description
4.9 / 5
Ease of following the route
4.6 / 5
Route interest
5 / 5
User 26515649

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : May 05, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Beautiful scenery, absolutely perfect in May! – we did two sections, setting off from Carvoeiro each time – one day heading east and one day heading west. The next day we did the same route by speedboat. It’s a great way to round things off, as you can’t always see the caves from the top of the cliffs, and seeing them again from the water is lovely too. Some sections are marked with warning signs but are not off-limits, whilst two coastal stretches are strictly off-limits (signs to that effect) and you should therefore follow the route a little further inland. There were plenty of walkers on Saturday 2 May, particularly around Benagil.

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ger3
ger3

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

to recommend

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Pilipe54
Pilipe54

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 23, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

This should be timed to coincide with the tides, as the colours and views at low tide and high tide are very different.

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ger3
ger3

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Feb 03, 2026
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

sublime hike

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gravier.pounet@gmail.com
gravier.pounet@gmail.com

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

At this time of year, I recommend.

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Maumo
Maumo

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : May 17, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

We did this tour starting from Carvalho beach in the morning, continuing to Marinha beach (the most beautiful part in our opinion) and then on to Vale de Centeanes beach in the afternoon. Magnificent landscapes, not too crowded, except for Benagil beach, which was very busy and lively (perhaps too much so?). Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen.

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Durand-Omarjee
Durand-Omarjee

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

A beautiful hike in an east-west direction.
It's impossible to get lost, but at Benagil beach, remember to go back up the stairs where it says "Agar". It's not signposted, but it's actually the right way.

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Vieil Ours Teckeur
Vieil Ours Teckeur

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

Best done early in the morning, when there are few people around and the light is beautiful. After that, it's not the same!

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Vieil Ours Teckeur
Vieil Ours Teckeur

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Jun 09, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A route to do early in the morning, few people and beautiful light... After that, it's not the same!

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mamiemartine
mamiemartine

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Mar 14, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

We set off from Praia da Marina in the municipality of Lagoa (car park). The view is magnificent all along the walk. Not too crowded at this time of year. We ate at Casa Lamy, a small restaurant above Benagil beach: warm welcome and good food. We did the entire route to Vale de Centenaes beach. It was longer than the map indicated: we walked 16 km there and back, but it was so beautiful that we didn't realise how far we had gone. I highly recommend it.

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coppers
coppers

Overall rating : 4.3 / 5

Date of your route : Jan 06, 2025
Reliability of the description : ★★★★☆ Good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Nothing to say

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cbw
cbw

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Nov 10, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : No

A beautiful hike along the cliffs. Magnificent views. There are cafés and restaurants in several places and car parks where you can stop or start. The section from Marinha to Benigil is easier and flatter. Don't forget your sunscreen, hat and water. Good trainers are useful for some sections. In November, with sunny weather and few people around, it was magical.

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Flanker
Flanker

Overall rating : 4.7 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 21, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★☆ Good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

Hiking trip at the end of September, truly superb landscapes, visitor numbers in keeping with the beauty of the place.

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Thierry31700
Thierry31700

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Oct 03, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

There were people on the road, but not too many (ideal time of year in early October). The itinerary we chose suited us perfectly: parked in Benagil (large car park), round trip to Vale de Centeanes in the morning (it's so beautiful that we often stopped to admire the views), a nice little restaurant at the start of the trail in Benagil (the trail crosses it), then the trail to Marinha (with a swim in this beautiful spot) and back to the car park in Benagil. A wonderful day of hiking, exploring and relaxation. You really need to take your time to enjoy this hike. The only downside is that the trail markings on the way out of Benagil towards the cave and Marinha are very difficult to see, just after the "Algar" restaurant

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Guizmo91
Guizmo91

Overall rating : 5 / 5

Date of your route : Sep 18, 2024
Reliability of the description : ★★★★★ Very good
Ease of following the route : ★★★★★ Very good
Route interest : ★★★★★ Very good
Very busy route : Yes

An unmissable, easy walk along the Atlantic coast. No shade. Far too crowded for our liking. Even in mid-September, some sections are very congested. I deplore the filth left behind by people who relieve themselves anywhere. Unfortunately, we saw dozens of improvised "toilets". It's sad and spoils the enjoyment of the walk. There are some breathtaking views. We took the time to have lunch at a restaurant and a break on the beach before heading back.

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