From Olhão : Private Full-Day Hike in the 7 Hanging Valleys with a Local Guide

Outstanding views and breathtaking landscapes are available from any corner of one of the highest rated hikes in Europe.

In this walk, the landscape is dominated by the stunning geology of the yellow warm-colored Coastal Cliffs hanging over the turquoise Atlantic Ocean waters.

The sediment accumulation sites located in coastal valleys that were once used by the fishing communities of the region to access the sea are nowadays considered the most beautiful beaches in Europe that delight tourists.

Stunning views. Stunning coves. Stunning geology. Stunning sunsets. The 7 Hanging Valleys Trail is not to be missed.

Elected as one of the very best hikes in Europe by European Best Destinations, this scenic route runs from Praia da Marinha in the east to Praia de Vale Centeanes in the west.

Among others, it offers a string of notable stops at the Alfanzina lighthouse, and at the Benagil and Carvalho beaches (please see the map below). The walk takes place along the top of coastal cliffs with sculpted shapes and beautiful ocher and yellow hues.

Strikingly, the colours of the rock layers change through the day as the sunlight paints them in shades ranging from bright orange to darkened copper.

Crowning the cliffs near Praia da Marinha, the dense juniper and mastic undergrowth provides shelter to a variety of animals that include rabbits, foxes, mongooses, warblers, owls, and several species of butterflies. This greenery bursts into flower in early spring, making for an especially perfumed and colourful ambience.

Praia da Marinha is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. The sweeping view over this beach reveals an array of outstanding landforms such as grottoes, stony arches, natural bridges and precarious sea stacks where seabirds nest and rest.

At the bottom of the cliffs, a contrasting palette of azure and yellow is formed between the shallow waters over the gently sloping sand and the sprinkling of rocks that attract sea life and a few happy snorkelers. Seagulls and cormorants crisscross the blue atmosphere above, before landing accurately on the vertical rocky walls.

This meandering hike then uncovers a series of hidden surprises like deep gorges, secluded coves, forested patches, and huge sinkholes where it is possible to hear the ocean waves reverberating down below.

Contemplating sinkholes as natural skylights within a sea-sculpted cathedral really is a rare and gratifying experience. Skiffs depart from most of the major beaches between Carvoeiro and Praia da Marinha.

For thousands of years, the wind and the waves nibbled away at the rock faces curled around the coves along these shores. At the same time, the shoreline was also sliced by seven seasonal water streams which, over time, originated the appropriately named ‘hanging valleys’.

Indeed, the steep valleys are now ‘hanging’ because the calcareous coastline has receded quite abruptly in the past, leaving the watercourses’ mouth not on the beach but perched on the cliffs higher above.

Before Centeanes Beach there’s one last valley where visitors can rest and take in the blissful scenery on a wooden belvedere. Along the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail, the turquoise ocean conspired with the golden cliffs to create the quintessential Algarvian seascape – and one of the most memorable walks along the sun-kissed coastline. Enjoy!

In a group, a maximum of 8 people can go in the van, the price will always be for a private group !

Don’t forget to always check the weather for that day , before booking your tour. See all our other tours here.