The Seven Hanging Valleys hike is one of the most popular hikes on the Algarve, and probably makes the top two or three hikes in Portugal. Armed with the right information, you can beat the crowds (and the heat) and have an amazing coastal experience. Here are your three route options as we see them. Of course, you can go until any point when you feel like turning around, then simply turn around and walk back. But these are the three ways we would do it if we were you.

Option 1: The Full Hike, Round Trip – 7 miles / 1,200 feet of elevation gain (11.4 km / 365 m). Hike the entire trail out-and-back from Praia da Marinha to Praia do Vale de Centeanes, and then back the way you came.

Option 2: The Full Hike, One Way – 3.5 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (6 km / 180 m). Do the entire hike, but only one way. This requires using either taxis, Uber, or hitching a ride to get back to your car at the first trailhead (or finding a way to get there without a car).

Option 3: Partial Hike, Out and Back – 3.3 miles / 600 feet of elevation gain (5.6 km / 180 m). Hike the section between Praia da Marinha and Praia do Carvalho, which in our opinion is the best part of the trail. You can continue on to the nice lighthouse – Farol de Alfanzina, for an additional 2 miles (3.2 km) added to your round-trip distance.

Because we think the eastern section is the best part of the hike, we’d suggest starting from Praia da Marinha and hiking west along the coast.

Length: 7 miles / 11.4 km Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft. / 365 meters Season: Year round (more on this below) Trail Type: Out and Back (we have ideas on alternate routes below) Difficulty: Easy / Moderate Trailhead Location: Either Praia da Marinha or Praia do Vale de Centeanes Dog Friendly: Yes!