Part of the the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, the Benagil Cliff Walk is your best chance of seeing some of the Algarve’s most stunning scenery at a leisurely pace.
Like the Benagil Cave sealed inside its own world; a breathtaking perspective from the marked trail.
Join us for a sneak peek of what to expect on your Benagil Cliff Walk without breaking a sweat.
It’s an eastern section of the longer Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, otherwise known as “Sete Vales Suspenso” in Portuguese.
It’s one of the Algarve’s more popular areas for its notable coastal landmarks.
In less than one hour, you’ll march above a hollow landscape carved by fresh water and saltwater forces, with some paths zigzagging down to the beautiful beaches.
It’s one section of the linear hike that is the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
Whilst it takes three hours to complete, the Cliff Walk is only 40 minutes long.
It’s the perfect compromise for people who want to take a million photos without fretting about the time.
On your expedition, there are five gorgeous sites that might slow you down.
A Swiss-cheesed landscape carved by natural forces, Algar Seco is made up of a labyrinth of walkways overlooking the Atlantic.
Its most famous feature is Boneca’s Cave, a tiny tunnel leading up to a keyhole-like window.
Only those who’ve visited know its stunning view, and some have even glimpsed dolphins and whales!
It’s from here where many tourists start their shortened coastal walk.
The closest sandy beach to the sea cave, Benagil’s connection with the ocean began in a time when the only boats you’d see belonged to fisherfolk and their nets.
Once discovered, it became a honeypot for tour boats taking tourists to visit the famous Benagil Cave, and then boards and kayaks joined too.
Nowadays, both are banned from entering the cave.
Only seen from the path, the Benagil Cave is a phenomenon resulting from years of endless coastal erosion.
Though you can’t enter the sea cave, you can appreciate its aquamarine beauty from a safe distance above.
Praia da Corredoura is an exclusive beach accessible only by sea transport.
For this reason, it’s the perfect beach on which to escape the summer crowds.
In autumn, you’ll have a paradise to yourself.
Voted one of 100 most beautiful beaches in the world because of its jewel seas and striped rock formations, Marinha Beach is the crowning glory on a trail with so much to see.
The so-called “M Rock” draws crowds seeking its secret symbolism: will you see a letter, an elephant or a heart?
Whilst it’s impossible to ignore a swim as blue-green as the tropics.
You can get to the Benagil Cliff Walk from multiple locations in the Algarve. Let’s look at your two best options.
A popular holiday destination for holidaymakers in the Algarve, Lagos is a 40-minute drive away from the Benagil Cliff Walk.
For those who want to save on the cab fare, you can take the 56 or 57 bus from Lagos to Lagoa and from there, hop on a 107 to Carvoeiro (Amoreiras).
From here, the trail is less than ten minutes by walking.
You can also check out our Lagos to Benagil Cave travel planner here.
You’ll pay between 20-26 euros one-way with an Uber ride.
Though it’s easy to pick up an uber from Lagos, you might be waiting for much longer on your return journey back to town after walking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail.
It gives your day trip a stressful edge, with less time to enjoy the trail.
Start treading the trail from Carvoeiro Beach along its boardwalk, and you’ll reach the Benagil area.
It’s an extra 25-minute walk prior to starting your Benagil Cliff Walk.
But if you’re a keen hiker, exploring the beautiful coastline shouldn’t be a problem.
If you don’t want to overdo your exercise, you can still enjoy some of the Seven Hanging Valleys by choosing a quicker route from the popular holiday destination, Faro.
In an Uber taxi from Faro, you’re looking at a single journey that costs between 45-90 euros depending on the size of your group doing the Seven Hanging Valleys hike.
With public transport combinations taking you anywhere between 2-3 hours to reach the Hanging Valley, we recommend skipping this option altogether in favour of a tour from Faro.
The ease of leaving from Faro is Algarve Beauties’ speciality, offering a specific Coast Adventure that covers the best parts of the Benagil Cliff Walk.
So instead of feeling cheated by the bill, you’ll pay an affordable price of 51 euros for two journeys and a guided tour with spectacular views. Such as discovering Boneca’s Cave, admiring the Benagil Cave from above, and plunging into the sea at Marinha Beach.
In past times, you could swim inside the Benagil Cave but since September, it’s forbidden to enter inside on a kayak or board of any kind.
Now you can only take a boat tour to the Benagil Cave from popular locations, such as Lagos, Carvoeiro, and the Benagil Beach, where you must stay onboard at all times.
Weather conditions affect whether boats can sail, or not.
Or, you can visit the cave freely by enjoying the untouched cave beach from the Benagil Cliff Walk.
This change of rules is to safeguard visitors from potential accidents.
You can read more about the Benagil Cave closure in our latest blog.
Get ready for loads of stunning scenery that is typical of Portugal’s Mediterranean climate.
Besides blonde beaches round every corner, you’ll spy everything that comes with the landscape.
Like the colourful, traditional fishing boats just waiting to be papped, and the glowing Miocene rock formations, like scattered arches, hidden caves and limestone islets, pointing to a long-lost coastline.
While the trail – a mecca for bird watchers – sees swooping swallows, birds of prey, drifting seagulls, and the red-eyed Sardinian warbler.
Get the most out of your hike by bringing the right gear.
Comfortable walking shoes, such as hiking boots or trainers, are essential for enjoying the coastal cliff and its gems – leave your flip flops at home!
Beat the fierce Mediterranean sun with sunscreen and a hat. While a swimsuit and a towel are must-haves for the Algarve coast. And of course, pack snacks or cash for refreshments so you don’t starve.
As with everything, surrender to your sense of adventure for the best experience.
With loads to squeeze into one day, an Algarve Beauties tour from Faro is the tried and trusted option for an epic Benagil Cliff Walk.
Whether you prefer to go with a group of friends, a group of strangers, or want to tailor your own tour, we’ve got you covered.
Ready for an adventure like no other?
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