The Best Hikes in the Algarve

The Algarve isn’t just beaches: some of its most beautiful scenery is best seen on foot, from clifftop trails above sea caves to wild Atlantic paths and green mountain walks. Here are the best hikes in the Algarve.

Quick answer: the must-do hike is the Seven Hanging Valleys trail (about 5.7km each way from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes, near the Alfanzina lighthouse). Also walk the clifftops of Ponta da Piedade in Lagos, a stretch of the Fishermen’s Trail on the west coast, the Carvoeiro boardwalk to Algar Seco, and up to Fóia in Monchique. Hike in the cooler months or early morning.

Why hike in the Algarve

The coast between Lagoa and Lagos is a run of golden limestone cliffs, arches and sea stacks that look even better from above than from the beach. Head west and the coast turns wild and empty. Head inland and you find cork oaks, orange groves and hill villages. Most walks are short enough to fit around a beach day, and the winter weather is often perfect for walking.

The best hikes

Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

The Algarve’s most famous walk: about 5.7km each way along the clifftops between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes, past Benagil, Praia do Carvalho, sea arches and hidden coves. Mostly easy, but with some ups and downs and no shade. Allow about two hours one way with photo stops, or walk part of it and turn back. Start early to get parking at Marinha. You can look down into Benagil cave from the clifftop, but you can’t walk or swim into it: since August 2024 the cave can only be visited by boat or on a guided kayak trip. See the full trail guide.

The trail is open and waymarked with wooden posts, but its popularity is taking a toll. In July 2026 local guides and businesses warned about litter, parking chaos and people taking risks near the edges. Keep to the marked path, take your rubbish home and avoid the side paths that lead out onto overhangs.

Ponta da Piedade (Lagos)

Clifftop paths around the golden rock stacks and grottos, with steps down to the water. Combine with Praia Dona Ana and the clifftop above Camilo beach (its stairs have been closed since storm damage) for an easy two to three hour outing from Lagos town. Sunset here is spectacular. See Lagos and the Ponta da Piedade guide.

The Fishermen’s Trail

The coastal route of the Rota Vicentina, along wild cliffs from Odeceixe to Aljezur, Arrifana and on towards Sagres. Sandy paths make it harder than it looks, and a full stage can take most of a day. For a taste, walk a few kilometres out and back from Odeceixe or Arrifana. Watch for storks nesting on the sea stacks in spring. See Costa Vicentina.

The whole trail runs for about 226km in 13 one-day stages, from São Torpes in the Alentejo to Lagos. No stage is longer than about 22.5km. The Rota Vicentina website has free GPS tracks for every stage.

Carvoeiro boardwalk and Algar Seco

An easy walk along the clifftop boardwalk from Carvoeiro to the rock formations of Algar Seco, fine for families and most fitness levels. Allow about an hour there and back. See Carvoeiro.

Cape St Vincent and Sagres

Windswept clifftop paths at the southwest tip of Europe. Walk around the Sagres headland and finish at the lighthouse at Cape St Vincent for sunset. Bring a warm layer, as it’s often windy. See Sagres.

Monchique and Fóia

Green mountain trails with views to the coast from Fóia, the Algarve’s highest point at about 900 metres. The hills are cooler than the coast, with eucalyptus and cork forest. You can drive to the top and walk down, or loop around Monchique town. See Monchique.

Rocha da Pena

A short circular walk (about 5km) over a limestone ridge north of Loulé, with wide views across the inland hills. A good choice when the coast is busy.

The Ria Formosa

Flat walks along the lagoons and on the islands, great for birdwatching. Look for flamingos, spoonbills and herons. See the eastern Algarve.

The Via Algarviana

A long-distance path of about 300km across the inland Algarve, from Alcoutim on the Spanish border to Cape St Vincent. Most visitors walk just one stage.

A two-day hiking plan

• Day 1: the Seven Hanging Valleys from Marinha at about 8am, lunch at Vale Centeanes or Carvoeiro, then the Algar Seco boardwalk in the afternoon.
• Day 2: Ponta da Piedade from Lagos in the morning, then drive to Sagres for a late walk on the headland and sunset at Cape St Vincent.

Getting to the trailheads

A car makes life much easier, as most trailheads are outside the towns. The A22 motorway has been toll-free since January 2025. For one-way walks like the Seven Hanging Valleys, either walk back, ask a friend to collect you, or call a taxi from the far end. Local buses run along the main coast road but rarely reach the beaches. See getting around the Algarve.

When to hike

October to May is ideal. In summer, start at dawn and carry plenty of water, as there’s little shade on the cliffs. In spring, the cliffs are covered in wildflowers. Winter brings the odd rainy day, but also clear air and quiet trails. See the Algarve in winter.

Food after a walk

Reward yourself with grilled fish, a cataplana seafood stew to share, or chouriço and bread in Monchique. In the hills, try medronho, the local strawberry tree spirit, in small sips.

Safety

• Stay back from the edges: the cliffs are crumbly and collapse without warning, and many stretches aren’t fenced.
• Water and sun protection: essential, even in winter.
• Good shoes: sandy, rocky paths.
• Check the weather: wind can be strong on the west coast, and paths get slippery after rain.
• Download a map: phone signal is patchy inland and on the Costa Vicentina.
• Emergency: call 112.

FAQ

Is the Seven Hanging Valleys trail open?

Yes. It is open and waymarked between Praia da Marinha and Vale Centeanes. It gets busy in summer, so start early and keep to the marked path.

Can you walk into Benagil cave from the trail?

No. You can look down through the hole in its roof from the clifftop, but since August 2024 the cave can only be visited by boat or on a guided kayak trip.

What is the best month for hiking in the Algarve?

March to May and October are ideal, with mild temperatures. Spring adds wildflowers on the cliffs.

More: hiking in Portugal and the Algarve’s best photo spots.

See also: the Seven Hanging Valleys trail guide.

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