Carvoeiro walksSeven Hanging Valleys trail, the Algar Seco boardwalk and Caminho dos Promontórios

Short answer: for a short walk with small children, do the Algar Seco boardwalk (about 600 m) [3]. For the big one, walk the Seven Hanging Valleys trail — 5.7 km one way from Praia de Vale Centeanes to Praia da Marinha, past Benagil, rated medium [1][2]. For a quieter alternative west of Carvoeiro, the Caminho dos Promontórios runs 6 km from Ferragudo’s river mouth to Praia do Paraíso [4].

The three walks at a glance

Walk	Length	Type	Good for
Algar Seco boardwalk	~600 m [3]	Boardwalk	Small kids, a quick sea view, sunset
Seven Hanging Valleys	5.7 km one way, roughly 11–12 km return [1][6]	Linear clifftop path, medium	Half-day hike, Benagil from above
Caminho dos Promontórios	6 km [4]	Linear coastal path	Quieter coves between Ferragudo and Carvoeiro

Seven Hanging Valleys trail

The route follows an almost continuous line of limestone cliffs between Praia de Vale Centeanes (about 2 km east of Carvoeiro) and Praia da Marinha. It is linear, rated medium, and 5.7 km one way. The municipality’s visitor page gives 11.2 km for the return, while its trail leaflet gives 11.4 km; plan for roughly 11–12 km [1][2][6]. The highest point is 45.5 m above Vale Centeanes and the lowest 7.5 m at Benagil [1]. On the way you pass Praia do Carvalho, Benagil and the clifftop above Benagil cave.

Where to start. Either end works. Marinha has a large car park that fills quickly in summer [5]. At Vale Centeanes the beach has a car park and is lifeguarded in season [7]. If you only want the Benagil section, park near Carvalho — about 15 minutes’ walk to Benagil — or at Vale Centeanes, about 30 minutes [9].

How long it takes. The municipality’s PR1 LGA leaflet gives an average of six hours for the return walk [6]. One hiking guide suggests four to six hours for its approximately 11.5 km there-and-back [5]. Allow extra time for stops and do not compare times from different route variants.

What to bring. Water and food: there are few places to buy either on the route [5]. Proper shoes — some sections are rough and rocky [5]. Sun protection: there is little shade [5].

When. Spring and autumn; avoid very hot, rainy or windy days [1]. After heavy rain take extra care near the edges [5].

Safety. Stay on the marked path and back from the edges. This coast has official rockfall risk strips below the cliffs [10], and the edges at the top are the same eroding rock.

Seeing Benagil cave from the trail

The trail passes above Benagil cave, and a hiking guide notes the hole in its roof is visible from the clifftop [5]. This is the free, no-booking way to see the cave — stay behind any fences and on the path. You cannot get down into it from land, and swimming in from the beach is banned [10]. Our Benagil guide covers boat and kayak visits.

Algar Seco boardwalk

A boardwalk of about 600 m across ochre rocks sculpted by rain and the sea, east of Carvoeiro [3]. It is short enough for small children and ends at the Algar Seco rock formations above the water. Hold hands at the end: the rock area drops straight to the sea.

Caminho dos Promontórios

A 6 km linear path from Praia do Molhe, at the mouth of the Arade river in Ferragudo, to Praia do Paraíso near Carvoeiro [4]. It passes a run of headlands and small enclosed beaches, with interpretive panels on geology, marine life and vegetation [4]. The municipality does not grade it or give a time. Fewer people seem to write about it than about the Seven Hanging Valleys, which can be the appeal.

With children

• Under 5: the Algar Seco boardwalk, then the town beach, Praia de Carvoeiro.
• Children who walk well: a shorter section of the Seven Hanging Valleys, such as Benagil–Marinha, early in the morning, rather than the full route. Marinha and Benagil had lifeguards from 1 June to 30 September in 2026 [8][11].
• Not a stroller route: the Seven Hanging Valleys trail has rough, rocky sections [5].

Getting there

Carvoeiro is about 41 km and 37 minutes by car from Lagos and about 65 km and 54 minutes from Faro airport (routing model, no traffic) [12]. The trailheads have parking, which fills in summer [5][9].