Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (12 km) is one of the most beautiful day treks on the Algarve Coast and among the best hikes in Portugal. Stretching from Carvoeiro in the west to Praia da Marinha in the east, the hike offers breathtaking views along golden sun-kissed cliffs towering above the deep blue Atlantic Ocean below. The coast is full of hidden beaches and caves, and the hike gives you the opportunity to walk down to some incredible natural wonders.
Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
Carvoeiro Boardwalk
From the center of Carvoeiro there is the wooden Carvoeiro Boardwalk, a walking path to the special rock formations and (sea) caves of Algar Seco, one kilometer away. Bring your camera, because you will definitely want to take pictures here. Have a drink or eat on the terrace of restaurant Boneca, to enjoy the view a little longer.
Senhora de Rocha
Praia de Nossa Senhora Rocha (3km), meaning “Beach of Our Lady of the Rock” is a small fishing community and beach in Porches. The beach is one of the most rustic ones along the coast and was used as a refuge for small fishing boats in the area.
The beach is flanked by cliffs. At the west end is a promontory on which is the old Fort and Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Rocha. A tunnel has been excavated through this promontory to link Praia da Senhora da Rocha with Praia Nova on the other side.
The fact that the beach/Praia da Senhora da Rocha is protected by cliffs is not only a great advantage for the fishermen, it also offers shelter when the wind is very strong.
Dolphin Watching
An emotive anthem to marine wildlife! With a marine biologist on board, you head up to the natural habitats of dolphins and sometimes also whales and orka’s. Watching one of the most wonderful spectacles of life in the oceans.
This is a very recommended trip looking at the dolphins that close.
The starting point is Ferragudo, 8 km from Quinta do Ourives.
Praia da Marinha
Praia da Marinha (3km) is one of the most nicest beaches of Portugal and considered by several travel guides as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe and as one of the 100 most beautiful beaches in the world. In 1998, it was also awarded with the distinguished “Golden Beach” award by the Portuguese Government because of its outstanding natural qualities.
Furthermore, many pictures of this beach have often been used in promotional material and “Guides of Portugal” distributed around the world. The beach itself is fairly small and sandy, and orange limestone cliffs border this famous beach. The beach also has some difficulty to get there, it is a little off the main road and the foot path takes a sharp descent downward.
This beach is not only famous for its cliffs, but also for the quality of the water. Marinha Beach has often been used by international advertising agencies and by television producers in advertising campaigns.
Silves
Silves (12 km) is a historic and delightful town, which was originally the ancient capital of the Algarve. Under the Moors (9-12 th century), Silves was a major defensive stronghold and important trading center, with boats sailing down the Arade River and crossing to North Africa.
Today, Silves is a peaceful and unhurried, but remnants of this illustrious past can be seen scattered throughout the town. This includes the imposing red brick castle, the impregnatable town walls, and the Gothoc cathedral, built on the site of a magnificent mosque.
Waterpark Slide and Splash
Slide and Splash (2km) is a fantastic waterpark at just 2 kilometers from Quinta do Ourives.
It has a lot of slides as well for young kids, teenagers and adults.
However it can be very busy in summer, Slide and Splash is definitely worth a visit.