Our adventure begins at the break of dawn on the stunning Marinha Beach, where the first rays of sunlight kiss the golden cliffs and turquoise waters. Recognized as one of Europe’s most beautiful beaches, this magical setting offers the perfect start to our journey.

Begin your journey at the Heart Rock of Marinha Beach, where the day awakens with the first golden rays of sunlight. This natural wonder, perfectly shaped by time and tide, is not only a romantic symbol of eternal love but also the perfect place to start your adventure. As the sun rises through the heart-shaped opening, you’ll witness a moment of pure magic, setting the tone for an unforgettable experience along the Algarve's breathtaking coastline.

From Marinha Beach, we’ll follow a section of the renowned 7 Hanging Valleys Trail, taking in awe-inspiring views as the cliffs plunge dramatically into the Atlantic.

While we’ll mostly stick to the official path, there will be moments when we venture onto secret detours along ancient fishermen’s trails. These hidden routes, combined with a touch of creativity, reveal fascinating natural wonders—like profiles of giant long-nosed faces, petrified turtles, and secluded beaches accessible only by sea.

Each step along this trail unveils a new perspective, blending the raw beauty of nature with the intriguing stories etched into the landscape by time and tide.

This section of the trail is where you’ll encounter the highest concentration of sinkholes, the most famous being the Benagil Cave.

The answer is both yes and no. While the iconic Benagil Cave is located along the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, it is not accessible on foot. From the surface, you can view the large sinkhole opening, but a protective fence surrounds the area, keeping visitors at a safe distance from the edges.

The only way to enter the Benagil Cave is via a boat or kayak tour. You can book a Combo Tour here, which combines a hike and a guided experience inside the cave by boat or kayak. During the summer, it’s highly recommended to book your tour in advance to secure your spot.

After passing the Algar, the hike leads us toward the small village of Benagil, known as the starting point for thousands of excursions to the famous cave. We’ll move quickly through this part of the trail as we begin the ascent, heading toward Praia do Carvalho. This section offers some of the most breathtaking views along the way.

When we arrive at the Miradouro do Leixão dos Ladrões, a stunning viewpoint where the coastline stretches endlessly toward the historic Alfanzina Lighthouse, standing tall as a sentinel of the sea, we’ll take a moment to pause. Here, you’ll savor a typical Portuguese energy bar, shaped like a star—a small but delightful taste of local tradition.

After taking in the spectacular views, we’ll retrace our steps, giving you the chance to appreciate the trail’s beauty from a fresh perspective and uncover new details you may have missed the first time around.

At Praia do Carvalho, an entire world of perspectives awaits your exploration. This stunning beach is accessible through a tunnel carved into the cliff, evoking the iconic passages from Star Wars.

If the conditions are favorable, we’ll take a quick dip in the sea to refresh ourselves before continuing the journey back.

The beach also hides a secret cave, inviting us to frame the sky in a natural masterpiece. From here, we'll climb steps etched into the rock to discover a window sculpted by nature. This unique viewpoint offers a close encounter with the Pinnacle of Praia do Carvalho, where, in the early morning light, cormorants spread their wings to soak in the sun.

We’ll make our way back along the trail, experiencing the same landscapes with a fresh perspective as the morning light evolves. Each step offers new angles, colors, and moments to capture through your lens—or simply to savor in your memory.

The return journey can be made in one of two ways:

On Foot
While retracing our steps, you’ll notice how the shifting light transforms the scenery. Caves that weren’t visible before come into view, and there are hundreds of fresh details to capture. It’s a guarantee—this is a trail that never looks the same twice!

By Boat or Kayak
For an alternative experience, and in collaboration with our trusted partners, you can opt to return by boat or kayak. This option includes a guided tour by a professional, taking you past the famous Benagil Cave for an unforgettable close-up. This Combo Tour adds an extra layer of adventure to your day and is available at an additional cost.

No matter which option you choose, the journey back promises to be as inspiring as the path forward!