Places of interest
Pedestrian Route of the Seven Hanging Valleys
The Sete Vales Suspensos de Lagoa route was elected “The Best Hiking Destination in Europe” with the distinction awarded by the European Best Destinations.
The Sete Vales Suspensos pedestrian route, in the municipality of Lagoa, is one of the most beautiful trails in the Algarve. The route of approximately 6 kilometers (12 round trip) is made along the coastal cliff, between Praia da Marinha and Praia Vale de Centeanes, and offers hikers fantastic landscapes of the Algarve coast. Along the way, we literally crossed seven suspended valleys, which were once associated with the mouth of a water line that plunged directly into the sea. Along the way, we can see numerous cliffs, rock formations of the most varied shapes, curious caves and impressive caves (natural wells that connect the surface of the limestone regions to the underground galleries). Nature was in no hurry to sculpt this masterpiece of hers. And the result is in sight! The views are superb and you can also see several birds, which inhabit the rocky walls, pine trees, juniper thickets and the typical Algarve thyme.
Leaflet 1 Leaflet 2 RTA guideThe \"Road of the Headlands\"
The \“Sete Vales Suspensos\” route is already a success among hiking lovers, but now the Lagoa Chamber has launched a new route, also along the coast of the county: the «Caminho dos Promontorios». It is a 7 kilometer walk, duly signposted and with relevant information along the cliffs, between the Molhe de Ferragudo parking lot (a little upstream from the Ponta do Altar Lighthouse) and Praia do Paraíso, already in Carvoeiro. This new pedestrian route passes through some emblematic places on the coast of Lagos, namely the Ponta do Altar Lighthouse, at the entrance to Barra do Arade, located on one of the headlands that gives the initiative its name, and Torre da Lapa.
Algar Seco and \“A Boneca\”
A true ex-libris of Lagoa, the Algar Seco is a natural amphitheater setting an almost savage scenery and one of the most pleasant places on the entire Algarve coast. Land erosion and the onslaught of the sea shaped the limestone rocks into graceful shapes. Going down the steps, you can appreciate up close, lulled by the whispers of the waves, sea caves and corners where nature has done what little man has been able to destroy. The rocks form \“porches\”, authentic balconies and romantic windows overlooking the sea, like A Boneca, from where you can feel the light breeze that blows from it. This is a highly recommended place for people visiting Carvoeiro, photography lovers and more. The wooden walkway with a length of about 570m and rest areas that depart from here has requalified the coastal section up to the Forte e Capela de N. Sra. of the Incarnation.
Benagil Grotto
Situated along the Algarve coast between the tourist destinations of Praia do Carvoeiro, Benagil has also been a favorite for some time, whether for sunbathing or exploring the fantastic rock formations. Its fame is mainly due to the cave located right next to the beach. This cave appears in the top of the “destinations to see” all over the internet. Although the cave is not far from Benagil beach, it is not advisable to swim in the cave due to the currents that can be very strong and the tides that can change suddenly. This means that, if you want to stay safe and see the cave, it is best to take a boat trip. If you are looking for something different to visit the cave, there is always the option of Stand Up Paddle (SUP) or kayaks to go inside the cave.
