Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, Algarve (“Varandas sobre o Mar”)

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One of the most beautiful trails in the Algarve

The Balconies Trail over the Sea is one of the most beautiful trails to take those eye-catching photographs of the cliffs on the Algarve coast. The Trilho das Varandas Sobre o Mar is wonderful and is an excellent program for half a day, very close to Praia da Rocha.

by Filipe Pereira

Portuguese Local Guide

Since an early age, Algarve has been a mandatory stop for me at least twice per year. Get to know this region through insider tips, and discover it like a local!

The Trail “Varandas sobre o Mar” (Balconies over the Sea) is one of the most beautiful trails to take those eye-catching photographs of the cliffs on the Algarve coast. Varandas Sobre o Mar is wonderful and is an excellent program for half a day, very close to Praia da Rocha.

HOW TO GET TO VARANDAS SOBRE O MAR TRAIL

To reach the Varandas Trail over the Sea it is best to go to Praia do Vau, near Praia da Rocha, then park your car, and then take the route, round trip. If you feel energetic, the ideal is to start the Varandas Trail over the Sea at Praia da Rocha or at Praia dos Três Castelos.

VARANDAS SOBRE O MAR TRAIL ROUTE

The Varandas sobre o Mar trail is not officially marked by the cliffs, at least the markings are not clear along the way, but the route of the Trail of the Balconies over the Sea is always very visible. Varandas Sobre o Mar trail map This route corresponds to a dirt track over the cliff that allows the Vau beach to be connected, to Praia do Alemão, Praia do Barranco das Canas and Praia do Boião, always walking over the cliff and then accessing the beaches. Then, it continues towards Ponta and João de Arens beach. The Balconies Trail over the Sea has just over 5 km kilometer but it is worth traveling. If you like, you can also continue the hiking route from the ford towards the East towards the beach of the Careanos and the Três Castelos, then reaching Praia da Rocha, in a total of just over two kilometers from Praia da Rocha to Vau. The Varandas sobre o Mar is almost always at the top of the cliff and the dizzying prospects on the coastline are truly overwhelming. It is a truly wonderful hiking route.

WHERE TO SLEEP ON PRAIA DA ROCHA TO MAKE THIS TRAIL

Next to Praia da Rocha, you can stay in some excellent places to do this specific hike route:
  • cheaper accommodation at Praia da Rocha, such as Hostel S. José, close to the beach, or Aloha Hostel, Alameda Hostel and PTM DownTown, in the center of Portimão;
  • more comfortable accommodation at Praia da Rocha, Bela Vista Hotel & amp; Spa – Relais & amp; Chateaux, the Hotel Oriental – Adults Only, the Hotel da Rocha, or the Algarve Casino Hotel;
  • accommodation for families or groups on Praia da Rocha, Casa Hortinha holiday homes in central Portimão, Areias da Rocha Beach House, Casa2_Praia_Beach_House, or Urban Beach I, close to the beach, and the Ryan´s Flat apartments, Apartamento Praia da Rocha, Seaview Varandas do Sol 2, Apartment Rocha Tropical, or Apartamentos Mirante da Rocha.
Near Praia dos Três Castelos , you can try the Hotel Luar , the Tower House Rocha , or Rocha Praia Mar Beach Front Line Bay . Next to the Alvor beach, you can stay in some excellent places to do the trail. You can choose to:
  • cheaper accommodation in Alvor, such as Guest House Summer Cascade Alvor, Ria Hostel Alvor, Alvor Guesthouse, or Dunas Hostel;
  • more comfortable accommodation at Alvor, Clube Alvor Ria, Alvor Baia Resort Hotel, or Pestana Alvor Praia Premium Beach & amp; Golf Resort;
  • accommodation for families or groups in Alvor, the holiday homes Casa de Alvor, Casa da Tita Alvor, Ria House Alvor, or Casas d’Alvor, and the Few Steps to the Beach apartments, the AlvorMar Apartamentos Turisticos, or Vila da Praia – Apartamento Viva Local, or the Alto Club Villa Oleander.

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