- Porto : From London’s winter chill to Porto’s warm, tiled charm
- Porto : Pure Wilderness in Peneda-Gerês National Park
- Porto : A misty birthday drive through the Douro Valley
- Lisbon: Nazaré’s waves, Sintra’s fairytale palaces, and our first sunset near Cascais
- Lisbon: Train from Cascais, Alfama walks, and a sunset by the sea
- Algarve : The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail and Benagil in real life
- Algrave: Lagos, cliffside walkways, and a beach day done right
- Algarve :Waterpark fun, sunset strolls in Quarteira, and a calm goodbye in Faro
Travel far enough, you meet yourself.David Mitchell
After soaking up Lisbon, we finally said goodbye and drove south into the Algarve, chasing what we’d been craving for days: more sun, more sand, and those famous golden cliffs. This first stretch was all about taking it easy—Algarve energy is different. Slower, warmer, and instantly more coastal.
Day 1: The drive south + a perfect “arrival evening”
We didn’t over-plan our first day. The drive itself was the main event, and by the time we arrived we were happy to settle into our stay—a golf resort that felt calm and spacious. That evening was simple and perfect: a swim, some relaxed time together, and Addy doing one of her favourite things on any trip—being in the water until we practically had to bribe her out.
Day 2: The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail (and why it took us 5 hours)
The next morning, we set out for one of the Algarve’s most famous hikes: the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. We parked at Praia da Marinha, where the trail begins. It’s roughly 6 km one way, and our original plan was straightforward: hike one direction, then Uber back to the car park instead of doing a full loop.
In theory, 6 km is usually about 1.5 hours for us.
In reality? This trail is so ridiculously scenic that we turned it into a half-day adventure. We stopped constantly—photos, views, “just one more minute,” and moments where you simply have to stand still and take it all in. It ended up taking over 4–5 hours, and we didn’t regret a second.
Starting at Praia da Marinha: cliff-top views right from the beginning
Praia da Marinha is the kind of beach that looks edited even in real life. From the very start, you’re hit with those Algarve signatures: rugged cliffs, turquoise water, and natural rock formations that make you pause every few steps.
The path quickly climbs into cliff-top walking—stunning, but also a place to stay alert.
A rugged coastal path (and a safety note)
Parts of the trail feel wild and uneven, and in some sections it runs close to steep drops. The views tempt you toward the edge, so it’s worth saying clearly: be careful, especially with kids. The cliffs are beautiful but unforgiving—take photos from safe spots and avoid unstable edges.
Toward Benagil: caves, fences, and “wow” after “wow”
As we walked toward Benagil, the coastline just kept getting better. Along the way you pass multiple cave openings and cliff cut-outs—some are fenced off (for good reason), but even from above they’re dramatic.
Eventually, we reached the viewpoint area for Benagil Cave. Seeing it from the top is impressive, but you’ll notice the key detail: it’s fenced, so you can’t wander too close. Still, looking down into that iconic opening—something you’ve probably seen on Instagram a hundred times—hits differently in person.
Benagil Beach + the boat trip (spontaneous but totally worth it)
We walked down to Benagil Beach to rest. Our plan had been to do the cave boat trip the next day, but once we were there, we thought: why not now?
It was off-season, so there weren’t many boats running—but that worked in our favour. We got our turn quickly and headed out to the cave. And yes: it was absolutely worth it. The Benagil Cave is one of those rare “famous internet places” that still feels special when you see it with your own eyes.
Afterwards, we rewarded ourselves with ice cream by the beach—though in this season, it’s good to expect fewer cafés and restaurants open.
The last stretch + the harsh sun surprise
We continued toward the end of the trail (toward Praia do Vale de Centeanes). By then it was properly sunny, and the heat started to catch up with us. Addy can usually walk huge distances without breaking a sweat, but that day the sun felt harsher than expected—and I was definitely feeling it too.
Along the way, we stumbled upon a small beach tucked between the cliffs—one of those hidden little coves that feels like a secret. There was a cave-like opening and a narrow path carved through the rocky cliff face that led down toward the sand, and the moment we saw it we had to stop. We climbed down and found a perfect spot in the shade of the towering cliffs, sat for a while with some snacks, and just took it all in. The water was calm and impossibly blue, the cliffs wrapped around the cove like a natural shelter, and for a few quiet minutes it felt like the whole coastline belonged to us. It was easily one of our favourite breaks on the trail—simple, peaceful, and absolutely unforgettable.
Finally we reached Praia do Vale de Centeanes and we got an Uber back to the car park without much waiting.
Sunset beach-hopping: cliffs, calm waves, and the Algarve effect
We didn’t want to end the day with “just” the hike—we wanted a sunset. So we drove to a nearby beach and spent the evening watching the light change over the cliffs.
This is the thing about the Algarve: every beach feels unreal. Golden sand, turquoise water, calm waves, and cliff walls glowing as the sun drops. I’m not usually a “beach person,” but the Algarve is different—this is the kind of coastline that stays in your memory.
We grabbed a meal, watched the last light fade, and headed back to our place feeling exhausted and genuinely happy.
This is Aldrin and my partner Amoli. We bring you "Earths Pilgrim" - a unique insight into our travel escapades while leaving life in a cubicle. If you are looking for some inspiration to break the shackles of a regular life, then you are the right place. Read more about us- Click here.