Some of the hardest planning for a photo shoot is how to get to the location. How to get there at the correct time of day, how to do it safely and how to it with all your gear. How to get to the heart-shaped rock in Algarve, Portugal? The Algarve coast is no exception.

I have been to the Algarve coast in the summertime and it is a complete nightmare, no matter what you are there for. A photo shoot, sightseeing or a day at the beach. The crowds are overwhelming for such a small area along the coast. Parking is a nightmare as well if you have a car. Taxi service is even worse.

Seems like I'm doing a lot of complaining here, doesn't it. Ok lets switch back to my happy mood, sorry about that.

The Algarve coast has miles and miles of just gorgeous beaches, rock cliffs, boulders in the middle of the ocean and marvelous sea stacks. I could easily spend an entire year in Algarve and never lose interest in the natural beauty.

So now, the big question. How to get to the most stunning locations along the rock cliffs including the heart shaped rock arch. Sorry it took so long for me to get to the juicy part.

The location is not a far or hard hike, but it depends what time of year it is and what your mode of transportation is. If you are driving or taking a taxi, here is the best way to get there.

Drive to Praia da Marinha beach. Where there ia a big parking lot, you can leave your car there for free. However, it does get crowded during the day.

Hike along the coastline. When you arrive at the parking lot you will have go in the direction of the ocean. Remember to stay along the coast and do not go down to the beach.

There is a large square, usually without of people gathered along with food and souvenir vendors. You will also see a lot of benches, look to your right and you will see a sign describing the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. Follow that path and magically you will arrive at your destination. Take drinking water with you, you'll need it, trust me.

After 300 meters you will see a viewing point of the ocean with a wooden fence. Stop take some photos if you like, but you're not there yet. Just past the viewing point are wooden steps. Take those stairs and you will see a very small path that runs behind the wooden fence. This path leads to where you want to be. Here's some coordinates. 37°05'18.4"N 8°24'57.0"W

Now that you've reached your destination, remember the route and the steps you took to get there. Why, you ask?

Because you absolutely, positively have to come back late at night or very early in the morning, especially if the moonlight is good. My shot was taken in the middle of the night. The moonlight casts some amazing light on the rock arch as well as the Atlantic ocean while the city lights twinkle in the background down the coast further.

I wish I had my own directions to this viewing point when I took this shot. I originally walked left from the parking lot and couldn't find the viewing spot, obviously because I was in the wrong place and it was dark. Lesson learned, not mapping out the location, darkness, wind and being overtired leads you to...........the wrong place, lol.

From my camera to your home :)