Visiting the Benagil Cave

During a stay in southern Portugal, you will make many beautiful discoveries, and one of the most iconic natural sites you will encounter is undoubtedly the Benagil Cave. This must-see spot in the Algarve is often considered one of the most beautiful caves in the world. In this article, I provide you with all the information about this natural paradise, the various ways to access it, and everything you might find useful to visit the Benagil Cave

Benagil is the name of a tiny fishing village located in the Algarve, between Portimão and Armação de Pêra. The entire region is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and the beauty of its coastline. With its wild beaches, secluded little islands, stunning cliffs, crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, charming villages, rich culture, and pleasant climate year-round, the Algarve has a lot to offer travelers and undoubtedly ranks among the best beach destinations in the world. The Benagil Cave is, without a doubt, the most famous natural site in the Algarve ☀️

If this cave is so incredible, it is for several reasons. To start with, it's not a cave that you will find perched on a cliff by the beach. On the contrary, here, the beach is located directly inside the cave! ️

Moreover, the limestone of the cave is quite brittle and has collapsed over part of the cave's ceiling due to erosion, creating a genuine light well. This opening, known as the cave's eye, allows sunlight to filter through, reflecting off the sand and the turquoise sea, giving this place indescribable beauty and a truly unique atmosphere.

Since the Benagil Cave is an extremely touristy site, one might be tempted to think that it lacks authenticity, or even interest, but that is certainly not the case. It's true that if you visit it in the height of summer, you may not feel alone in the world... Nevertheless, whichever way you choose to visit, it is genuinely a memorable discovery that should not be missed if you come to experience the Algarve.

Upon arrival, it's possible to admire the cave from the village of Benagil by walking to the heights of the cliff and even accessing the edge of the cave's eye. However, to truly explore the cave, the only way to enter is by sea For this, you have several options: by boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard. Excursions to the Benagil Cave depart from several nearby coastal towns. Here is a small selection of the most popular options <-️

The closest departure point to reach the cave is, of course, the village of Benagil itself This tiny village has just a handful of houses and is very charming, near which there is a large parking area and a few restaurants. From there, you can easily start walking toward the top of the cave to view it from the edge of its famous eye.

Also from the village, if you really want to enter the cave, you will first have to get to Benagil beach below. From the beach, you can swim, rent a paddle or kayak, or enlist the services of a local fisherman.

Another way to explore this cave without getting wet is to follow the famous path of the seven hanging valleys (percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos). This is undoubtedly the most beautiful hiking route in the region, and considering the beauty of the Algarve, that's saying something!

This trail winds along the cliffs and traverses the most beautiful coves and beaches in the Algarve between Praia de Vale Centianes and Praia Do Marinha, of course passing over the top of the Benagil Cave.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are two great ways to visit the Benagil Cave. Fun and environmentally friendly, they do not require prior experience and will allow you to explore this natural spectacle in peace

From Benagil beach, you can rent a double kayak or a stand-up paddleboard and head straight to the Benagil Cave. Rental typically costs between €15 and €20 per person for 1.5 to 2 hours.

It's also possible to join guided kayaking or paddleboarding excursions with an instructor. These excursions are offered from Benagil beach as well as from Albufeira or Portimão. Depending on the departure point, they last between 2 and 4 hours and cost between €20 and €50 per person. They also provide the opportunity to explore other caves, beaches, and natural arches around Benagil.

From Benagil beach, I recommend the guided kayak tour to the cave. The professional guide will share some of the site's secrets and teach you how to handle the kayak properly. You will also have time to take photos and swim in the Benagil Cave, and there will be visits to other nearby caves as well! The price for this excursion is around €23 per person.

If you are a good swimmer and if the water temperature is sufficient, it is indeed possible to swim to the cave. From the beach in the village, the cave is about 200 meters from the shore.

However, be cautious as access may sometimes be restricted. In any case, it's advisable to wait for low tide and take a boat if the sea is not calm enough or if the weather conditions are not optimal. Even if conditions are perfect, if you choose to swim, always watch out for boats, kayaks, and paddleboards heading towards the cave.

You can visit the Benagil Cave by boat from several nearby towns and villages. You can even speak directly to fishermen on Benagil beach, who will likely be happy to take you there in their small boat for just a few dozen euros. This is probably the most authentic way to make this discovery, but this option is typically available only outside the high tourist season!

Throughout the year, you can take a boat from Albufeira, Portimão, and other nearby towns for a small cruise to the Benagil Cave, which usually lasts between 2 and 4 hours, allowing you to see several other sites along the way. These sea trips can be done on various types of vessels: speedboat, tourist boat, catamaran, or even a pirate ship! ⛵️ The prices for these excursions are mostly between €30 and €45 per person.

Albufeira is located west of Benagil, also on the coast. It's an excellent starting point for a trip to explore the coastline, with, of course, the visit to the Benagil Cave as the highlight.

If that's an option you're considering, there is a cruise that includes a visit to the cave and dolphin watching that offers a semi-rigid speedboat trip to see the Benagil caves and several other natural sites. During this cruise, you will also enjoy a brief swimming break and have the chance to observe dolphins in their natural habitat Expect to pay around €34 per person for a 2-hour tour.

Portimão is the main city of departure for boat excursions to visit the Benagil Cave. Here, you will have a wide range of excursions to choose from. The city is located several kilometers west of Benagil and offers various activities

Faro, the capital of the region, is a must-visit during your stay in the Algarve. This beautiful medieval city is full of things to do and see. If you plan to spend a few days there and are unsure about where to sleep in Faro, I have an article for you!

From this city, you can also take a excursion to the Benagil Cave for an entire day, during which you will pass by other coastal sites, such as Praia de Marinha and the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail. The price is, of course, higher since Faro is farther from Benagil. The excursion will cost you €50.

Lagos is one of the most important towns in the region. Coastal and historical, it is also a city that has a lively nightlife during the summer. It features a rich heritage, including a beautiful old town surrounded by walls, a charming marina, lovely churches, several museums, and even a zoo!

Among all the activities offered here, you can, of course, explore the Benagil caves on a speedboat expedition. This lasts 2 hours and is accompanied by commentary from a professional guide, all for €34 per person.

Vilamoura is a charming seaside resort located a few kilometers east of Albufeira. It boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the region and offers a variety of activities. There is also a water park where many water activities are practiced. Finally, it is a major departure point for marine excursions.

Of course, you will have the opportunity, as from other seaside resorts, to take a trip to the Benagil Cave with dolphin watching. The format is quite similar to previous excursions; you will depart for a little over 2 hours toward the Benagil Cave, and if the opportunity arises, you may see dolphins and even try to swim with them. Expect to pay around €45 for a departure from Vilamoura.

Now that you know the different options available to visit the Benagil Cave, here are some helpful tips to assist you in organizing this experience.

The best times of day are when the light is most vibrant inside the cave, generally around mid-morning or in the middle to late afternoon. However, the cave is beautiful at any hour, and if you want a quieter discovery, it's best to go early in the morning

Regarding the time of year, since the Algarve is an extremely popular destination in summer, especially in July and August, don't expect to be alone in visiting the cave... That said, if you have a choice, spring and fall are better times to visit because tourists are far fewer, and the climate remains particularly pleasant ☀️ From early April to late October, all conditions are perfect for visitors to enjoy the beauty!

The Benagil Cave is the most well-known spot in the region, but many other treasures are waiting to be discovered nearby. Several beautiful beaches lie just a few kilometers away, some of which are only accessible by sea, such as Praia da Corredoura (from where you can also swim to the cave) and Praia da Mesquita, while others can be easily reached by land, such as Praia do Carvalho.

You can discover the Alfanzina Cave, the largest in the Algarve, overseen by a lighthouse, and Paradise Cave which competes with Benagil for the title of the most beautiful cave in the region. There are several other beautiful caves nearby, such as Algar do Chuset and Algar Albandeira. In total, there are nearly twenty in the region. Boat excursions to the Benagil Cave also often pass by several of these points of interest

You will find some great restaurants just steps away from the Benagil Cave. O Pescador Benagil is located near the parking area, making it very convenient! It specializes in seafood and fish dishes but also serves vegetarian options that you can enjoy on a terrace with a stunning view of the sea.

I also recommend the restaurant Sul Mar, which also serves seafood dishes and delicious Portuguese specialties It is located just northwest of the village on the main road.

There are several great places to stay in the Algarve; you can find apartments or villas located just a few meters from Benagil beach or Carvalho beach. However, the closer you choose to stay to the sea and the cave, the higher the price will be. Moreover, these accommodations are often only available for stays of at least two nights and sometimes more, and they almost always require booking several months in advance.

To find a wider selection, it's better to head toward Carvoeiro or Armação, a few kilometers from Benagil

The Pestana Palm Gardens is a small, affordable, and comfortable hotel located less than a 3-minute walk from the beach in Carvoeiro. You can stay in double rooms or suites that accommodate up to 3 people, starting from around €59 per night, excluding peak season.

The Hotel Carvoeiro Plaza is my favorite! The hotel is beautiful as it is literally by the sea and features a large outdoor swimming pool. Available from €83 per night in a double room, you will also enjoy breakfast included!

A bit farther from the beach, the Monte Santo Resort in Carvoeiro is a true dream establishment. This 5-star hotel features 6 outdoor pools, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. Accommodations are in terraced villas with balconies offering beautiful panoramic views. The apartments are spacious, comfortable, and nicely decorated. You will be just 1 km from the beach. Expect to pay a minimum of €106 for a night in this resort for two people.

That's it for this article; I hope you have all the info you need for your visit to the Benagil Cave! If you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment ✍️ And if you plan to explore the region during a road trip in the Algarve, I also have a guide to the best places to stay in the Algarve ️