Benagil Cave Beach

Is it worth visiting the famous Benagil Cave in Portugal? Absolutely. The Algarve Caves are the must-see stunning part of the Algarve, Portugal region.

There are a lot of caves from Albufeira passing throughout Armação de Pêra Bay up to Carvoeiro also in Lagos, but the Benagil Sea Cave is the highlight of the Algarve.

The locals call it ¨A Gruta de Benagil¨ because it looks like a stunning grotto on the ocean.

Algar de Benagil, its real name, is spectacular inside the cave with the sunlight streaming through the roof , usually this happens from February until November when the sun is higher, and the golden sand and beautiful azure waters. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world a pure travel inspiration for those who have not been.

Where is Benagil Beach Cave – Benagil Sea Cave Location?

This stunning Portugal Cave (sometimes known as the cave beach) is located along the Central part of the Algarve Portugal coast next to Benagil Beach (Praia de Benagil). The nearby cities are Armação de Pêra, Sra. da Rocha Porches, Albufeira, Carvoeiro, and Lagoa. you will find good deals on beautiful Hotels, Apartments , Airbnb or you can just rent a house from a local.

Benagil Cave is around 15-minute drive from Armação de Pêra and Lagoa, 5-minute drive from Carvoeiro, 30-minute drive west from Albufeira, and finally 40-minute drive east from Lagos South Portugal.

Benagil Cave Portugal Map – Portugal Algarve Carvoeiro
Look Here Google Maps

How can you get to the Benagil Cave Algarve Portugal?

There are several ways you can visit the Benagil Cave and Benagil Beach but first, you will have to drive there.Take a little walk from the parking You will be able to view the cave from above and look down at the beach you actually walk up to the hole in the ceiling of the cave and see it from above, be careful not to fall, there is no way to get to the cave itself on foot.

It is cool to see the cave from above and if you are visiting the beach, it is worth a look. After the cave I advise you to spend time going along the coast checking out the beautiful coastline you can take the hike ¨os sete vales suspensos¨ seven Hanging valleys, i´m gona talk about that in another Post.

The cave can be visited any time of year, talk to Bruno he will book a trip for you, or you can just go directly to the Blue Xperiences website, where you will find some good deals on Algarve tours.

My suggestion is to go early as it gets quite crowded later in the day from June to September. visiting the Algarve from October to May is by far the best month to visit Portugal and the Caves.

How to Visit Benagil Cave- Four Options

Swim – from Benagil Beach swim is not recommended, approximately 300 meters to the Benagil Cave, the tides and currents change quickly here and I definitely do not recommend swimming here.

Stand Up Paddle board – This is a cool idea but much better to go on a Benagil cave sup tour with someone who knows the place. It`s also a cool idea for the good value for the price/time you spend inside the cave beach, you are also contributing to nature and it´s healthier for you. so much better to take the tour as you learn a new sport, do some activity during your holidays and will know more about the Algarve coastline.

Benagil Cave Boat Tours – This is the best way as you will visit other caves in the area around the Benagil Cave. Unfortunately, on the boat trips, they will not let you touch water, saying you will not be able to jump off the boat if you really want to walk inside the Benagil Cave Beach.

Kayak or paddle board rental – You can also rent Kayaks (i personally don´t recommend they are not that easy to handle when entering the cave beach) or I would rather advise you to go for Paddle Boards for about the same price as boat tour but it’s not the same cave experience going by yourself!!! most tourist guides or boat skippers have lots of interesting facts about the rock formation, secret corners , naturally sculpted art, fossils, and stories. Are you sure to go alone? it´s safer to have somebody giving you a hand when going in and out of the cave!

Tips to know about Benagil Algarve Portugal

The views from the beach inside the cave are unique and beautiful even with some people there you don’t want to miss it!

There is some conflicting information about whether or not you can actually get off the boat when you get close to the cave but I can tell you that for your safety it´s better not to do it, getting off the boat to go inside looks easy and it is, but then you have to return to the boat and that’s when things get complicated, don´t do it for your safety and the others on the same boat.

You will get a better chance to step inside the cave beach when you take a Stand-Up Paddle Benagil Cave tour.

Quick tips for Benagali caves or Bengali caves or caves of Benagil Portugal

If doing a self-led tour, always check weather conditions first and make sure you’re heading to the cave.
Go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Bring a dry bag or waterproof backpack to protect your camera gear.
Wear a hat and sunscreen!
There is free parking at Benagil Beach as well as same-day tours.
Tours may be canceled due to sea conditions, so stay in the area for several days to ensure a chance to see the cave.