How to visit the Benagil Cave, Algarve in 2025
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Book Top Experiences and Tours in Algarve:
If youʻre booking your trip to Algarve last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences!- Albufeira: MiniGolf Adventure Park Entry Ticket
- Olhão: Ria Formosa National Park Boat Cruise
- Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching
- Faro: Ria Formosa Faro Islands Boat Tour
- Algarve: Landscapes, Pottery, and Winery Tour
The Benagil Sea Cave, on the Algarve coast, is a spot of amazing natural beauty. Located on the Southern coast of Portugal, the interior of the cave can only be reached from the sea.
The cave at Benagil has always been beautiful however in recent years it has become a global internet star. A Google search gives up half a million results and photos of the amazing cave are all over social media. Huffington Post, Conde Nast Traveler and Thrillllist consider the Benagil cave to be one of the most beautiful in the world and we'd have to agree. As one of the top romantic spots in the Algarve, it should be on your Algarve bucket list.
A large dome cave, the Algar de Benagil (its Portuguese name) is impressive in size. The entry channel opens out into the wide expanse of the cave. The cave ceiling is very high above your head. The sunlight streams through natural apertures and openings in the dome, acting as a spotlight on the constantly sea-cleaned, fine golden sand and the translucent water, creating a magical effect. The immensity of the natural beauty will make you feel like a master of the universe and a puny human all at the same time.
The cave at Benagil has always been beautiful however in recent years it has become a global internet star. A Google search gives up half a million results and photos of the amazing cave are all over social media. Huffington Post, Conde Nast Traveler and Thrillllist consider the Benagil cave to be one of the most beautiful in the world and we'd have to agree. As one of the top romantic spots in the Algarve, it should be on your Algarve bucket list.
A large dome cave, the Algar de Benagil (its Portuguese name) is impressive in size. The entry channel opens out into the wide expanse of the cave. The cave ceiling is very high above your head. The sunlight streams through natural apertures and openings in the dome, acting as a spotlight on the constantly sea-cleaned, fine golden sand and the translucent water, creating a magical effect. The immensity of the natural beauty will make you feel like a master of the universe and a puny human all at the same time.
WHERE IS THE BENAGIL CAVE?
The cave is located approximately 150m to the east of the tiny fishing hamlet of Benagil, near to the resort of Carvoeiro, in the Lagoa region of the Algarve. Benagil itself is a picturesque cluster of whitewashed houses perched atop the cliffs and along the sides of the steep roadway leading to the beach - the Praia de Benagil.
HOW TO GET TO BENAGIL CAVE
The cave is only accessible from the sea. This means that the best way to see the cave, and to enter beneath its dome, is by boat or kayak.
CAN YOU SWIM TO BENAGIL CAVE?
Although the cave is only 150m from the beach, swimming to the cave is not an option. Tides and currents can be strong in the area and sea conditions can change quite quickly. There is quite significant boat, kayak and SUP traffic here, making it a risky undertaking for swimmers.
With stricter regulations now in place with the aim of safeguarding the cave, fines can be applied to any trangressors looking to circumvent the rules.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVE?
While the cave's beauty is timeless and can be appreciated all year round, here are some factors to bear in mind:
Clear, sunny days allow the natural light to stream through the cave-top openings, onto the sand and translucent water below.
Boat traffic to the cave is heaviest during the peak summer months, so it is wise to book trips to the cave in advance to ensure availability.
As there are boat trips available all year round, tours to Benagil from October to May are a great option.
Early morning visits to the cave are usually quieter too, with clearer skies and water than later in the day.
CAN YOU COME ASHORE AT THE CAVE?
In the interests of preserving and protecting the cave, it is not permitted to come ashore in the cave, whether you kayak, sup or sail there.
BOAT TRIPS TO BENAGIL CAVE
The best way to visit the Benagil cave is by boat and there are several companies offering great boat trips to Benagil. Only smaller boats can enter the cave, so you can opt for a trip on a small 12 seater boat or for a relaxed cruise aboard a larger catamaran and then change to a smaller boat to visit the cave. By law, you are not allowed to disembark from the boat at the cave.
There are boat trips to Benagil cave from several marinas in the Algarve - from Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura and Carvoeiro, as well as from Benagil beach.
The cave is located approximately 150m to the east of the tiny fishing hamlet of Benagil, near to the resort of Carvoeiro, in the Lagoa region of the Algarve. Benagil itself is a picturesque cluster of whitewashed houses perched atop the cliffs and along the sides of the steep roadway leading to the beach - the Praia de Benagil.
HOW TO GET TO BENAGIL CAVE
The cave is only accessible from the sea. This means that the best way to see the cave, and to enter beneath its dome, is by boat or kayak.
CAN YOU SWIM TO BENAGIL CAVE?
Although the cave is only 150m from the beach, swimming to the cave is not an option. Tides and currents can be strong in the area and sea conditions can change quite quickly. There is quite significant boat, kayak and SUP traffic here, making it a risky undertaking for swimmers.
With stricter regulations now in place with the aim of safeguarding the cave, fines can be applied to any trangressors looking to circumvent the rules.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CAVE?
While the cave's beauty is timeless and can be appreciated all year round, here are some factors to bear in mind:
Clear, sunny days allow the natural light to stream through the cave-top openings, onto the sand and translucent water below.
Boat traffic to the cave is heaviest during the peak summer months, so it is wise to book trips to the cave in advance to ensure availability.
As there are boat trips available all year round, tours to Benagil from October to May are a great option.
Early morning visits to the cave are usually quieter too, with clearer skies and water than later in the day.
CAN YOU COME ASHORE AT THE CAVE?
In the interests of preserving and protecting the cave, it is not permitted to come ashore in the cave, whether you kayak, sup or sail there.
BOAT TRIPS TO BENAGIL CAVE
The best way to visit the Benagil cave is by boat and there are several companies offering great boat trips to Benagil. Only smaller boats can enter the cave, so you can opt for a trip on a small 12 seater boat or for a relaxed cruise aboard a larger catamaran and then change to a smaller boat to visit the cave. By law, you are not allowed to disembark from the boat at the cave.
There are boat trips to Benagil cave from several marinas in the Algarve - from Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura and Carvoeiro, as well as from Benagil beach.
- From Albufeira, join AlgarExperience on coastal cruises to Benagil cave, or add in the option of searching for dolphins in the wild.
- From Portimão - The Ophelia is a large catamaran that departs from Portimão and uses smaller support boats to explore the caves. You can enjoy beach BBQ trips on the Ophelia too, or opt for a speedy run in a RIB straight to the cave.
- From Vilamoura - Ocean Quest offers daytime and sunset cruises to Benagil. You get to see some other gorgeous parts of the coast on the way, before reaching the main attraction at Benagil. Cruzeiros da Oura also offers great trips to Benagil aboard their comfortable catamarans.
- From Lagos - Bom Dia Boat trips run daily trips to Benagil from Lagos where you not only get to visit this iconic cave, you get to search for dolphins in the wild too!
CAN YOU KAYAK TO BENAGIL CAVE?
Yes. Aside from a boat trip to the cave, you may also explore the coast and visit the cave by kayak. However, you must be part of a guided kayak tour, which helps control visitor numbers and safety. Kayak tours are available at Benagil beach and from further away. It is possible to join a boat trip along the coast, then transfer into a kayak to explore the coast. All of these tours are guided and places are limited, so advance booking is essential.
BENAGIL BY LAND
There are hiking trails in the area that cross the cliffs in the Benagil area - part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, and one of the best walks in the Algarve. The ocean and coast views from the cliff-tops are amazing. You can walk directly above the Benagil cave, however the opening is fenced off for safety.
For a super combination of Benagil experiences, join the Benagil Land & Sea tour by Portitours. Walk part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, led by an experienced guide, and the sail from Portimão to see the beauty of Benagil and Algar Seco and the many caves in the section of the coast.
As beautiful as the Benagil cave is, it is just one of the many gorgeous sea caves and grottoes that dot the Algarve coastline. There are many amazing caves and rock formations to be seen in the stretch of coastline from Carvoeiro to Albufeira and near Lagos, at Ponta de Piedade.
Ponta da Piedade is a magical seascape of cliffs, caves, strange rock formations, and crystal-clear water. From Lagos, join Bom Dia Boat Trips for fabulous boat trips to explore this unique area.
Another great way to explore the coast is to join open water guided swim tours. Adamastor Swim Adventures offers daily guided tours to other caves along the coast, as well as explorng the fascinating rock formations and coves of the Algarve.
Yes. Aside from a boat trip to the cave, you may also explore the coast and visit the cave by kayak. However, you must be part of a guided kayak tour, which helps control visitor numbers and safety. Kayak tours are available at Benagil beach and from further away. It is possible to join a boat trip along the coast, then transfer into a kayak to explore the coast. All of these tours are guided and places are limited, so advance booking is essential.
BENAGIL BY LAND
There are hiking trails in the area that cross the cliffs in the Benagil area - part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, and one of the best walks in the Algarve. The ocean and coast views from the cliff-tops are amazing. You can walk directly above the Benagil cave, however the opening is fenced off for safety.
For a super combination of Benagil experiences, join the Benagil Land & Sea tour by Portitours. Walk part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, led by an experienced guide, and the sail from Portimão to see the beauty of Benagil and Algar Seco and the many caves in the section of the coast.
As beautiful as the Benagil cave is, it is just one of the many gorgeous sea caves and grottoes that dot the Algarve coastline. There are many amazing caves and rock formations to be seen in the stretch of coastline from Carvoeiro to Albufeira and near Lagos, at Ponta de Piedade.
Ponta da Piedade is a magical seascape of cliffs, caves, strange rock formations, and crystal-clear water. From Lagos, join Bom Dia Boat Trips for fabulous boat trips to explore this unique area.
Another great way to explore the coast is to join open water guided swim tours. Adamastor Swim Adventures offers daily guided tours to other caves along the coast, as well as explorng the fascinating rock formations and coves of the Algarve.
