Have you ever considered taking a trip to the Benagil Cave in Portugal? It’s about 2.5 hours from Lisbon, but unfortunately, many tourists skip this gem. To fully enjoy the Algarve region, I recommend spending a few days here rather than a day trip. Here are my tips for visiting Benagil Cave.
Where is the Benagil Cave?
The Benagil Cave, also known as the Algar de Benagil, is a stunning sea cave along the coastline of the Algarve region in southern Portugal. Specifically, it is situated near the small fishing village of Benagil, part of the municipality of Lagoa.
What makes Benagil Cave Unique?
Benagil Cave is known for its iconic dome-shaped ceiling with a large circular opening. This opening allows sunlight to filter through and illuminate the interior, creating a mesmerizing golden glow. Visitors can admire the sandy beach and crystal-clear waters inside the cave, making it a popular destination for boat tours, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Visitors typically depart from nearby coastal towns such as Benagil, Carvoeiro, or Portimão by joining organized boat tours or renting kayaks or paddleboards to reach the cave. It’s essential to check weather conditions and tides before visiting, as access to the cave may be restricted during rough seas or high tides.
My Personal Experience
My friends and I booked a boat tour to visit during dolphin season. We saw a pod of dolphins playing around the boat. Although it was a bit foggy, we had a fantastic time. The boat ride to the caves wasn’t long, but the waves were rough. Pack motion sickness medicine if you have a sensitive belly.
When we arrived at the cave, several other tour groups were there. It was a bit overcrowded, so I recommend getting there as early as possible or skipping the boat tour and renting a kayak instead. If you’re doing a boat trip, you’ll only have a short time to take photos.
Foodie Tips
The area near Benagil Caves is famous for its seafood. I had fantastic seafood pasta, and my friends enjoyed other local dishes. The fresh orange juice in the Algarve region was some of the best I’ve ever had. You will not be able to go back to orange juice from a carton.
Some popular restaurants in the Algarve are:
- Dumar d’benagil
- Boneca Bar
- O Algar
FAQs
Can you Drive to Benagil Caves?
No, the Benagil Caves are not accessible by driving a car. The Benagil Caves are accessible by water. You can get there by swimming, kayaking, or by boat. There are lots of boat tours to choose from.
Can You Swim to Benagil Cave?
Yes, you can swim to Benagil Cave, but I do not recommend it unless you are an Olympian swimmer. It is quite far from the beach.
Can You Walk to the Cave?
No, you cannot walk to the cave. It is only accessible via water.
If you don’t have enough time to visit the caves, consider a day trip to the castles of Sintra instead.
