Benagil Cave (also known as “Algar de Benagil” or “Gruta de Benagil”) is one of the Algarve’s most iconic sights and, for this reason, one of the most sought-after destinations in southern Portugal. This cave, sculpted over the years by the wind and the sea, is truly impressive and highly photogenic. In this post, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to get to this natural masterpiece: where it is, the best ways to reach the cave, prices, and tips for enjoying this highly sought-after Portuguese gem (especially in summer) without any hassle.
Update 2026: Since 2024, due to mass tourism at Algar de Benagil, a series of measures and restrictions have been implemented to better protect the cave and prevent hazards, so it is no longer possible to go without a guide (whether by kayak or SUP), it is prohibited to disembark on the sand inside the cave, and the time allowed in the Benagil Cave is limited (2 minutes for motorized boats, 8 minutes for kayaks and SUPs). You can read the official announcement here. It is also prohibited to swim to the Benagil Cave
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Where is Benagil Cave
Benagil Cave is located in the Barlavento region of the Algarve, between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pera.
The Algarve is usually divided into two areas: Barlavento, the westernmost part and also the best known, as it is home to some of the most popular tourist destinations such as Lagos, Quarteira, Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimão, Benagil, and Carvoeiro; and Sotavento, the easternmost part bordering Spain, home to Tavira, Faro, Olhão, and the islands of the Ria Formosa.
The beaches of Barlavento, where the Benagil Cave is located, are characterized by their cliffs and rock formations with yellow and reddish hues. Those of Sotavento lie between the Ria Formosa and the sea; they are long, flat, and very expansive, dotted with dune systems. In our Algarve guide, we tell you more about this, and in this post, we’ll let you in on which beaches are our favorites.
How to get to Benagil Cave
There are several ways to visit the famous cave, a natural masterpiece, which we’ll explain in detail below
Reaching Benagil Cave by swimming
Due to new restrictions, it is no longer permitted to reach Benagil Cave by swimming. Please follow the rules to avoid situations like this
Getting to Benagil Cave by Kayak or Paddleboard
With the new restrictions, you can reach Benagil Cave by kayak or paddleboard, but you must do so on a guided tour and follow a series of safety rules (such as wearing a life jacket). That said, tours usually include several stops and last between 1.5 and 2 hours.
The maximum time allowed inside Benagil Cave by kayak or paddleboard is 8 minutes.
It is also prohibited to disembark inside the cave. Due to the new rules and restrictions, it is advisable to book your tour in advance
Guided Kayak Tour: starting at €35 per person
Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): from €45 per person
Reach Benagil Cave by boat on a tour
Since it’s such a popular destination, there are plenty of boat tours departing from various points along the Algarve coast that will take you not only to Benagil Cave but also to other caves and beaches, with a swim in the open sea included. Prices vary depending on the duration and distance; here are some options:
- Book your trip from Portimão to Benagil Cave on a private boat; on a pirate ship; with dolphin watching included; with snorkeling included; or at sunset.
- Book here your boat tour to Benagil Cave from Carvoeiro (or this more comprehensive one to see more caves)
- Book here your boat trip to Benagil Cave from Armação de Pera.
The duration of the boat trips varies depending on the type of tour (usually between 1 and 3 hours), as does the price of the tour (based on the type of boat, route, number of people, and services offered on board). The maximum time allowed inside Benagil Cave under the new regulations is 2 minutes
Reaching Benagil Cave on foot
On foot, by taking the “Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos” (Route of the Seven Hanging Valleys) and viewing the Benagil Cave from above before or after descending to Benagil Beach. This circular route was chosen as one of the best hiking trails in Europe and is a 6 km (12 km round trip) coastal trail that starts at Praia da Marinha and ends at Praia Vale de Centeanes (or vice versa), offering constant surprises at every stage. Although you can complete it in about 3 hours (round trip, 12 km), it’s best to take your time, bring a sandwich, a hat, a swimsuit, and plenty of water, and stop at the lookouts and incredible beaches along the way, such as the beautiful Praia da Corredoura and Praia do Carvalho. And, of course, you’ll pass by Praia de Benagil, where you can admire the view from above (though from a bit of a distance, as it’s protected by a wooden fence). Another spot you’ll pass is the Alfanzina Lighthouse, the photogenic 30-meter-tall lighthouse with a 30-mile range that was built in 1920 to guide ships (apparently, you could tour the inside for free on Wednesdays).
You can combine the hike along the Sete Vales Suspensos trail with the boat trip to Benagil Cave into a single full-day excursion. Book here
When to visit Benagil Cave
The best months to visit Benagil Cave and the Algarve in general are from May to October, though try to avoid July and August if possible, as these are the months with the most tourism, the biggest crowds, and the most people in the cave. June and September are usually the best months, with good weather, still-inviting waters, and fewer tourists.
To decide when to visit Benagil Cave once you’ve set your travel dates for the Algarve:
- Try to avoid holidays and weekends, as it tends to be more crowded
- The most photogenic moment is when sunlight streams through the opening of Benagil Cave, which varies depending on the season, usually coinciding with midday hours; however, this is when most people visit, so it’s impossible to avoid crowds and wait times
- If you want to avoid crowds and waiting, try to go first thing in the morning or late in the day (in our case, we went first thing in the morning)
In the fall and winter months, between October and March, temperatures are usually below 18°C, with lows of 7°C at night and highs of 18°C during the day (though it’s not uncommon to be surprised by the occasional warmer afternoon in the fall). The coldest month is January. We’ll tell you more about the best months to visit the Algarve (with a monthly climate summary including monthly high and low temperatures, as well as water temperature) in our Algarve guide.
Our Experience at Benagil Cave
We hesitated about whether to go or not because of everything we’d read about it: crowds, exorbitant prices, long lines… Basically, everything we dislike and that characterizes the mass tourism we usually try to avoid. But we decided to go early, on a weekday during the off-season (on top of a year as unusual as 2020 was), with the understanding that if we still had to wait, we’d leave without seeing it. And why did we decide to go? Because we were curious to visit this incredible place. And, if possible, we didn’t want to miss including it on our itinerary.
We decided to go by kayak (previously you could go on your own, but now it’s only possible with an organized tour, which you should book in advance); we were very lucky, and it didn’t disappoint. Arriving early (before 9 a.m.), we were able to enjoy this gem of Algarve nature for a few minutes in solitude and a few more in the company of another woman who, like us, had reached the cave by kayak
As we mentioned, we went very early on a Thursday in late September of the unusual year 2020 and were able to enjoy the place in solitude. Due to the overcrowding that Benagil Cave has experienced in recent years, access has been restricted, and right now it’s only possible to visit on guided tours.
Where to Stay Near Benagil Cave (Algarve)
If you want to stay right on Benagil Beach or nearby, here are some incredible accommodations with ocean views:
- Casa do Mestre André ( from €100/night): 3-bedroom house 100 meters from Benagil Beach
- Terraços de Benagil by Lemúria ( from €100/night): 2- or 3-bedroom houses with ocean views, 3 minutes from Benagil Beach
- Seaview Terrace Benagil Villa (from €110/night): villas for 4 people, 150 meters from Benagil Beach
- Penthouse Milhafre (from €200/night): a two-bedroom apartment (for 4 people) with a private pool, just a 3-minute walk from Benagil Beach
- Villa Tocana: a luxurious villa to treat yourself. It has 3 bedrooms and all the amenities you’d expect to find in a villa of this caliber. Here’s a taste:
More accommodations in Benagil here
One of our favorite bases in this part of the Algarve—and ideal for exploring several of the region’s postcard-perfect spots, such as Benagil Cave or Praia da Marinha —is Carvoeiro. Plus, you’ll be right next to the Sete Vales Suspensos trail, perfect if you want to walk to the cave along a beautiful seaside path that passes by other incredible beaches like Praia do Carvalho, Praia da Corredora, Praia Vale de Centeanes, and Praia do Carvoeiro itself.
It’s a small town that, although increasingly touristy, still retains some of its charm and natural surroundings, making it an excellent place to stay (find accommodations in Carvoeiro here). We spent a few months here in Portugal, in a two-person apartment with a terrace, kitchen, washing machine, and views of the sea and nature, right in the heart of the “Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos.”
- Casa Nova (from €45/night, depending on the season and number of nights): apartment in Vale de Centeanes for 2 with a kitchen, washing machine, and terrace overlooking the sea and nature. Where we stayed on Randomtrip.
- Rocha Brava Village Resort (from €60/night): 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bedroom apartments and villas with an indoor pool and outdoor pools. This is where Romi, Chris’s sister, stayed on her vacation and loved it.
- O Quintal Guesthouse (from €60/night): double rooms 200 meters from Carvoeiro Beach
- Castelo Guesthouse (from €60/night): double rooms in a castle-like property, a two-minute walk from the beach
- Apartment on the beach (from €85/night): basic apartment for 5 people with a balcony facing Carvoeiro Beach, featuring a kitchen and washing machine
- Apartment Miramare (from €90/night): apartment for 2 with a kitchen, washing machine, and terrace with ocean views
- Urban Beach – Casa Amarela (from €135/night): apartment for 7 people (4 bedrooms) with a kitchen, washing machine, and ocean views in the center of Carvoeiro
- Casa Castello (from €180/night): apartment for 2 people with a kitchenette and a terrace overlooking Carvoeiro Beach
The house is located right in front of the Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos, so during those months our walks to clear our heads and stretch our legs were truly special, and we even managed to complete the entire route, from Vale de Centeanes to Praia da Marinha, a couple of times. It’s a 1-hour walk from the famous Benagil Cave. In case this house, Casa Nova, is not available, there are others right next door with similar features, such as Casa Beatriz; Apartment Gil; Apartment Centeanes; Apartment Trópicos; or Apartment Rosa.
Another gem located near Carvoeiro is the Algar Seco and the Boneca , a “5-star natural terrace” with ocean views and one of the best sunsets we enjoyed on the trip. The only “price” to pay for this luxury? Waiting in line to get into Boneca, which has become quite popular lately. Another ideal spot to enjoy the sunset is by climbing the cliff and gazing at Algar Seco from above.
Where to eat near Benagil Cave
There are dining options right in the village of Benagil, though we should warn you that because it has become so touristy in recent years due to the cave’s fame, the value for money isn’t the best in the Algarve:
- O Algar: ideal if you’re looking for fresh fish, and even better if you enjoy it on their terrace with views
- O Litoral: simple Portuguese dishes. We didn’t try the food, just a “tosta mista” in the morning and coffee (slow service)
- O Pescador: the trendiest (and priciest) spot in the area, with more creative offerings
For more dining options near Benagil, in Carvoeiro, the surrounding area, and various spots along the Algarve coast, check out our guide: Where to Eat in the Algarve, where we recommend plenty of restaurants we’ve tried ourselves.
Don’t forget to bring…
- Reef-friendly sunscreen, meaning it doesn’t contain chemicals that harm coral, is free of oxybenzone, and hasn’t been tested on animals, like this one or this one.
- Sunglasses
- A water bottle like one of these so you always have water with you. This way, you’ll avoid using single-use plastic.
- A neck gaiter like one of these to protect yourself from the wind when it’s blowing hard and to shield your neck and throat.
- A long-sleeved Lycra shirt with UV protection that we use to protect ourselves from cold water or the sun while snorkeling, like one of these.
- Snorkelkit/mask to see the little fish—here’s a kit for under €20. Note: if you book a boat tour with snorkeling , you don’t have to bring your own gear (though I always bring mine).
- Waterproof bag, to keep your electronic devices safe on the beaches and on the boat. This bag, for example, costs €12
- Microfiber towel, which takes up little space; you can put it inside the waterproof bag and use it at the beach. If you don’t have one, you can buy the typical ones from Decathlon or one of these
- Camera to capture your adventures in the Algarve. We bring a Sony A5100 and aGoPro for underwater shots
- Power bank: with all that photography, you’ll drain your battery quickly, so it’s always a good idea to bring a reliable power bank. We travel with these two (Xiaomi and Anker), which let us charge our smartphones, camera, and GoPro.
- First-aid kit: Ours includes motion sickness medication (like Biodramina for seasickness), antibiotics, anti-diarrheal medication (and some probiotics to help us recover faster), antihistamines, pain relievers, and fever reducers—and, of course, travel insurance. If you purchase your insurance through this link, you’ll get a 5% discount.
Benagil Cave is just one of the gems of southern Portugal. If you’re planning a trip to the Algarve, our comprehensive guide tells you everything you can do in this Portuguese beach paradise, from the best beaches to restaurants:
The Algarve is Portugal’s premier beach destination and the most sought-after spot for a sun-and-sea vacation, and Benagil Cave is one of its gems. Happy swimming, Randomtripper!
