Benagil Cave

The basics

Traveling to Algar de Benagil is half the fun. Boat tours range from laid-back trips in an open touring boat to more active kayaking or stand-up paddleboard trips. Tours depart from various coastal cities, including Benagil, Albufeira Portimão, and Lagos. Because the cave is relatively close to a few popular beaches, some visitors are tempted to swim; due to strong currents, tides, and relatively heavy boat traffic, it’s not a great idea.

Things to know before you go

• The cave’s accessibility means you can experience the coast in just a few hours.

• Not all boat trips bring visitors to the sandy beach inside the cave, but you can swim at nearby Benagil Beach.

• Check the weather: Tours may not depart in stormy conditions.

How to get there

Algar de Benagil is located on the coast, about equidistant from Carveiro to the west and Armação de Pêra to the east. The best way to get there is by boat, and tours depart from a long list of seaside towns. If you’re traveling by car, parking is available for Benagil Beach; the beach parking lot is located off Estrada de Benagil.

When to get there

If you want to avoid crowds at this popular spot, the best time of day to visit Algar de Benagil is in the early morning or late afternoon. There’s a good reason that mid-day tours are so popular; sunlight pouring into the cave’s pierced ceiling is often most dramatic between noon and 2pm.

The best sea caves in the Algarve

Algar de Benagil is justifiably famous, but beautiful sea caves and grottoes dot the Algarve’s eroded, golden coast. Not far from Algar de Benagil is Zorreira Cave, with its forest of stalactites and stalagmites. Arcos de Marinha has graceful arches that dive into the sea. Like Algar de Benagil, the only way to reach Gruta do Capitão is by boat—and its small beach is only visible at low tide.