Visitors explore the stunning Benagil Cave in Portugal, with golden rock walls and a dramatic skylight that lets sunlight pour in. Kayaks and small boats line the sandy shore inside the cave, while tourists admire the natural beauty from both land and sea.

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How to visit the Benagil Cave Algarve + Best Tours

ByMarga Hours Posted on Hours Updated on

The Benagil Cave is on top of most travellers’ wishlists when they visit the Algarve Region in Portugal. And for good reason, as the Benagil Sea Cave is stunning! But what is the easiest way to visit the caves, and what has changed over the years?

I will gladly tell you about my experiences at the Benagil Cave in this guide. We visit the Algarve regularly and often visit the area of Algar de Benagil. The caves have become busier and busier throughout the years, and there are some do’s-and-dont’s when visiting the famous Algarve cave.

It is one of the busiest sights in the Algarve, and a visit to Benagil Cave is one of many people’s itineraries. It’s a fun place for families, solo travellers, and couples alike to see! During your tour, you will see more of the beautiful coastline and maybe even see dolphins! So, let’s dive in and discover more about the cave and how to visit it.

Overview of your Benagil Cave Portugal Adventure

  • Where is the Benagil Cave located? The famous cave in the Algarve is located in Benagil, between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra.
  • What to see at the Benagil Caves? The highlight of the Benagil Cave is the so-called Benagil Cathedral and the colourful rock formations. Because of the natural arches and the skylight, it’s often called a cathedral.
  • How to reach the Benagil Caves? The easiest way to get to Benagil Cave is by a guided tour from Carvoeiro, Portimão, or Albufeira. You can also step on board at Benagil Beach, but the car park gets very busy. There are also kayaking tours that depart from the beach. You can see the cave from above if you hike the Seven Hanging Valleys trail. You cannot swim to Benagil Cave.

What is the Algarve Benagil Cave?

The Benagil Cave is one of the most famous sights in the Algarve Region in Portugal. It is located in a small town called Benagil, a former fishing village that has turned into a famous tourist area. From the beach, Praia de Benagil, you can reach the beautiful Benagil Cave.

As the Algarve Benagil Cave became so busy, there have been changes in recent years. Since August 2024, you are no longer allowed to disembark and enter the beach inside the Benagil Cave—for any amount of time! Some of these pictures are from before 2023, when the first restrictions came.

You can take pictures from the kayak or boat and enjoy its beauty. Motorised boats are also allowed to stay in the cave for 2 minutes, and kayaks and other non-motorised vessels for 8 minutes. This is to preserve the cave from mass tourism. You can find the latest update here.

The whole coastline here is fantastic, and the limestone rock formations are believed to be between 24 and 16 million years old. You will find more spectacular natural sights along the coast, such as Ponta da Piedade near Lagos, Algar Seco, and Praia da Marinha.

How do I get into the Benagil caves?

There are several options for visiting the Benagil Sea Cave, and I will explain how to reach it by boat, kayak, and foot. Then, you can decide which option is best for you before booking a tour. I will start with the most popular, so let’s get started!

Benagil Cave Boat Tour

The best way to visit Benagil Cave is by boat. The boat tours leave multiple beach towns, so all you have to do is turn up at the meeting spot, and you will sail out to see the Benagil Cave. You can also enjoy the beautiful coast of the Algarve! On a boat tour, you will see many more rock formations and cliffs along the way.

  • The benefit of the boat tour to Benagil Cave is that you don’t have to travel there. A bus stops nearby, and otherwise, you will have to take a taxi or rent a car.
  • A downside of the boat tours is that the larger boats cannot enter the cave. Before you book, ensure the boats can enter Benagil Cave if that’s what you want. The smaller boats can be a bumper ride, depending on the distance you travel and the sea conditions. 

🚤 Here are some of the best Benagil Cave Tours to choose from, depending on where you stay:

Tours from Benagil Beach

You can also take a boat tour from Benagil Beach. I did this the first time I visited the Benagil Caves, and I didn’t book anything ahead of time. I had to wait 2 hours before a space was available, but it’s much busier now! Lessons learned, and I pre-book now before each visit. You should arrive early and/or book your boat tour to see Benagil Cave in advance!

A natural sea arch known as Elephant Rock along the Algarve coast, with its rugged limestone layers and trunk-like formation dipping into the ocean. Small boats pass beneath the arch, making it a standout feature on the Benagil Cave boat tour.

Benagil Kayak Tour

If you love being active, the Benagil Caves kayaking excursion is fantastic! You can rent a kayak in Benagil and paddle your way to the cave. At the time of writing, there is no option for a solo kayak, so if you travel solo or with an uneven number of travellers, you might have to share one with a new friend!

If you travel by kayak or canoe, you have to wear a helmet and life jacket for the duration of your visit. A certified guide will visit the cave with you, and the small groups fill up super fast in the summer. Again, book early and upfront!

If the sea is calm, which is usually the case in summer, you can also opt for a Stand-up Paddle Board (SUP) excursion with a guide.

🛶 Pre-book your Benagil Cave kayak!

Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

You can also walk to Benagil Cave and see it from the top! A beautiful hiking trail passes the cave between Marinha Beach and Carvoeiro. You can see the skylight from above, but please be careful! There is a barrier around the skylight, so keep a safe distance. 

View of the coast in Algarve Portugal from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail
View over the Algarve Coast from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

If you like hiking, I highly recommend the coastal trail. It’s pretty flat, with a short climb between the beaches. Bring plenty of water and sun cream, though! You can also bring snacks and sandwiches and enjoy a break in some cafes/beach bars along the way. And remember to take a dive in the refreshing sea! 

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An Algarve Tour from Lisbon

If you stay in Lisbon and want to visit the Algarve Region for one day, you can! Personally, I think the region deserves more time, but I also understand time off is limited. 

It will be a full-day trip, and the tour stops at Benagil Cave! Here are some of the best options:

When to visit the Benagil Caves?

The Algarve Benagil Caves are the number one tourist destination in the region, and thousands of tourists come in summer. Although the weather is warm and perfect for a day on the Atlantic Ocean, it’s also the busiest time.

A quiet stretch of the Algarve coastline featuring pale limestone cliffs and small sea caves carved into the rock. The crystal-clear water laps gently against a secluded sandy beach under a bright blue sky — a tranquil stop on many Algarve sea cave tours.

May, June, September, and October are less busy, but pre-booking the tours is still recommended. From autumn until spring, there are fewer tours available, and there is a chance they will be cancelled due to bad weather conditions.

Where is Benagil Cave, Portugal?

The Benagil Cave is located near the small village of Benagil. Lagoa is the largest city near Benagil and is well-connected by bus. A circular bus stops in Benagil and other nearby spots, such as Algar Seco. Please note, there is no bus service on the weekends.

If you don’t want to depend on public transport, it’s easiest to discover the Algarve by car. This way, you can see all the charming coastal towns and beautiful beaches at your own pace. The downside is that the small car parks fill up throughout the day, so I suggest you arrive early. We always rent with DiscoverCars in Portugal.

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Where to park for Benagil Cave?

The Benagil Cave car park is near the beach on top of the cliff. There is limited parking space, so keep that in mind. If you booked a boat or kayak tour from Benagil, allow extra time to park your car before the tour starts. There are several other places to park (free and paid). The area is small, so you might have to drive between car parks to check availability or wait a bit.

Where to stay near Benagil Caves

This part of Portugal is fantastic for a sunny holiday! There are many places in the Algarve to see, and you can easily spend a week or more discovering the region. There are also some incredible hotels near the Benagil Caves, so you can enjoy the beaches even more. You can use the map below, but I also added three favourites in the area.

📍 Affordable option: Apartamento Neptuno is perfect for a longer stay! It has a fully equipped kitchen and barbecue facilities. The apartment has two bedrooms and two bathrooms, and outside, you can enjoy the saltwater swimming pool and the garden.

📍Mid-range gem: Vale d’El Rei Hotel & Villas is near Carvoeiro Beach and a lovely holiday destination. The hotel is surrounded by vineyards, and breakfast is included. There are two swimming pools, a spa, and a wellness centre, and all rooms have air conditioning.

📍Luxury stay: We love staying in Tivoli hotels, and Tivoli Carvoeiro offers amazing beach views! There are two swimming pools and beautiful gardens, and you’re minutes away from the beach. All rooms have air conditioning, and there is a fitness centre and spa. There is also a Kids’ club, and the Vale de Milho Golf Course is around the corner.

FAQ

Can you swim to the Benagil Cave?

No, you cannot swim to the cave. The distance is too far, and the current can be too strong. This is very dangerous and forbidden! Fines for non-compliance with the current rules range from €300 to €216,000!

Are the Benagil caves worth it? 

Absolutely! The Benagil Sea Caves are one of the top attractions in the Algarve, and tours depart from all major beach destinations. This way, you can see even more places along the coast, and most tours last 2 to 3 hours. It does get busy, but it is one of the most beautiful places to visit.

Can you walk down to the Benagil Cave?

You can get to the cave by foot, but only to see the skylight from the top. There is a barrier around it for safety, but do be careful. You must book a boat or kayak tour to get inside the cave.

Can you kayak to the Benagil Caves?

Yes, you can! All kayaking tours start with an experienced guide close to Benagil Beach. Although it is possible to enter the Benagil Cave, you are no longer allowed to access the beach.

Can you visit Benagil Cave on your own?

There are recent changes due to over tourism, and all tours come with an experienced guide. You can not visit the interior of the Benagil Cave by yourself, but you can see the skylight from above without a guide.

Conclusion

The Benagil Cave is one of the most beautiful places in the Algarve, so it’s no surprise that many people want to visit the sea caves. You can reach the natural attraction by boat or kayak or on foot to see the cave from above. Pre-booking tours is highly recommended, especially between May and October! 

Boat tours leave from several destinations, and on the way to the Benagil Cave, you can enjoy more stunning views along the Algarve coast. Larger boats are not permitted inside the cave, so be aware of this before booking a tour. You are not allowed to disembark the boat or kayak, but you can enjoy the beautiful views for a short time in the cave.

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Hi! I'm the founder and writer behind Discover Portugal. I studied tourism near Amsterdam and flew across the world as a flight attendant in my 20s. During this time, I picked up my first camera, and after working for the airlines and a decade in the tech industry, I transitioned into a fulfilling career as a travel writer and photographer. I'm very blessed to have travelled to nearly 70 countries since my teens, of which living in 6. In 2021, I made Lisbon my home and launched this blog and photography business. My goal is to inspire you with my Portugal stories and practical travel tips.

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