Visiting Benagil Cave in 2025? This is what you need to know about the Benagil Cave in the Algarve. Tips + new rules

The Benagil Cave (Algarve) – Everything you need to know

Anyone who has ever held a postcard of the Algarve in their hands will probably recognize this colorful sea cave that can be found along the southern coast of the Algarve: The Benagil cave ! This dome-shaped cave is one of the many highlights that the Portuguese Algarve has to offer, for which many visitors spend half a day. When I have friends or family from the Netherlands over, I always take them to this beautiful natural phenomenon.

If you are coming to the Algarve soon, the Benagil cave is definitely worth a visit. To help you get the most out of your visit to the Benagil cave, I will delve a little deeper into this iconic attraction in this article and give you some useful and practical tips for your visit!

Update: Since the end of 2023, new rules apply for visiting the Benagil cave. It is no longer allowed to enter the cave by kayak or SUP. Since 2024, it will only be possible to visit the Benagil cave via a boat trip for safety reasons.

What is the Benagil Cave in the Algarve?

The Benagil Cave is a sea cave in the Algarve in southern Portugal. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area and when you see a photo or are there, it is easy to see why. This domed cave is only accessible by water and the entrance consists of two small holes in the side. Once inside, the cave opens up into a large chamber with a high ceiling. This shape is thought to have been created by the waves of the Atlantic Ocean pounding against the cliffs for centuries, eroding the soft layers of rock and leaving the hard layers behind. Over time, a cavity was formed that became deeper as the sea continued to erode.

The room is lit by a natural skylight that lets the sunlight in. There is a small beach inside the cave and a large rock, which most visitors take a photo of or on.

Where is the Benagil cave in the Algarve?

The Benagil Cave is located between the towns of Portimão and Armação de Pêra, below Lagoa. If you want to visit the cave from Benagil beach, you can park on the large gravel parking lot just before you drive onto the beach. However, many other departures also leave
boat trips from nearby ports in Lagos, Portimao and Albufeira. The cave itself is only accessible by water. You can peer down through the hole in the roof from above, but there is (thankfully) a wooden fence around it so you don’t accidentally fall down.

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What is the best time to visit the Benagil Cave?

The best time to visit Benagil Cave is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and the sea is calm. However, it is advisable to plan your visit strategically during peak season, as the cave can get very crowded. If you are looking for a quieter experience, aim to visit Benagil Cave early in the morning or late in the evening. During the winter months, it is not always possible to visit the cave when there are waves.

If you want to get there early, book an excursion that visits the cave at sunrise or sunset. Further in this article you will find the different options to visit the cave.

How can you visit the Benagil cave?

The Benagil Cave can only be accessed by boat trip since 2024. As I wrote earlier, the best time to visit the Benagil cave is early in the morning, when there are few people and the morning light illuminates the cave in an atmospheric way. Check out the best ways to visit the cave below.

Benagil Cave boat tours

The most relaxing way is to go by boat. Boat trips are organized from various places in the Algarve that take you to the Benagil cave. In high season, several boat trips to the cave leave daily, sometimes in combination with the search for wild dolphins! This way you combine 2 fun activities in one outing.

Click on one of the buttons below to view the best boat trips to Benagil Cave from Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura and Lagos.

Visiting the Benagil Cave by kayak

Until the end of 2023 it was possible to visit the Benagil cave by kayak. However, the municipality has decided to make the cave accessible only for boat trips, as there were frequent accidents with all the traffic getting in and out. There is currently discussion about the future of the Benagil cave for visitors by kayak or SUP, so at the moment the information below is not accurate:

If you prefer to visit the Benagil cave on your own, you can opt for a kayak excursion that takes you along the impressive cliffs of the Algarve to the cave. From the nearby Benagil beach, you can easily rent a kayak and sail along the coast to the cave. This activity is one of the best reviewed tours in the Algarve and a fun sporty, but also relaxing activity.

Once inside the cave, I recommend pulling the kayak up onto the sand so it doesn’t accidentally float away while you’re posing for a selfie. Since there are only a limited number of kayaks and the Benagil cave is a popular destination, I recommend booking your kayaks one or two days in advance.

Visiting the Benagil Cave by Stand-Up-Paddleboard (SUP)

Until the end of 2023 it was possible to visit the Benagil cave by stand up paddleboard. However, the municipality has decided to make the cave accessible only for boat trips, as there were frequent accidents with all the traffic getting in and out. There is currently discussion about the future of the Benagil cave for visitors by kayak or SUP, so at the moment the information below is not accurate:

If you want to try something new or prefer standing to sitting, try braving the sea on a SUP! A Stand-Up-Paddleboard is a type of inflatable surfboard, where you use a long paddle to propel yourself forward. It is a fun activity that also allows you to practice your balance. In the worst case, you fall into the water and climb back onto the board.

From Benagil beach it is only a short paddle, so you can easily do this without a guide. Given the popularity of the cave, it is advisable to book at least a day in advance. That way you do not have to stand in line.

Can you walk to the Benagil cave?

It is not possible to enter the cave on foot, unless you can walk on water! The only entrance is at the water’s edge and even at low tide the water level is too high to walk into the cave from the beach. So you will have to put on your adventurer’s hat and brave the water by kayak, SUP or boat trip.

Can you swim to Benagil cave? Is it safe?

Many people wonder if it is possible to swim to the Benagil cave. The answer is yes, but it is not allowed anymore.

Other places of interest near the Benagil Cave

Besides entering the cave, you can also walk along the high cliffs overlooking the southern Portuguese coast. The so-called Seven Hanging Valleys Trail , or Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos in Portuguese, is a hiking trail that takes you from east to west along various cliffs and beaches. Along the way you will find many beautiful viewpoints and of course a number of catering establishments where you can drink a refreshing Superbock and try some Portuguese olives.

More must-see sights can be found on the Algarve sights page.

More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure

⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve