Do you want to know how to get into Benagil Cave? The only way in is by sea, on a boat, kayak, or SUP tour. This is the ultimate guide to getting to the Benagil cave. The Benagil cave is the most famous sea cave in Portugal. So if you are on holiday in the Algarve, visit it. We are Benagil specialists, providing over 40 tours to see this amazing cave.
The region around Benagil is also worth a visit, so why not combine it with a tour along the Algarve coastline or a day trip to the nearby village of Carvoeiro? With beautiful caves, beaches, and stunning cliffs, we offer the best boat tours in the Algarve.
What is the Benagil cave?
The Benagil cave is a fascinating rock formation with a big eye in the middle. It’s the most famous sea cave in the Algarve. There is a hole in the cave’s ceiling that allows the sun to shine on the little beach. Its beauty is hard to describe, and the best way to understand it is to go there and see for yourselves. In fact, one of the most popular things to do in the Algarve is a Benagil Cave tour!
The colors of the cave are, just like the entire coastline around it, unique and typical for the Algarve. And to see the clear blue sky through the eye of the cave is simply beautiful! The cave is just one of many; amazing grottoes and rock formations are along the coastline. In the picture below, you can see the arches of Marinha. Aren’t those worth a visit too?
Where is the cave?
The Benagil sea cave is in Lagoa, in the Algarve in Portugal. The cave can be found just between Praia de Benagil and Praia da Marinha. In the area, some other towns are worth a visit. Carvoeiro is one of the most popular destinations in the Algarve for tourists from all over the world. Here you can stroll around the streets, enjoy an ice cream or a nice lunch or dinner after visiting the cave! Carvoeiro is a typical fishing village; thus, don’t forget to taste some delicious fish at our favorite restaurant in Carvoeiro – “A Fonte”.
How to get to the Benagil cave?
The best way to get there is definitely by boat. You can go by train, bus, or car to any of the departure points of the Benagil tours. The cave tours depart from:
To go to the beach of Benagil, next to the small fishing village, you should drive there by car. We recommend turning on the GPS or Google Maps; although there are many signs, many people find them hard to find. If you want to go to the beach by public transport, you should go by train or bus to Lagoa. From there you can get a taxi, which costs around 10€.
Exploring the Benagil Caves is a memorable experience of light, shadow, and sea. Custom PVC Patches can be a unique way to remember the journey. It may feature cave shapes, waves, boats, or a short phrase, along with the date or location, becoming a small souvenir of a memorable adventure.
Can you walk to the Benagil cave?
Yes, you can walk there. Park your car next to the Benagil beach and walk along the coast east direction. However, you can only see the beach and cave from above this way. It’s also wonderful. But seeing the famous cave from the cliffs is not nearly as impressive as seeing it from the sea. So even though you can walk there, it’s not the “real” experience. And, of course, you won’t get to take those fantastic pictures.
Can you swim in the Benagil cave?
No. Swimming to the Benagil Cave can be very dangerous. Local safety and environmental protection regulations strictly prohibit any swimming to the caves.
What is the best way to visit Benagil Cave?
For most visitors, the best way is a guided boat tour. It’s easy, safe and suitable for all ages, and most tours also visit other caves and Praia da Marinha along the way. If you’re more active, a guided kayak or SUP (stand-up paddle) tour from Praia de Benagil lets you paddle right into the cave and see the light through its famous “eye” up close.
Please note that landing on the beach inside the cave is no longer allowed, for visitors or tour operators. Swimming into the cave and renting kayaks without a guide are also prohibited. Boats and guided kayak groups can enter for a limited time only. We offer over 40 experiences to Benagil, so we’re sure we can help you find the best choice!
People uncomfortable in the sea can feel safe in a boat. All boat tours include life jackets. More active people might prefer a Kayak or SUP tour. View all Benagil Cave Tours.
But why only visit the Benagil cave?
Did you know that the entire region around it is full of similar caves and caverns, and tourists a lot less frequent all of them?
Sure, the cave is awe-inspiring, and a famous tourist attraction of the Algarve, but the caves around the entire Algarve coast are equally beautiful! There are also many beautiful beaches to put on your travel bucket list. Check Ponta da Piedade in Lagos!
Whether it’s beaches or caves, the Algarve is a very beautiful landscape. If you want to preserve the beauty before your eyes forever, remember to take photos of them. You can also customize them into custom enamel pins as souvenirs of your trip. Let your family and friends experience the beauty of Benagil through these.
If you get on a boat trip from Lagos, Portimão, or Carvoeiro, for example, you will see about 15-20 caves. Depending on the tides, your skipper will take you through tunnels and into completely dark caves. By the time you get to the sea cave, you might not even be so impressed anymore since you have already seen how beautiful the region is.
So to ensure you don’t miss out on some other impressive caves of the Algarve, a guided boat, kayak, or SUP Tour is the best way to see the cave! High season is between June and September, so book in advance to guarantee your seats on tour to visit this unique place.
Frequently asked questions about Benagil Cave
Can you walk to Benagil Cave?
You can walk to the top of Benagil Cave on the clifftop trail from Praia de Benagil (about 10 minutes east), or on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail from Praia da Marinha. From land you only see the cave from above, through the hole in its roof. To see the inside you need to go by sea on a guided boat, kayak or SUP tour.
Can you swim into Benagil Cave?
No. Swimming into the Benagil caves, or entering them on floats, is prohibited by the local maritime authority because of strong currents and boat traffic.
Can you stand on the beach inside Benagil Cave?
No. Under the current navigation rules, landing on the beach inside the cave is not allowed for visitors or tour operators. Boats and guided kayak tours can enter the cave for a limited time.
What is the best way to visit Benagil Cave?
A guided boat tour is the easiest way to see Benagil Cave. Tours leave from Carvoeiro, Portimão, Lagos, Albufeira, Armação de Pêra and Vilamoura, and most also visit nearby caves and Praia da Marinha. Guided kayak and SUP tours from Praia de Benagil are a good option for active travellers.
Can you drive to Benagil Cave?
You can drive to Praia de Benagil in Lagoa, but parking is limited in summer, so arrive early. From the beach, you can walk to the clifftop viewpoint or join a boat or kayak tour into the cave. Without a car, take a train or bus to Lagoa and then a taxi (about €10).
How do you get to Benagil Cave from Faro or Lisbon?
From Faro it is about a 45-minute drive to Benagil, and from Lisbon about 2.5–3 hours. You can also book a day tour that includes transport and a boat trip into the cave.
When is the best time to visit Benagil Cave?
Early morning is the best time, with calmer sea and fewer boats. High season runs from June to September, so book ahead. Tours may be cancelled when the sea is rough, which is more common in winter.
