Do you want to know how to get into Benagil Cave? You can walk, swim, or join 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 80 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.

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 Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, Vilamoura, Armação de Pêra, Ferragudo, or Alvor.

To go to the beach, next to the small fishing village, is to 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 must go by train or bus to Lagoa. From there you can get a taxi, which costs around 10€.

Best route from Albufeira:

There are many boat tours departing from Albufeira.

Best route from Portimão:

The Bensagil Cave tour provided our family with an unforgettable adventure, immersing us in the mesmerizing beauty of the cave’s rock formations, turquoise waters, and secluded beach.

Family Ericson

Best route from Lagos:

Can you walk to the 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 cave?

You can swim in the cave, but it’s very dangerous. This is one of the most famous caves in the Algarve. Many boats are going in and out simultaneously, especially during high season. Unfortunately, swimmers can be overseen. 

The sea conditions can make it very risky to swim in the cave. So while some bloggers suggest swimming is the best way to get to the cave, let us tell you that this is very dangerous. Especially people unfamiliar with the sea and not very good swimmers should not swim.

What is the best way to visit Benagil Cave?

The best way is by boat, kayak, or SUP (stand-up paddle boarding). This way, you can get into the cave and stand on the golden sand.

We offer over 80 tours to Algar de Benagil, so we are sure we can help you find the best choice!

If you want to visit this unique place without too much effort, the best way is on a boat tour. We have more significant and stable boats available, but also smaller boats; these will allow you to get into the many small caves along the coastline.

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. 

But why only visit the 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 Ferragudo, 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.