Visit the caves of Benagil, the jewel of the Algarve

Are you in Portugal and want to discover one of its natural beauties? Opt to visit the caves of Benagil and discover our dedicated article!

The southernmost region of Portugal, the Algarve has many riches for the visitor. For cities, let's see Faro for his old town and Portimão for the marina. The Algarve is also a land of natural wonders like the Ria Formosa And the caves of Benagil.

Around Benagil, one of the most beautiful cliffs and caves in the world, including the caves of Benagil. A magical place where the rock and the beach intertwine. More generally, the Algarve coast is splendid, offering exceptional views.

This article aims to give all the information necessary to visit the caves of Benagil and original excursion ideas.

The caves of Benagil, a natural beauty of the most beautiful region of Portugal

Benagil is a small fishing village located on the southern coast of Algarve. This Portuguese region has become increasingly famous in recent years for its incredible marine caves.

Located between Praia de Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, Benagil has always been a favourite destination for locals looking to enjoy summer on the beach and explore these extraordinary rock formations.

If we were to speak more generally about the Algarve, many consider it the most beautiful region in Portugal. First, its southern position allows it to enjoy a very pleasant summer and winter climate.

Then, it has many urban and natural riches, including the caves of Benagil. Finally, its quiet atmosphere allows you to fully enjoy the holiday and to get away from our sometimes tumultuous daily life.

The caves of Benagil, among the most beautiful caves in the world

All around the caves of Benagil, the landscape is absolutely fantastic. We are impressed by this panorama composed of cliffs and caves, which is not without recall Etretat , less high but much larger.

The golden color of the cliffs gives an even more beautiful dimension to this landscape. The Algarve houses many marine caves and, among these caves, those of Benagil are the best known and are among the most beautiful in the world according to many tourist guides.

The Algar de Benagil, as it is called in Portuguese, is indeed impressive by its particular form with a kind of open dome leaving the sunlight, a hole dug by the erosion of the rock.

Coming close to the caves of Benagil, you can hardly see their particularity from afar. It is by penetrating inside that one realizes their exceptional character.

Our eyes turn first on the ceiling of Benagil caves with its famous hole that lets pass the sunlight. Some nickname the eye, to watch everything that happens at sea level!

No matter what little name you give it, this hole on the ceiling of a cave is something very rare and that you may discover for the first time in your life.

Whether by boat, kayak or paddle, visiting the caves of Benagil is a special moment of a trip. One of these moments when enjoying the present moment takes all its meaning, not to lose a miette of the show offered by nature.

Thinking about their formation, we also realize that erosion is a natural process and that, sooner or later, these caves will disappear... but not immediately, reassure yourself!

What if you add the visit of Benagil caves to your next trip?

What to see and what to do in Benagil caves?

Visiting the caves of Benagil is above all the possibility of discovering sublime and magnificent landscapes. As noted above, if the caves of Benagil are the most impressive, they represent only part of the caves located on the coast of the Algarve.

The region is full of caves but also of splendid cliffs, which can be admired from above, on foot or by car, as well as from below by boat.

Another classic activity in the region, enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches around the cliffs and caves.

The two most beautiful are undoubtedly the Praia de Marinha, which is west of the caves of Benagil, and the Praia de Carvalho. The beauty of these beaches makes us want to stay there all day!

Finally, we can also do original activities like kayaking to visit the caves of Benagil and talk about it right after!

How to visit the caves of Benagil?

By boat from Portimão

What better than visiting Benagil caves by boat?

There are several dozen excursions offering a similar route from Portimão. From all tour operators, this one is in our eyes the most interesting and the thousand positive feedback is rather reassuring for the future visitor!

Departure from Portimão for 1h30 of happiness discovering the picturesque landscapes of the Algarve coast, including its twenty caves.

You will have the opportunity to admire the fort of Santa Catarina, the castle of Ferragudo and the village of the same name. Ferragudo is a traditional fishing village, absolutely beautiful from a distance with its white-coloured dwellings.

First stop of your getaway, the sublime Praia da Marinha beach where you can swim and admire the cliffs all around.

A few minutes later, on the way to the caves of Benagil! You will have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the places and take all the photos you want the time of a stop on site. The return is made by the same path.

kayaking from Portimão

Like the previous excursion, the departure is from the marina of Portimão. It is nevertheless very different since you go to catamaran for 2:30 For pleasure!

The first smile of your trip will be generated by the excellent reception offered for your companions. The opinions are indeed unanimously positive against them!

It is by kayak that you can visit the caves of Benagil. In solo or duo, you learn how to handle kayaking before boarding. Catamaran navigation takes you to the beach of Albandeira.

You paddle from the beach to the famous caves of Benagil. The kayak is clearly the ideal way to visit the caves and the surroundings.

Your guide takes you to discover other magical beaches and caves such as the beach of Barraquinho, the cave of Baraço and the Praia da Marinha.

After a little swim, you take the catamaran back to finish your excursion from about 2h30 to the marina of Portimão.

By boat from Albufeira

Unlike the previous two excursions, the departure is from the port of Albufeira and not from Portimão. During 2:30 , you go not only to discover the sublime coast of the Algarve but also its biodiversity.

You start by joining the caves of Benagil that you can observe as close as possible. Your guide will also take you to other caves less frequented and absolutely sublime! A journey through fabulous and almost unreal landscapes.

The difference of this trip is the discovery of the rich biodiversity of the region . Your guide is indeed marine biologist and take you to observe the birds and the dolphins!

This trip is therefore recommended for those who want to see some animals in their natural environment.

How do I get to Benagil caves?

By plane

Faro Airport is the nearest airport. It is therefore the ideal landing place to visit the caves of Benagil.

In high season, there are some Direct flights from many French cities: Paris , which is served all year round, Lyon , Nantes , Bordeaux , Marseille , Nice and Toulouse . As much as you have the embarrassment of choice!

Do not hesitate to consult our partner’s website Skyscanner to find the right combination.

By train

If the caves of Benagil are part of a longer stay in Portugal and you are already in Lisbon, going by train can be an excellent idea.

Faro is located in 3 hours train Lisbon, for a cost less than 25 € . The trains are quite modern, so you should not hesitate to try the rail adventure.

From Faro to the caves of Benagil

Portimão is the ideal city to visit the caves of Benagil. It is very easily accessible by train from Faro, by train 1h20 about travel. It is also possible to rent a vehicle directly to Faro Airport.

Are there combined visits?

It is possible to make visits combined with the caves of Benagil and the city of Portimão and its famous marina, for example. Another possibility is to visit the caves of Benagil from the top of the cliffs, along the coast of the Algarve. Finally, it is possible to combine the visit of the caves at a relaxing moment on one of the nearby beaches!

The right addresses

Housing

Portimão

The city of Portimão is ideal for visiting the caves of Benagil. The majority of excursions are taken from this city. Wanderlix has selected two suitable accommodations for all.

Modern apartment in residence

Those looking for luxury at low prices will choose without hesitation this apartment. Located in a respectable residence in the city centre and the beach, this accommodation offers quality services.

The interior decoration is successful, with sleek design, with plenty of space to move. Basic equipment is all present and of quality.

Accommodation 5 minutes from the beach

This apartment manages to make simple in a high standing accommodation. Few decoration to win room, no useless equipment. The combination of white and red on the kitchen furniture gives it a modern side.

It also has a pleasant small terrace all year round. With the presence of two bedrooms, this rare pearl can accommodate up to four passengers.

Near the caves of Benagil

There are many hotels and accommodations Airbnb available close to the caves of Benagil. If you want to be close to the caves, you will find your happiness! You can also call one Compare hotels to benefit from the best offers.

Restaurants

The restaurant O Algar is probably the best choice to recover when you visit the caves of Benagil. Excellent dishes and service, very good location, affordable prices... Hard to do better!

If you are in Portimão, many restaurants are in front of the marina. Our recommendations include: Tapa Latina , Ziza or Casa da Tocha , very good choices to discover local cuisine.

The spots

It's hard to talk about spots around Benagil caves without the caves themselves! Of the three spots selected by Wanderlix, two are directly related to the Benagil Algar.

The first spot is inside the caves of Benagil . It is a unique panorama, with this famous open ceiling, the sand on the ground where the waves come to crash and the rock around us. A place that leaves us without a voice so its natural beauty is fabulous.

The second spot is at the top of the caves , close to the famous hole in the ceiling, the eye. Yes, it is possible to observe the caves of Benagil from its highest point! This point is easily accessible when you drive along the coast.

Finally, the last spot is the Praia da Marinha , directly from the sand or from the top of the cliff. If the color of the water is superb, it is especially the cliffs that offer a breathtaking panorama. They look better from the heights and the panorama is then exceptional, especially with the famous Arcos Naturales , two natural arches side by side.