adminIt is quite possible that you may have seen a photograph of Benagil Cave (known in Portuguese as ‘Gruta de Benagil’ or ‘Algar de Benagil’) on Instagram or the internet, and wondered where that place is. It is actually in Algarve, the southern coastal region of Portugal, and it is so trendy right now because it is really one of the most beautiful places in Portugal. The coast of the western Algarve is especially fertile in grottos and vertical caves, and Benagil cave is one of its most beautiful. That’s why on a trip to Algarve it is mandatory to visit this magnificent cave.
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What are algares
The term ‘algar’ actually comes from the Arabic, which means cave or pit. Algares are vertical cavities in limestone where water takes advantage of the weaknesses of the rock, namely fissures, and begins to erode these materials. Water mixed with atmospheric carbon dioxide is the main erosive agent of limestone, causing the dissolution of calcium carbonate. In this way, the cavities begin to grow and resemble wells. These are called dissolution wells. However, the cavern can increase and, due to the lack of a support base, it can cause the top to collapse, creating a bell-shaped cavern.
Algarve’s vertical caves are especially spectacular due to the presence of salt water and the combined action of marine abrasion with the chemical erosion of limestone. And the most beautiful of all is the Algar de Benagil.
HOW TO HEAD TO BENAGIL CAVE
Benagil cave is located in the municipality of Lagoa, in the Algarve, close to Benagil beach and a few kilometers from Marinha beach and Vale de Centeanes beach.
By car
If you’re traveling by car, the best way to head to the cave is to drive to Benagil beach (just put this beach on your GPS). Once there, park the car, and then you will have several options.
If you don’t have a car, you can rent a car in Portugal through this link.
On foot
One of the best ways to head to the cave is on foot. Benagil cave is one of the many caves on the coast of the western Algarve. These caves are especially common between Praia da Marinha and Carvoeiro. This section has a magnificent walking trail, the “Sete Vales Suspensos” (Seven Hanging Valleys) trail, which is the best possible way to get to know the region and visit Benagil cave. It should, however, be noted that the trail does not pass through the lower and interior part of the Benagil cave. The Sete Vale Suspensos trail passes at the top of the Benagil cave, however, the trail continues to Benagil beach, and from there you can access the cave.
HOW TO GET TO BENAGIL CAVE
Benagil cave is very close to Benagil beach, about 200 meters into the sea. The cave is on the left side of Benagil beach when we are facing the sea. However, you cannot walk there. But there are several options to reach it, some more comfortable than others.
Swimming to Benagil cave
When the tide is low and the sea is calm, it is possible to swim between Benagil beach and Benagil cave. In these conditions, the swim will not be longer than 15 minutes. In any case, do not venture to swim to the cave unless you are very comfortable in the water and have experience. Even so, the frequent movement of boats in the area makes the option of swimming a bit dangerous.
Paddling to Benagil cave
One of the coolest ways to visit the cave is by renting a paddle on Benagil beach. The paddles available for rent can be single or double. A single paddle costs €15/hour and a double paddle costs €30/hour. Paddleboard is a great way to get to the cave and, depending on the sea conditions, it takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
Kayaking to Benagil cave
Another way to visit the cave is by kayak. This is how we did it. There are single, double and triple kayaks for rent on the ramp that descends to Benagil beach. The double kayak costs €30/hour. It takes a while to take the kayak to the beach and then bring it back up the ramp. So if you get kayaks or paddles to rent on the beach, that’s better. Depending on the sea conditions, getting to the cave by kayak takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
Boat tour to Benagil cave
The most comfortable way to visit the cave is on a boat trip through the caves on the coast of Carvoeiro. There are tours to the cave leaving from different places, so you won’t miss the opportunity to visit the cave, however, there are many tours that do not stop at the cave, they only go at the entrance and the boat does not dock. If it is important for you to stop, make sure that the tour to the cave that you are going to book has a stop there. Here are several tours to visit Benagil Cave from different places in the Algarve:
- Portimão: Benagil Caves Speed Boat Tour with Sunset Option
- Albufeira: Benagil Caves & Dolphin Watching Speed Boat Tour
- From Vilamoura: 2.5-Hour Benagil Cave and Dolphins Boat Tour
- From Lagos: Benagil Coast and Grotto Boat Tour
- From Armação de Pêra: Benagil Caves and Beaches Boat Tour
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BENAGIL CAVE
We visited the cave at a very special time, it was in the first weeks of deconfinement after the first wave of Covid-19, back in May 2020. At that time there were very few visitors to the Algarve and, therefore, there was almost no one at the cave. We were in there alone for over 15 minutes. Apart from these special occasions, Benagil cave is always crowded. It is best to visit the cave early in the morning, at lunchtime or at the end of the day. Of these three options, the best is the first, either because of the light or because of the possibility of finding few people in the cave. We visited at lunch time because we were in the middle of the Sete Vales Suspensos trail.
WHERE TO SLEEP WHEN VISITING BENAGIL CAVE
Next to Benagil beach and cave, you can stay in some excellent places. You can choose from:
- cheaper accommodation near Benagil beach, such as Casa Mestre André.
- accommodations with more comfort near beach of Benagil, such as Terraços de Benagil By Lemúria or Montinho Boutique Studios.
- accommodation for families or groups in Benagil, such as Seaview Benagil Villa or Apartamento Neptuno.
- near Marinha beach, you can try Casa Marinha Beach, and near Vale de Centeanes beach you can try Centeanes Beach apartment or Pestana Palm Gardens.
- near Carvoeiro beach, you can try Carvoeiro Bay Apartment or Apartment Miramare.
TRAVEL INSURANCE IN PORTUGAL
Travel insurance is more important than ever for a trip without worries, specially when the trip involves sports and outdoor activities.
Buy your travel insurance for your trip in Portugal.
