Benagil Cave Adventure

This is a spot I’ve wanted to visit for a really long time and after my second trip to Portugal this summer, I made it! This amazing cave is located next to Praia de Benagil (Benagil Beach) on the south coast of the Algarve, between Portimao, Albufeira and about 40km east of Lagos. It’s possible to get to the top of the cave by land, but to discover the wonders of the inside for yourself, you’ll need a kayak, a boat, or to be a REALLY GOOD swimmer.

setting the first footprints

Unfortunately no boats operate in winter because the weather is too unpredictable. So, if you’re planning a trip to this beautiful coastline, I’d definitely suggest going between the months of June-September. Kayak/SUP tours operate from the closer beaches, such as: Benagil Beach which is closest to the cave and boat tours also operate from Lagos to Faro many places in between, including Portimao.

enjoying the peace & quiet

Quick tip: try to go as early as possible to get this place to yourself! We got there at around 8am on a speedboat from Armação beach (this took roughly 20 mins) and we got to enjoy the peacefulness for about 30 minutes before the next boat and other tour groups arrived! Even if you aren’t going for the photos, I would say it is totally worth getting up a little earlier because there is something very special about setting the first footprints in the perfect untouched sand!

The Benagil cave is beautiful, there’s no doubt about that. The sea has carved out an almost perfectly round cave, with an opening at the top which lets light flood in. But, the views along the coastline from the boat are also indescribable. On the way to the cave we passed by Marinha beach & Albandeira beach. The whole way there, I was in awe of the rock formations and rugged coastline- it really reminds you just how crazy nature is and makes you wonder how it’s possible for these rocks and caves along the Algarve to even take shape. It’s also an alternative way of seeing this beautiful coastline, as we had also walked along the top, but to see it from the water is a whole different perspective.

This was one of my favourite places we visited along the stunning south coast of Portugal and in my opinion, this particular stretch of Algarve coast between Portimão and Armação de Pêra is the most beautiful part and most worthy to see by boat.

Hope you're convinced to go visit this incredible place because it truly is magical!

Happy adventuring friends!