Benagil Cave

The Portuguese call this unique place Praia de Benagil. In other words, the beach Benagil. But is Benagil a cave or a beach? It's actually both. This limestone cave has a beach of golden sand inside. Seawater enters at various places, just like the daylight through holes in the rocks.

You can easily walk to the cave via a footpath from Praia de Benagil. You will have a good look into the cave from above. Be aware, don't get too close to the edge. Although it is forbidden, people still go close to the edge for photos or a video. But the most impressive is viewing Benagil Cave from the water. You have several options for a tour.

The best is to rent a boat with a captain, although you will not be the only one. On the other hand, you will also visit several other caves during this excursion.

With a kayak, you are more flexible and you have more time for a visit. There are several places to rent kayaks. Do check the prices beforehand so you will not be unpleasantly surprised.

If you are a good swimmer, you can also swim to the cave. The distance is not extremely large, but keep in mind the current. I personally would not recommend swimming as the current can be very strong and underestimated. Ask in advance about the danger.

Benagil Beach is located near the small town of Lagoa in the southwestern Algarve in Portugal. It lies close to the famous Praia de Marinha, which is often chosen to be the most beautiful beach in the Algarve. You can easily walk from Praia da Marinha to Benagil, it's a bit more than one kilometer. 

Benagil Cave is part of a famous walking route. Which you can easily walk in half a day. The trail follows the coast along numerous sheer cliffs. I did this hike and think it is very worthwhile. Although it can get busy in summer and the weekends.

See my tips for Seven Hanging Valleys Trail

You can visit the Algarve all year round. The best time for nature lovers is from March to October. There will be countless flowers in bloom.

Spring starts early here: as early as February. The first orchids already start to bloom in March, when the average temperature is already 15-18 degrees.

If you like hiking or cycling, it is best to go in the spring. In winter there will be regular rain, but the sun can also come out.