The Benagil cave in the Algarve

When it comes to visiting the Algarve region, the Benagil cave is one of the must-see tourist attractions on your agenda. This geological curiosity is a feast for the eyes: hidden in a magnificent cave, lit by a shaft of natural light, is a beautiful beach of fine sand. For a long time, this cave remained unknown to the general public. Then, local fishermen began to take a handful of tourists around in their frail boats. Photos of this incredible place were shared on the internet. Little by little, the Benagil cave emerged from its anonymity and quickly became a must-see in the Algarve. If not... the No. 1 must-see!

To get to the Benagil cave, visitors usually take a boat trip that allows them to enter this mythical cave, but also to admire the beauty of the Algarve's coastal landscapes. It's a chance to see other lesser-known caves and to be dazzled by the most beautiful beaches around! But you can also reach the summit by taking a path accessible from the car park in the village of Benagil.

Several large towns offer tours of the Benagil cave. But don't be surprised: the further away the port of departure, the longer your trip will take. To give you an idea, here are the main embarkation points and the associated timings:

• From Lagos: it will take you 2 hours to get to the Benagil cave and 2 hours to get back,
• From Albufeira or Portimao: a total of 3 hours,
• From Carvoeiro: one of the quickest options, with a 1-hour round trip.

Bear in mind that sea currents can be strong around the Benagil cave. It is therefore not advisable to swim there or hope to swim back to the cave from the nearest beach. What's more, there are quite a few boats in the area, so you need to be very careful not to risk being hit by one. For all these reasons, it's best to curb your desire to swim and enjoy the moment instead!

But rest assured, there are plenty of beaches along the coast where you can swim and cool off when the temperatures rise. First of all, right next to the grotto, there's the beach of the same name: Benagil beach. And a little further on, you absolutely must stop off (at least for the view) at Praia de Marinha, one of Portugal's most beautiful beaches! With its orange cliffs, natural double arch and turquoise blue waters, it's easy to see why it's such a hit! Then, along the coast, you'll easily find other beaches, each just as beautiful as the next. To name just a few, here's our small selection: Praia da Corredoura, Praia do Carvalho, Praia da Masquita...

As the Benagil cave is one of the most visited tourist spots in the Algarve, and indeed in Portugal, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the surrounding area. You won't starve, that's for sure! For a good meal of freshly caught fish, take a seat on the terrace of Dumar d'benagil, O Pescador or O Algar. You won't be disappointed!

If you want to visit the Benagil grotto at first light, renting a kayak or paddle, there's nothing like sleeping nearby to be the first on the scene (and thus avoid the many tourists). We've picked out the perfect place for you!