Algar de Benagil is the most famous rock formation in the Algarve, it is one of the most sought after natural beauties in Europe!
Algar de Benagil is the most famous rock formation in the Algarve, it is one of the most sought after natural beauties in Europe! Many tourists seek out Portugal and the Algarve just to be able to contemplate the beauty of the Benagil cave. This cave has only two accessible points for people to contemplate its beauty. The fact that it is difficult to access makes this rock formation even more interesting.
Content:
Location
How to get to Algar de Benagil?
When is the best time to visit Benagil?
What is the best time of day to visit Algar de Benagil?
Algar de Benagil is located in the parish of Carvoeiro, in the municipality of Lagoa. It is next to Praia de Benagil, about 5 minutes away and close to several well-known beaches, such as Praia da Marinha, Praia do Carvalho and Praia do Vale de Centeanes.
How to get to Algar de Benagil?
The Benagil cave has only two access points :
- Land route with access to the view from above to the interior of the cave;
- Sea route with access to the interior of the cave.
By land, it is only possible to reach Algar de Benagil on foot. The closest you can get by car is Benagil beach. There is free parking near the beach, 350 m from the top of the cave.
For those who are in an Algarve city a little further away and cannot travel by car, there is another option, the bus.
For those coming from Lagoa , for example, you should take bus 107 . The bus only goes to Carvalho beach , which is a 10-minute drive from Benagil beach or a 15-minute walk. If you don't want to walk, a taxi or Uber to Benagil beach costs between €8 and €10.
From Faro , it is best to take the train to Estômbar. The cheapest ticket costs €5.75 and the journey takes approximately 1 hour. In Estômbar, you must take bus 13 , which goes to Porches. This journey takes 10 minutes and costs €1.50. Finally, take a taxi or Uber to Benagil beach, for €7 maximum.
Once you arrive at Benagil beach, just continue up the road until you find access to the trail that goes to the highest point of the Benagil cave , it takes about 5 minutes to get there and find the hole. Through this hole, you can see the entire interior of the cave from above, but there is no access to the interior of the cave from this point.
Reach the Benagil caves by sea
Access to the interior of the cave is only by sea. Going to the interior of Algar de Benagil is one of the most popular tours throughout the Algarve.
For a long time, people preferred to go by boat to visit Benagil, but it is no longer possible for boats to park in the cave, that is, on a boat trip, the view of the cave is only from the outside.
Our council uses a land route to get to Benagil beach. Once there you can choose how you want to go to the cave.
There are 3 ways to get to the interior, swimming, kayaking or SUP.
1. Swimming
This option is only possible if it is low tide and the sea is calm. Even if there are conditions to swim out of the 3 options, this is the least fun and requires the most physical effort. With this option you lose the opportunity to enjoy the view of the cave around the cave, and to have fun during the journey to your destination.
Swimming requires more dedication and concentration.
2. Visit the Benagil Cave by kayak
Visiting the Benagil cave by kayak is a great choice.
This activity provides visitors with an incredible experience, as it is a dynamic activity, which allows you to enter the cave, enjoy the view and take lots of photos. If you go in a group, there is always more fun, adventure, with time to stop and observe what nature has to offer.
Not to mention that in a two-person kayak the physical effort is shared.
You can choose to go on a tour with an agency in the Benagil area and also visit the beaches on the coast near Benagil. Did you know that there is a tour with completely transparent kayaks ? Yes! You will be able to see directly below your feet in these clear waters on Benagil beach.
But you can also choose to rent a kayak and go without an agency.
3. Visit Benagil by SUP
A Stand Up Paddle tour is the most fun option to visit Benagil.
Going with friends or family on a SUP adventure along the entire coastline near Benagil will allow you to discover the Algar from the inside, enter the cave beach and be able to appreciate its formations. You can also go to other beaches, such as the famous Marinha beach, and along the way admire all the beauty of the Algarve coastline and the marine life around it.
You don't need experience to ride a SUP, it's quite easy and practical.
Go on an adventure and discover the best tours in Benagil, whether with an agency or with rented equipment.
Kayak and SUP tours last a minimum of 1h30 and a maximum of 2h30, so if you're just passing through, don't make that an excuse. Venture out and discover the best tours in Benagil, whether with an agency or with rented equipment. Don't miss the opportunity to discover one of the wonders of Europe.
When is the best time to visit Benagil?
Although few people know, you can visit the Benagil cave all year round.
There are times that are better than others, but in general it is possible to visit the cave in any season of the year.
The cave is very popular in the summer, so much so that there is no space either in the cave or in groups for tours and the material even runs out in the blink of an eye.
In summer there are many more tourists in the Algarve and many don't leave without visiting the Benagil cave first. If this is your case, we advise you to anticipate and book everything in advance to have a place.
Spring and early autumn are the best times to visit the Benagil cave . As a rule, the waters are calm. There are not so many tourists in the Algarve and even fewer tourists interested in visiting Benagil. The weather at that time is quite pleasant and there are plenty of places for tours, you don't need to worry about booking in advance. If you have the opportunity, take advantage of these times to take tours in Benagil.
Is it possible to visit the Benagil cave in winter?
This question is quite common among those who want to go on tours and activities in winter.
The answer is yes, but it requires more attention and care, such as:
- Pay attention to weather conditions;
- Pay attention to tides and currents;
- Do not go during storms;
- Wear protective clothing due to the cold;
- Wear a life jacket;
- Choose a time with good natural light;
- Never go alone;
- Consult professionals first.
What is the best time of day to visit Algar de Benagil?
The best times of day to visit the cave are in the morning, at lunchtime and in the afternoon. This is because these are the times that have the best natural light. We do not recommend going when the sun is already disappearing.
Even among these 3 times, what we recommend most is from morning until noon. It is undoubtedly the time that brings the most light into the cave and brings a more enchanting experience. Not to mention that if you go during the tourist season, the morning is also the time when there are more places for tours and fewer people in the cave.
Choose the best time to visit this magnificent rock formation, the best tour in Benagil and the best time. Take the necessary precautions into account and have fun exploring the Algarve coast and the Benagil Cave.
