Portugal is a country with many beautiful and incredible places. One of the most outstanding is Algar de Benagil: a cave with a small beach inside that has been considered as one of the most beautiful caves in the world. In this article, I’m going to give you some tips on how to find and enjoy the cave.
Where is the Benagil Cave?
You will find Benagil beach close to the city of Lagoa, from there you can visit the “Algar de Benagil” or “Cueva de Benagil”, also known as “the Cathedral” (Google Maps).
The Algar of Benagil is a cave that has been created in a natural way due to the erosion of the sea by hitting the cliffs.
How to visit the Cave of Benagil?
The cave does not have direct access from the mainland, so to access it you’ll have to do it by sea. We have different options:
- On a boat tour or route
- By kayak or canoe
- Swimming
Boat route
The boat route can start from the beach of Benagil or from the nearby beach of Carvoeiro. The boats usually have a capacity for about 10 people and the tour includes the visit to many other caves in the area (about 20 caves in total). The circuit lasts approximately one hour and costs around 20 € per person (children pay a little less).
There are many agencies but in the end, they all make a similar tour and the prices are very even.
Kayak or canoe
You can also rent a kayak to visit some of the caves closest to Benagil beach. The rental of a kayak for two people costs about 25€ per hour in the peak season.
Swimming
If you just want to see the Benagil cave you can also visit it by swimming, as it is situated only 60 meters away from the shore.
Which is the best option?
Well, like everything else, it depends…
- If you want to see the caves of the area (Benagil cave, Zorreira cave, etc.) the best is to visit them on a boat route. Keep in mind that the boat just stops for a few minutes in each cave, for you to take some photos. If you want to spend more time in Benagil Cave, maybe you should look at the other options.
- If you just want to see Benagil Cave and you are a good swimmer, you can go swimming as the entrance to the cave is very close to the beach. However, if you don’t feel safe about going swimming, you can rent a kayak. It is an alternative that gives you the freedom to explore the area at your own pace in a safe and fun way.
FAQ
How do I swim to Benagil Cave?
As I told you, Benagil Cave is very close to Benagil Beach. In the image below, you can see the entrance to the cave marked with a red arrow. The distance from the beach to the entrance of the cave is about 60 meters.
From Benagil beach you have to swim around the left wall.
In this way, after swimming about 40 meters, we will see the entrance to the cave.
Although the distance is small, you must have respect for the sea and I would only recommend swimming if you swim well and the sea conditions are good (green flag).
I also recommend using an inflatable mattress or a swimming buoy, which will help us to float if we are tired. It will also help the boats to see us more easily.
Is the water too cold to swim in?
If you are used to the Mediterranean beaches…yes, these waters are much colder, although it is bearable. But if you are very cold, I recommend you go by kayak or boat…:-)
Can you visit the cave with small children (3-6 years old)?
Yes, of course. In that case, I would recommend going with a boat or a kayak. It may be more comfortable with the boat, but the kayak has the advantage that you can stop inside and enjoy it more peacefully with the children.
You’ll be provided with a life jacket of a suitable size for children on both, renting the kayak and boarding the boat.
I want to take cool pictures of the cave, how to do it?
If you want to take your time to take pictures, the best option is to go by kayak. This way you can stay as long as you want in the cave (remember that the boat only for a couple of minutes), while you can carry all your photographic equipment safely.
Can I camp inside the cave?
No, it’s forbidden.
What is the best time to go to the cave?
It’s a complicated question because it depends on what you want to do. In summer, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. you will enjoy the best natural light conditions, as sunlight enters directly through the eye of the cave. Also, as the cave is always fresh, you will be able to take refuge from the sun in it.
Benagil beach and its popularity
Benagil beach has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, mainly due to the cave. If you go in high season (July or August) you will see that it looks more like a shopping center than a paradise beach.
Parking is also a drawback and you will have to park on the road. If you don’t get there first in the morning (in the high season), you’ll have to walk more than half a kilometer along the road.
For all these reasons, the best time to visit the cave is in September, because the water is not too cold and there are many fewer people.
Summary
Benagil Cave is considered one of the most incredible places in Portugal.
Even with lots of boats and people, inside you breathe a sense of peace that make you feel like you’re in a special place. The opportunity to swim in a beach “covered” and hidden… gives special magic to the place.
Of course, it’s worth reserving at least half a day of your vacation to go visit this wonder of nature.
If you want to visit it, please don’t hesitate to comment on your doubts about it. And if you already did, share your impressions in the comments section.