The Portuguese Algarve has a beautiful coastline with immense cliffs, beautiful beaches, and lush caves.
Now, we are going to see the best caves in the Algarve. So, if you visit the area, don’t miss them
The Cave of Benagil
It is undoubtedly the most popular cave in the Algarve. Benagil Cave is world famous and has appeared on several lists of the best caves in the world (for example in The Huffington Post).
The cave is located on Benagil Beach, which is located very close to the town of Lagoa. The cave is a bit hidden so I recommend you read my article about how to get to the Benagil cave.
The Zorreira Cave
The Zorreira cave is perhaps the second most impressive cave in the Algarve, only surpassed by the “Cave of Benagil”. Both caves are very close together and are usually visited together on the boat tours around the area.
The easiest way to get there is by taking one of the boat tours that depart from Carvoeiro or from Benagil beach itself. These tours run along the coast while accessing the Algarve’s most impressive caves.
The Arches of Marinha
The beach of the Arches of Marinha or Arcos da Marinha is one of the most emblematic beaches in Portugal and it is also located in the region of Lagoa.
Praia da Marinha stands out for its impressive rock formations, as well as for its crystalline waters; and it is considered, by the Michelin Guide, as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
In addition, being protected by rock formations, it is a beach where the waves are usually very smooth. It is ideal for snorkeling, as the rocks create homes where a lot of small fishes live.
The Grotto of the Capitão
The Grotto of the Capitão or Capitão Gancho is one of the most complicated caves to visit.
It is located between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, very close to the beaches of Praia da Estaquinha and Praia do Barraquinho. And it can only be accessed by boat if sea conditions permit as it is preferable to visit it at low tide and when there are no waves.
The Gallery
The Gallery is a rock formation located around Ponta da Piedade, in Lagos. So, it is quite apart from the other 4 caves we have seen before.
Lagos is a picturesque fishing town where some men combine their work as fishermen with being tour guides (around 4 months a year).
In its interior, we can see how light filters both through the roof and under the stone walls, giving a precious turquoise color to the water.
A boat tour for 2 people costs 30€ on a small boat (ideal to move between the August passages of the caves).
The expertise of the captains who maneuver the boats with great precision is surprising, they are also very friendly and sociable.
The tour can also be done by kayak or standup paddle, as the distance between the different caves in Ponta da Piedade is very small.
Here’s a video of a boat tour of the Lagoa coast where you can see some of the best caves in the area…