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The Benagil cave 

Insider tips for visiting the Benagil Caves


Worth seeing panoramic picture from the cave    Benangil Cave 

How to get to Benagil Cave?


The location of the Benagil Caves

Benagil Cave is located in the central part of the Algarve

The distance to Portimao is 20 km, to Albufeira 30 km and to Lagos 40 km


Travel to Benagil by public transport


Is there parking at Benagil Cave?

There is a large parking lot above Benagil Beach from where you can walk to the upper opening of the cave. However, this parking lot fills up quickly, especially during the summer months and on weekends. If the parking lot is full, there are other parking options nearby, but you usually have to walk a bit to get to the cave. It is recommended to arrive early to secure a parking space. Alternatively, you can use public transport or a transfer to get to the cave and avoid the hassle of parking. 

Fotogalery Benagil beach and caves

What is the best way to visit Benagil Cave?

The most popular way to get to Benagil Cave is by taking an organized boat tour from one of the nearby towns. The boat tours depart from the cities of Portimão and Albufeira, but tours are also offered from the city of Lagos. The duration is usually around 3 hours. The price varies between 30 and 40 euros depending on the season. The tour is offered by many different operators.

Visit by kayak: Kayaks are available for rent or guided kayak trips are offered from Benagil Beach (if the waves are not too high)

Explore Benagil yourself - rent a kayak


Swim to Benagil Cave:

From Benagil beach you can explore the cave yourself. If you want to swim from the beach to the cave, you should find out about the high and low tide beforehand.

Explore the Benagil Cave by kayak

From Benagil Beach you can rent a kayak or book a guided tour. 


Kayak tour on Benagil beach; in the background the entrance to the Benagil cave
Kayak tour on Benagil beach; in the background the entrance to the Benagil cave

Footpath to the upper part of Benagil Cave

If you would like to admire the view of the grotto from above, walk from the parking lot at Praia de Benagil (about 200 meters uphill from the beach) along a short path along the rocks to the opening of the grotto

Benagil cave from above
Benagil cave from above

Circular hiking trail - Sete Vales Suspensos

The Seven Hanging Valleys route along the coastal cliffs is 12 kilometres long. It is located in the Benagil cave and offers great views. The route is accessible all year round. It is a circular route with a distance of 6 km (or 12 km there and back). The average duration is: 3 hours one way, or 6 hours there and back 

The circular route is a beautiful hiking trail with many great views of the cliffs, beaches and the wide sea. You pass many beautiful bathing beech trees that invite you to swim.

What should you take with you? In any case, swimwear, good shoes, water and ideally not hiking in the blazing midday sun.  


Start: Praia de vale centianes (colina sol apart Hotel)

End : Praia da Marinha


The wonderful sandy beach of Praia do Carvalho can be reached through a tunnel dug into the soft limestone

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