Algarve coast of Portugal with the Algar de Benagil cave

Algarve in southern Portugal is a coastline full of rugged cliffs and beautiful caves carved out by the sea waves.

I don’t know about you, but in my childhood, I loved novels and movies about the romantic adventures of pirates and corsairs of all kinds. Brave people, though not always noble, but constantly involved in great adventures and dangerous escapades.

They raided and plundered ships on the seas and oceans, hiding treasures in mysterious, inaccessible caves somewhere in tropical countries. I also liked the beautiful and depraved women always somewhere nearby, but that’s a story for another occasion.

Recently, during a visit to the southern coast of Portugal, I had the opportunity to feel like the heroes from the pages of old adventure novels that I read in my childhood. The Algarve is a historical region in Portugal near the city of Faro, which looks exactly like the pirate, mysterious havens from my imagination.

Algarve is the perfect part of Portugal where you will find shelter from the cold and storm almost all year round

When summer in Europe comes to an end and the dreaded cold, rain, and storms approach, the southern part of Portugal still basks in the sun. That’s why often during this period, we pack up to spend a few weeks there. When you board a plane in October at a rain-soaked and wind-lashed airport and disembark in Faro, you’ll understand what I’m talking about.

Importantly, all the infrastructure operates continuously throughout the year here, unlike many other tourist resorts. So, there’s no problem with renting a hotel or flat, and at very attractive prices. Just visit Booking.com to see that going on holiday off-season is actually a pretty good idea.

The famous Algar de Benagil cave on the Algarve coast in Portugal

This time we flew to Faro not searching for better weather, which fortunately has been quite decent lately, but to see the famous caves along the Algarve coast. Including the beautiful Algar de Benagil, located near the popular Praia de Benagil beach.

Algar de Benagil is not only an incredibly beautiful and expansive cave that the sea has carved over millions of years into the golden cliffs of the Portuguese coast, but also a sandy beach inside it, illuminated by sunlight streaming in through a circular opening called the “oculus.” Thanks to the opening, through which you can see the blue sky, it resembles an ancient temple like the Pantheon in Rome, except this one formed naturally.

I must admit, although I was prepared for what I would see inside the cave, it made a giant impression on me, leaving me speechless. The spacious interior, empty when I arrived there, looks like a grand cathedral dedicated to the sun streaming into its depths.

Two rocky arches lead to the cave, adding even more charm to it. Once you’re inside, you’ll understand why the Huffington Post magazine named Algar de Benagil one of the ten most beautiful caves in the world. It came second to the Crystal Cave in Chihuahua, Mexico, and the Marble Cave in Chile, to which we’re planning a trip soon, about which we’ll definitely tell you more soon.

Visiting the Algar de Benagil cave in Portugal

The Algar de Benagil cave is inaccessible from the land, so to visit it, you need to take a boat from one of the numerous operators. Of course, during the tourist season, you should expect that the prices for boat rental or tours will be relatively high and not easily accessible last-minute. Therefore, you should plan such a trip to advance and preferably purchase a spot on a boat online.

Moreover, make sure the operator offers access to the beach inside the cave. Some boats only enter the cave and stay there for a few minutes without landing, significantly diminishing the joy of visiting the beautiful grotto. Of course, weather is also important, as often it may not even allow entry into the cave. High waves and wind can create very dangerous situations that boat captains avoid at all costs. After all, the boat is typically their only tool of trade.

Boats can be rented at many places along the Algarve coast, not necessarily in the immediate vicinity. A good idea is to combine visiting the legendary Algar de Benagil cave with a larger excursion along the rocky coast, during which you can visit many other extraordinary places.

If you happen to experience perfect weather during your stay in Portugal and feel up to it, you can venture into the sea by kayak, row boat, or stand-up paddleboard to reach the cave on your own. The advantage of this option is that you can stay there as long as you want. If you’re really lucky, the entire cave may be just for you.

Many people attempt to swim to the cave, but I advise against this form of sea travel, even if you consider yourself an excellent swimmer. The waters in this part of the coast can be deceptive and treacherous. The boat captain we hired recounted that several times he and his colleagues encountered the bodies of overly bold swimmers, and even more often rescued barely alive individuals who were swept far from the shore by the current. Remember, travels are wonderful adventures, but you must return from them to tell the tale.

A great idea is to choose a tour that sets off very early in the morning, as the sunlight illuminates the cave most beautifully at that time. The same goes for sunset, unfortunately, while people are reluctant to get up early to venture into the sea, the cave is almost empty, in the afternoon it’s difficult to find a free spot.

The interior of the cave looks equally beautiful when seen from above through the hole in the ceiling. To reach it, you need to follow a well-described trail leading from Praia de Benagil beach. Although the opening is fenced off, many daredevils try to get as close to it as possible. Remember what I said earlier, it’s good to return home in one piece to tell about what you saw.

Praia de Benagil beach, right next to the famous cave

Right next to the Algar de Benagil cave is the charming beach called Praia de Benagil. It took its name, like the cave, from the nearby small fishing village of Benagil.

The beach is small, so it’s easy to fill it with people. Therefore, don’t count on finding a free spot during the season. It’s a different story off-season when the beach is pleasant and peaceful. What amazed me at Praia de Benagil is the water, crystal clear and turquoise. Believe me, I’ve seen many beaches and coastal areas, but what the Algarve coast offers is on a wholly different level.

The sand on the beach is as golden as the surrounding rocks and very soft. There are also no stones, unlike on other nearby beaches, so you can comfortably lounge. Near the shore, the water is warm and shallow, but after a few meters, it suddenly gets deeper, so be careful if you don’t feel safe in deep water.

An additional plus of this place is that it is surrounded on three sides by high cliffs, so even on windy days, there is a peaceful atmosphere. Which reminds me to advise you to bring sunscreen. It crossed my mind because I witnessed how older people fell asleep on blankets and woke up so sunburned that they were considering calling an ambulance because their bodies hurt with every, even the slightest, movement.

When you get tired of lounging on the beach and get hungry, head to the nearby village of Benagil, where you’ll have the opportunity to taste fish caught in the morning by local fishermen. Several restaurants serve excellent, albeit simple dishes, which, however, taste like a royal feast after a whole day of exploring.

Algar de Benagil Caves on the Algarve coast in Portugal, facts, information, and curiosities

• Algar de Benagil is the most famous cave in Portugal.
• The Huffington Post magazine named the Algar de Benagil cave one of the ten most beautiful caves in the world.
• It also appears in the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die”.
• The Algar de Benagil cave features a beautiful beach inside with light golden sand, which looks stunning especially at sunrise and sunset.
• The cave is often called the “eye” due to the opening in its ceiling resembling an eye.
• The name of the cave comes from the nearby fishing village of Benagil and its discoverer, Algara do José Rodeira.
• The beaches on the Algarve coast are considered the most beautiful in Portugal because they are small, sandy, and frequently empty.
• Many local businesses rely heavily on organizing cave tours.
• The residents, besides organizing sea tours, are primarily engaged in fishing.
• Near the cave is the secluded sandy beach, Praia de Benagil.
• Close to the beach is the Bird Rock. It’s a place from which you can safely jump into the water free from rocks and stones. It’s only a few meters above the water surface, but even though it’s not very high, I didn’t dare to jump. Could you do it?
• The easiest way to travel along the coast is, of course, by car. I can’t imagine exploring this part of Portugal without a car, as public transportation is virtually non-existent, and the distances between attractions are quite substantial. If you decide to rent a car, have a look at this website, you’ll find numerous deals and bonuses.
• It’s worth buying a spot on a boat in advance online to ensure you have a place.
• Near the beach, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, some better, some worse, cheaper and pricier. I dined at a place called Peskador. It was tasty and reasonably priced.
• If you’re planning a longer stay, you’ll easily find accommodation in nearby hotels. I suggest checking out Booking.com, which, especially off-season, offers plenty of affordable options.
• While exploring the Benagil cave, remember that there are other attractions and beautiful places worth seeing in the area, since you’re already nearby.
• Around Benagil, you’ll find plenty of hiking and biking trails, so you won’t get bored. One of the main ones is the “Seven Hanging Valleys Trail”. I highly recommend walking this trail; the views are phenomenal, and the experience is unforgettable.
• Not far from Benagil in the town of Lagoa, there’s a pretty nice water park called Slide & Splash. If you’re travelling with children, they’ll be thrilled.
• During a sea trip along the Algarve coast, boats are often accompanied by clever and playful dolphins, which are an attraction in themselves.

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