Benagil, Portugal: A Simple Guide for Travellers
- Last Update: September 22, 2025
Benagil, Portugal is one of the Algarve’s most famous spots, and for good reason. The tiny fishing village is home to the Benagil Cave, a sea cave with a giant natural skylight, golden sand, and turquoise water. Photos of this cave have travelled the world, making it a must-see for many travellers.
But Benagil isn’t just about the cave. There’s a small beach, scenic cliffs, walking trails, and cosy restaurants where you can relax after exploring. This guide will give you everything you need to plan your visit: what to see, how to get there, tours, safety tips, where to eat, and answers to the most common questions.
✅ Benagil Cave: one of the world’s most famous sea caves, with a round skylight in the roof.
✅ Benagil Beach: small, sandy, backed by cliffs, great for a swim.
✅ Cliff-top views & trails: see the Benagil cave from above and walk along the coastal trails.
What to See in Benagil
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisci elit, sed eiusmod tempor incidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur. Quis aute iure reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint obcaecat cupiditat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
1. Benagil Cave
The star of the show. Also called Algar de Benagil, this sea cave has a circular opening at the top that lets sunlight pour inside. From the water, you can see its sandy beach and walls carved by waves over thousands of years.
⚠️ Important: Since August 2024, it’s forbidden to swim into the cave or land on its hidden beach for safety and conservation reasons. You can only get close on guided tours (kayak, SUP, or boat), with safety gear and time limits inside.
With us, you can see Benagil Cave safely from the top: a different perspective, but just as impressive. Check out our Algarve Coast Tour.
2. Benagil Beach
Right next to the village, this small sandy beach is a nice spot for a swim or just lying in the sun. It’s often crowded in summer, but still worth a stop. From here, many tours depart for the cave.
3. Cliff-top Views & Trails
You don’t need to get inside the cave to enjoy it. From the cliffs above, you can look down through the skylight and see the cave from a bird’s-eye view. The Seven Hanging Valleys Trail also passes nearby, giving you epic coastal views in both directions.
Practical Information for Visiting Benagil, Portugal
How to Get There
- By car: Benagil is about 15 min from Carvoeiro, 45 min from Faro, 30 min from Albufeira, and 2h45 from Lisbon. Parking is limited near the beach, in summer it fills up quickly.
- By public transport: There’s no direct train or bus to Benagil. The closest hub is Lagoa, from where you can take a taxi or transfer (~10 min).
- With a tour: Easiest if you don’t want the hassle of parking or transport. Many tours include Benagil with other Algarve highlights. Check out our Algarve Coast Tour.
Tours to the Benagil Cave
- Our tour: We dEon’t enter the cave, but we take you to the top of Benagil Cave, plus Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha, and Algar Seco, in a small group setting. Check out our Algarve Coast Tour.
- Kayak & SUP tours: active, eco-friendly, let you paddle into nearby caves too.
- Boat tours: most popular option, running from Benagil Beach, Portimão, or Albufeira.
What to Bring
- Comfy walking shoes (trails and rocks are uneven).
- Swimwear and towel (for the beach).
- Hat, sunscreen, and water (shade is rare).
- Camera or phone for photos.
Best Time to Visit
- Best months: May–June and September–October for warm weather, calmer seas, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (July–August): Busy and hot — go early morning or late afternoon.
- Winter: Quieter but the sea can be rough, so tours may be cancelled.
Safety
- Swimming into the cave is banned.
- The cliffs are high and edges unstable, stay behind safety signs.
- Only enter natural pools or do cliff jumps if conditions are calm (always with caution).
Where to Eat in Benagil
Here are a few well-rated restaurants right in the village:
- O Algar – Fresh grilled fish and seafood with a sea view.
- Casa Lamy – Family-run, traditional Portuguese dishes, friendly service.
- Brisa do Mar – Local spot known for cataplana and fish stew.
Frequently Asked Questions about Benagil
No. Since August 2024, swimming or landing on the cave beach is forbidden. Only guided kayak, SUP and boat tours are allowed.
By car it’s about 45 minutes. Without a car, take a bus or train to Lagoa, then a short taxi/transfer to Benagil. Or join a tour from Faro.
Yes. The cave is one of the Algarve’s icons, and the cliffs and beach nearby make it more than a photo stop.
Morning (before 10 am) or late afternoon for softer light and fewer crowds. May–June and September–October are the best months.
Yes, especially in summer. Tours often sell out days ahead.
Ready to Explore Benagil?
Benagil is small but unforgettable. Between the cave, the beach, and the cliff-top views, it’s one of those places that feels both dramatic and peaceful at the same time.
Bring your camera, wear good shoes, and plan ahead — whether you take a kayak, SUP, boat, or join us to see the cave from above.
👉 Want to explore Benagil plus Carvoeiro, Praia da Marinha and Algar Seco in one trip?
Join one of our small-group tours from Faro, we handle the details, you just enjoy the views.
Choose your route…
About us
All stories start somewhere!
About us
All stories start somewhere!
Since 2019, we’ve been more than just a local tour company that wants to provide you with the best experience in the Algarve.
From 2023 alone, 7 039 travelers have joined us, and across platforms, more than 1 281 reviews rate us 4.9 stars — calling us “worth every penny,” “friendly and fun,” and “Top 10 Overall Tours.”
Join us and discover why travelers love our insider tips, relaxed small-group atmosphere, and perfect photo opportunities. Together we will visit some of the most emblematic and extraordinary places in the Algarve.
Because we don’t create tours; we create lifetime experiences.
Choose your route…