Algarve Beachs with a Boat tour to Benagil Cave

Benagil, is a small fishing village on the southern coast of the Algarve which has gained fame in recent years thanks to its incredible sea cave, however there is much more than just a cave to explore in this picturesque Algarve destination.


Located along the southern coast of the central Algarve between the popular tourist destinations of Praia do Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra, Benagil has long been a favourite with local residents looking to enjoy the warm summer weather on the beach or to explore the caves and rock formations.


Benagil is most famous for the sea cave located just around the corner from the beach. This cave has been featured in top destination lists and “places you have to see” all across the internet and thanks to visitors sharing their incredible photos of the cave it has become one of the top things to do in the Algarve.

Getting to the cave has become easier than ever thanks to its popularity and an increase in the number of boat trips, not only from Benagil itself but also from other areas.

Boats to take you to the caves can be boarded directly on Benagil beach, however the trips are exceptionally popular during the summer months and you may find yourself in for a very long wait if you opt to visit from here.
There are instead many different boat companies operating from local beaches including Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro to take you into the caves.

Other longer boat trips are also available to see the Benagil cave, including trips from #Albufeira, Portimão, Vilamoura and Lagos taking in more of the sights and including time to see the cave too.

Benagil itself is comprised primarily of a single road which passes down steeply to the beach area and then back up again and parking is available on the sides of this road – however it is very limited and you need to be very confident in your handbrake!

The extra cost of taking a boat from another beach will easily be covered by not needing to take a taxi to Benagil if you don’t have a car while in the area and take a boat from a neighbouring beach.

If you are driving to Benagil then it is well sign posted locally. In Portugal beaches are denoted by brown road signs, and signs for Benagil can be found in the Carvoeiro area. If you are in Carvoeiro travel up the O Farol hill in the town to leave the town, at the top of the hill you will find signposts for Benagil which will take you along a coastal road and then slightly into the countryside before winding back towards the coast and #Benagil.
Once you enter Benagil from this direction you will be met with a mini roundabout where you need to take a left to head down to the beach to then find a parking space.

This road is not a main road and care needs to be taken on the narrow lanes, which is why many people choose to approach Benagil from the Carvoeiro direction which has slightly better roads.


Once you are in Benagil, apart from the cave the main attraction is probably the beach. Upon first looking at the beach it doesn’t really look as though there is all that much there, this is because the main part of the beach is actually around the corner of the cliff to the right.

There are lots of boats as you first approach the beach and there is also a small snack bar/café on the right of the beach opening – a perfectly place to pick up some cool drinks, snacks or an ice cream while down on the sands. The #beach itself is typical of the local area with towering cliffs and golden sands.


Video made by @Amine ezzoubi