Benagil Cave
A rock cathedral pierced by an oculus, with its own sand beach inside.
Duration
2 hrs – 3 hrs
Best time
Around midday, for the light
Open
Every day
Entry price
To confirm
The Benagil cave is a limestone chamber open to the sea through two arches, with a circular oculus punched in the vault by the roof's collapse. Sunlight drops through it in a column around midday, onto a small beach inside.
It became so busy that the rules changed: since 2023, swimming and walking in from the sea are banned, and only authorised craft may enter, without landing. So you see it from a boat, a kayak or a guided paddleboard.
Getting there
Departures from Benagil beach, Carvoeiro or Albufeira. Kayaks leave straight from Benagil beach, ten minutes' paddling away.
What the price covers
reachable only from the water — kayak, paddleboard or boat, price depends on the operator
What to bring
- Headlamp
- Swimsuit
- Dry bag
Rules on site
Swimming to the cave and landing in it have been banned since 2023, and fines are issued. Trips are cancelled in swell, and parking at Benagil is tiny: arrive early or park at Carvoeiro.
