Benagil Cave, Portugal

Benagil Cave

A sea cave with a round hole in its roof, lighting up a hidden beach.

  • May–Oct
  • 1 night
Explore on the map
Nearby hidden places
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Things to do

2 days in Benagil Cave

Day 1

  1. MorningTake an early boat or kayak to see the cave; boats and kayaks may no longer land on its beach.
  2. AfternoonWalk the Seven Hanging Valleys cliff trail from Praia da Marinha.
  3. EveningHave dinner in Carvoeiro and watch the sunset from its cliff boardwalk.

Day 2

Swim at Praia da Marinha or visit Silves castle.

What to eat

Grilled sardines and piri-piri chicken.

Local tips

Make the most of Benagil Cave

Beat the crowds

Come early in the morning, before the boats and kayaks fill the water.

Best photo spot

Walk the clifftop path for the famous hole in the cave roof, seen from above.

Getting there

Benagil is a small village about 15 minutes from Carvoeiro. Parking near the beach is limited in summer.

Don't miss nearby

The Seven Hanging Valleys trail along the cliffs, one of the most beautiful coastal walks in Portugal.

Good to know

Rules about landing on the cave beach have become stricter; you'll mostly see it from the water. Only go with calm seas.

Secret spots

1 secret spot near Benagil Cave

Our most hidden places around Benagil Cave: fewer people, same wow. Unlock them with a route in Google Maps and a PDF guide of Benagil Cave to take with you.

69 km away
Unlock the secret spots · €2.99+ VAT · one payment, valid for a year

Plan your visit

Getting to Benagil Cave

Getting there

  • Portimão Airport (PRM)16 km away
  • Faro Airport (FAO)40 km away
  • Lisbon190 km away
  • Cádiz200 km away

Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.

At a glance

Best timeMay–Oct
TypeNature spot
Good forNature, Coast
Getting thereCar or public transport
Stay1 night
CountryPortugal

Questions

Benagil Cave: good to know

Is Benagil Cave worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. A sea cave with a round hole in its roof, lighting up a hidden beach.

How many days do you need in Benagil Cave?

Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.

When is the best time to visit Benagil Cave?

The best time to visit is May to Oct. Come early in the morning, before the boats and kayaks fill the water.

How do you get to Benagil Cave?

The nearest airport is Portimão Airport (PRM), about 16 km away. Benagil is a small village about 15 minutes from Carvoeiro. Parking near the beach is limited in summer.

What is there to see near Benagil Cave?

Nearby hidden places include Lagos (22 km), Arrábida (162 km) and Évora (171 km).

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