A dream comes true and we make an excursion to the cave at the same named Benagil beach. This is touted as one of the top attractions in the Algarve. You can read here if this is true:

How to get there

From CASA KAMA you go by car to the east to Lagos and then take the A22 to Lagoa. Soon the beach Benagil is advertised on the brown signs and the closer you get to the beach, the first pictures of the cave appear.

 

Even if you’re already full of anticipation, drive past the beach and there are two large parking lots 250m away. In summer the parking situation is quite tense. So be patient enough. Let‘s see what’s going on there.

 

What is the best way to get to Benagil Cave

You have several options to get into the Cave. Depending on your level of fitness, adventure, comfort and Instagram affinity 😉

1.swimming
When you are at the beach, you can already see the outer wall of the Caves at the end of the beach. To swim it is about 150m. But it is not advised to do so. Depending on the season, the water can be very cold and depending on the swell, it should be enjoyed with caution. You have to judge that by ourself.

2. boat
Directly on the beach there are boat trips to Benagil Cave and other interesting caves and beaches. Some boats also come directly from Portimão, Lagos or other beaches, which would also be a way to save yourself the journey and the search for a parking space. This is a nice cosy option for the whole family. However, the boats only stay in the cave for a few minutes and there is no opportunity to get out. Probably for safety reasons, as the cave would be overcrowded with boats during the high season.

3. SUP
We decided to go for a stand-up paddle board. This is also rented directly at the beach or on the way from the parking lot to the beach. For 30 EUR it is yours for one hour. A board is good to ride with two people, best on your knees. We had a waterproof bag with the camera with us, which we hung around our shoulder. The paddling had taken about 4 minutes, and then you are already in the middle of it, in the cave, which will take your breath away.

The light refracts so beautifully through the opening in the ceiling, emphasizing the different colored stone segments on the ceiling and walls. Beautiful!

If you don’t stay in the Benagil Cave for that long, you will have time to explore more beaches further east with the SUP.

4. Kayak, Flamingo etc.

When we were there we didn’t see any kayaks, but even these are usually rented on site. Also for 30 EUR per hour. It is also a good option to arrive dry in the cave with equipment. If you want to get it cheaper, you can also try an air mattress, your own dinghy, flamingo or whatever you find. The advantage of having your own vehicle is that there is no time limit and you can enjoy the cave at your leisure.

Nice to know – Tips to get to the Bengali Cave safely.

• To get on the SUP- Board was unfortunately not quite dry, but with a little skill the journey can start.
• Paddling had taken about 4 minutes. Swimming I guess double time.
• It gets critical to get off the SUP, when you get into the “shorebreak”, where the wave breaks at the shore in shallow water. The best thing is to paddle fast in a break between the waves, jump off and save yourself and your bag in the sand.
• It is more comfortable if you take the second “entrance” directly, coming from the beach, the second cave arch. There the water at the shore does not break so much. There it is also easier to paddle out again. Watch out for incoming and outgoing boats.
• It is best to park the SUP/kayak in the left corner to avoid disturbing your picture (or that of other visitors). The stone in the middle is perfectly placed to feel like Arielle (or what men feel like when they sit on a big stone by the sea).
• The tides also play a role in the visit. It is safest during low tide. We were there just before the tide and came in and it was easy to go out again. The best way to find out about the height of the waves and the times of the tides is to check here.

After the adventure

After your visit to the cave, you can still enjoy the beach. There is also a small café with snacks and ice cream and two restaurants with a great sea view. The hole in the cave can also be visited from above if you are not so comfortable on the water. Keep a safe distance here.

Conclusion

This cave formation is unique and definitely worth seeing! Around our holiday home there is a lot to explore and beautiful nature to enjoy. But if you feel like a day trip, the Bengali Cave can be recommended in any case. You can combine it for example with a shopping excursion to Portimão. There is e.g. a big shopping center, the “Aqua Portimão”.