benagil cave how to get there

Instead youd want to book onto a tour like this one which takes you from Lagos to Benagil by van. Make sure you ask the tour guide if you can get off the boat, because some boats only pass by, and others stop but do not let you get off. Besides the Benagil Cave, there are numerous lesser-known but no less spectacular caves. The Benagil Cave is located near the village of Benagilin the Lagoa region of Southern Portugal. I have a question. Hi Sangyoung! However, there are so many spectacular beaches in the Algarve region that we wrote a detailed post that you can use as a guide for your next trip. This is by far the easiest and most relaxing way to get there (and youre on vacation after all!). Alternatively, you can visit Praia da Albandeira, which has a remarkable arch, or Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha and its historic chapel. If you havent done SUP before, it can be challenging to join a SUP tour. Benagil is not the only destination for boat tours. The positive side is that the tour includes visits to several caves. Fortunately or unfortunately, the boat tours are no longer allowed to dock and let people off . Even if it feels warm on land, at sea the temperatures are cooler. You can choose from a kayak tour to SUP, Dolphin Watching & Caves, Catamaran cruise & BBQ and also a combination of Speed boat & kayak/SUP to Benagil. For the following two, I was on boat tours. Under these conditions, swimming will take no more than 15 minutes to reach the inside of the cave. If youre in the last steps of planning your trip to the Algarve and the Benagil Cave, Ive listed below several tips that will help you during your adventure: The Algarve is one of the most visited regions in Portugal and the Benagil Caves are one of its top attractions. Its very important that you check the weather conditions, if the current is too strong or you are a weak swimmer then consider hiring a kayak or SUP where youll be given a life jacket. Swimming inside Benagil cave How to get to Benagil cave area? The route also passes by Carvalho Beach and Marinha Beach. Glad you found this post helpful No sadly there arent any boats docking in the cave anymore, as its been forbidden by the local government. Considering this, its actually much cheaper to book onto a boat tour that includes transport to and from Lagos as these cost around 40 each. Amazing Kayaking tour from Carvoeiro at sunrise or sunset, Included Welcome Drinks, Tastings of Regional Liquores and Sweet Treats. This boat tour is super highly rated and includes all your transport to and from the cave, a tour of the cave itself and youll get the chance to spot dolphins. You begin with a backward walk and 360 spin - on instruction - that fires you on your way to the Benagil sea . Youll cruise up and down the Algarve coastline admiring the sights whilst looking out for dolphins and other marine life. However, I think it is worth going on a boat tour as well. 4.4 35 Book now From Portimo Whatever way youll choose is up to you! Enjoying my photos? At the entrance to the beach and on your way down the hill you will find stands offering kayak and Paddleboard hire (see map earlier in article). When you're inside the cave, on the beach, you can see the sky through the opening on the top of the cave. If not or if you cant do any of the above, you should know theres one last option to visit the caves in-depth: using your drone! Considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, the Mira de Aire Caves are 7 miles long, but only 2000 ft of the route can be visited. I know I was! Getting to Praia de Benagil is easy if you have your own car. Albufeira: 2.5-Hour Caves & Dolphin Watching Boat Tour. Other beautiful sea caves to visit in Portugal, Gruta das Torres, Pico Island, Azores Archipelago, Grutas de Mira de Aire, Serras de Aire and Candeeiros Nature Park, First Inside Benagil Cave Sunrise or Sunset, Catamaran BBQ on the Beach: Cruise to Benagil Caves, Azores Ferries: The Best Guide to Azores Island Hopping [2023], How to get to the Azores: The Best Guide [2023], Best Time to Visit the Azores for Weather and Things to Do in 2023, Renting a car in the Azores (2023): A Complete Guide. But you can also rent those and just have some fun right in front of the beach if you want to avoid the crowd in the cave. Such an amazing and well-written blog post! If so, what method of seeing it would be best? This means that youll need to take a train from Lagos to Lagoa then 2 separate buses down to Benagil Cave. Once you get to the beach youll need to decide how you want to get into the cave! It may not be possible to enter some caves, particularly at high tide. Before seeing the cave in person, let me give you insights into its formation and some curious facts. They even provide towels and sunscreen too so you can leave your heavy bags at home. by Drifter Planet | Jul 14, 2022 | Portugal Information about how to reach Benagil Cave, Tips, and Practical Travel Info. There are Benagil cave tours departing from Lagos to Albufeira so you will have plenty of opportunities to visit the cave. Once you arrive close to the Benagil Cave, in Benagil Beach, for example, youre not totally done yet. From Lagoa, you need to take a bus from Lagoa Bus Terminal, #77, or a taxi/Uber to Benagil Beach (7). From there, you can either rent a car, take a taxi (but this will cost you), or choose public transportation. Do you have any heart/back problems or sea sickness? If youre visiting Lagos then you might be considering traveling to the mesmerizing Benagil Cave. Unfortunately, we havent experienced Benagil at night, so we cant give you relevant info. Do you prefer to seat comfortably on a boat or get some exercise while going to Benagil? At high tide, the area inside the cave becomes smaller. The cave itself is situated right next to the Praia de Benagil beach and is actually called Algar de Benagil on Google Maps. There are Benagil cave tours departing from Lagos to Albufeira so you will have plenty of opportunities to visit the cave. They'll most definitely love you for it, 100% guarantee. Benagil is also known as the Cathedral Cavebecause of the round ceiling, which viewed from the inside resembles acathedral dome. If you want to go to another beach, you can go to Carvalho, the nearest one, which in general isnt as busy as Benagil. Also, it is very common not to have kayaks for rent in peak season because of the high demand. Brighton Day Trip from London: Is Brighton Worth Visiting? If you want to know more about the best neighborhoods where to stay in Algarve, check here. You can check the timetables and current prices on the bus company website. I found in my academic career the chance to come across different cultures and languages while working as a scientist. However, you can check here the surf forecast in Benagil in August, based on the 2020 and 2021 data. The Benagil parking lot is on top of the cliff, and you will find it after you go up the hill after passing the beachfront. Even if you see Marinha Beach during your tour, you shouldnt miss the opportunity to visit it. Im planning to go to Benagil cave in the middle of September and Im trying to find some rentals there but I find only guided tours. Benagil Cave is located in a small fishing village called Benagil which is located in Lagoa. The last option to visit the Benagil Caves is to go on a boat tour. Is it possible to visit Benagil on your own or do you have to book a tour? PS. Check out Taruga Benagil Tours; theyll take you to 20 different caves, for around 18. Most major towns in the Algarve are connected with Lagoa by bus. There are multiple different ways to see the inside of the Benagil Cave, including swimming, kayaking, stand up paddling (SUP) or by boat. Youll also get a knowledgeable guide that knows everything there is to know about the cave, lunch, drinks and music to make the day even more enjoyable. The main thing to know is that Benagil Cave and Algar de Benagil are the exact same thing. When youre inside the cave, on the beach, you can see the sky through the opening on the top of the cave. 3. While the Benagil Cave is the most famous thing to see in the Algarve, there are plenty of other beautiful things to discover on the south coast of Portugal. We did take some pictures and were impressed by Benagils beauty though! Assuming you just want the car for one day and youll be picking it up and dropping it off in Lagos, then a rental car will cost just 28 for the day. You can try booking online on Secret Algarve, you can book from 8am, or give them a call to secure a 7am booking. The tours are subject to weather and sea conditions. You cannot be too careful. From the car park head back to the main road and begin to follow the road down the hill. Benagil Sea Cave is located in the fishing village of Benagil, Lagoas municipality, along the Atlantic coast between Albufeira and Portimo, in the Algarve, Portugal. If you dont know what it is, dont worry I had no idea before actually starting to plan my trip. This town lies 43 km east of Lagos which is a 40-minute drive. It took me around half an hour to figure it out plus its in Portuguese which makes it harder. Megan Jones is a travel expert and founder of Traveller's Elixir who has been travelling the world full time since 2021. The beach itself is a great spot to lay in the sand and go for a swim or simply float on the water. Another way to visit is via the Benagil Cave kayak tour. Hi Kev! If you choose to do so, youll have to go early morning. Benagil sea cave is located on the beach of the same name in the village of Carvoeiro, in the town of Lagoa in the Algarve, a region in southern Portugal famous for beautiful beaches with calm, clear waters golden cliffs and incredible rock formations that make up its landscape. However, the only way to walk around inside the Algar de Benagil Cave is to enter by paddling, SUP or swimming. Is this a good place to take kids? We took this Dolphin Watching and Caves Cruise Tour in Albufeira and apart from spotting many dolphins, we went exploring some caves, including Benagil and passed by famous Algarvian beaches. Ive done it with my 11-year-old niece and we loved it. Check the availability and prices of the kayak tour here. A single paddle costs 15/hour and a double paddle costs 30/hour. Hello Germana! When I started researching it, I couldnt find much information on how to get there so thats why Ive put together this handy guide. Hey there! Would it be too rough to take a small boat tour? But because of the crowds, summer is certainly not the best time of the year to visit if you need relaxation and calm. From Instagram to Holiday brochures, this stunning location is one of the most snapped areas of the region. You can't see much from the coast - there is a circular hole up the coastal cliff . From Algrave's beautiful coast of Southern Portugal, we . The cave is as beautiful as you see in pictures and a natural wonder of nature that shouldnt be missed while visiting the Algarve. But for now, I work as a project manager in a major company. Check our Privacy Policy, How to Visit Benagil Cave Group Tour x DIY Tour, My Experiences Visiting Gruta de Benagil by Boat Tour & Kayak, 2 Spend some time at Praia da Marinha, one of Europes best beaches, Dont miss it out: 21 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in the Algarve, Start planning your Albufeira Holiday here, Suggest Read: 18 Best Things to Do in Lagos, You may also be interested: What to Do in Faro, Portugal, Start planning your trip here: Algarve Itinerary for 3, 5 & Days. I will list them below: While you will not be able to go inside the cave by walking, you can go above it. This swim and chill tour is one of the best rated tours that actually allows you to explore the cave for yourself. It offers an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa and a tennis court and provides modern amenities, including a balcony with panoramic sea views. This brings the total cost up to around 33.60 which isnt bad at all especially if youre in a group as this cost will be shared. The cave in the middle of the sea, with a hole in the ceiling, is a natural work of art. If I remember, kayak renting on Benagil Beach are available until 4-5pm, as the tour lasts about 1,5-2 hours. From Albufeira: Benagil Tour by Kayak or SUP, the best Benagil cave tours on Get Your Guide. In 2018, I finally had the opportunity to see it. Look for dolphins and hidden caves on a half-day dolphin watching cruise of the Algarve from Albufeira. If you want to go to Benagil Beach, from where you can also join a tour or rent a kayak/SUP to visit the cave by yourself, you can get there by car, bus, train and even on foot. Nevertheless, if you decide to spend your summer vacations in the Algarve, you should know that the boat or kayak excursions to the caves are quickly taken over. Bearing this in mind I decided to put together my own short guide on how to get to the Benagil cave, where to park and how to make sure you get the best out of your visit! If youd rather make your own way there then you can do so by either a taxi/uber or a rental car. The parking is just before the end of this road and a 5min walk from the beach. Take a 20 minute bus (number 107) from Lagoa to Praia do Carvalho (direction Portimao). Its pretty impressive and worth making the effort for. Gorgeous. The cave is only accessible by sea, and thats part of its charm. You definitely wont have to haggle with a driver who tried to charge you 3 times the normal rate. The Benagil Cave is an open-sky cave, with a dream-like sand beach inside. Air conditioning, a terrace, a kitchen, an outdoor swimming pool, etc. The cliffs surroundingBenagil have been subjected to a series of erosions from rain, waves, and wind. There are plenty of boat tours departing from different Algarvian cities that take you to see the cave. Comfy O Quintal Guesthouse: Located a 15min drive from Benagil beach and a 2min walk from Carvoeiro Beach, this bed & breakfast offers everything you could need. The Algarve region is famous for its spectacular beaches besides many other things, and you can find many spectacular white-sand bays very close to Benagil Cave where you can enjoy some relaxing time after your tour to explore the beautiful caves and rock formations. Dont forget to bring sunscreen, hats, towels and plenty of water. Overall, the tour is nice for those who want to visit more places, but it is a bit rushed, so I do not recommend it if you like to take things slower. Do you have any tips? Overall, it is a wonderful place and very well structured to receive visitors. The grottoes are situated 150 meters east to the beach, Praia de Benagil. You can get to the cave from any city that offers a Benagil Cave Tour. It's easily found by plotting in 'Benagil beach' in the GPS. Hi, my name is Meg and, you guessed it, I love to travel. Swimming there by yourself could be dangerous so if you really want to do it then go with an experienced guide. We will be traveling with luggage. An alternative is to see the cave from the top of the cliffs! The whole thing lasts around 2 hours which is more than enough time to see the cave. Do you also want to see dolphins/whales swimming freely in the wild? Bring warm clothes. And yes, it is as beautiful as it looks in the pictures. Rather, you will go along the Algarve coast, and youll discover the many caves of the region. There are different ways to get to the cave, some more convenient than others. So youre ready for your trip to the Algarve now right? We are Benagil specialists, providing over 80 tours to see this amazing cave. Best Places to Stay in Santorini 2023 Guide, What to Wear in Santorini Best Mens Outfits for Greece, Best Beach Towns in the Dominican Republic. To get to Benagil Beach by train, you need to get off at Estombar-Lagoa station, then take a bus towards Albufeira, #13, until the Bus Terminal, and change to bus #77 to Benagil. Tours are offered in Portuguese, English, Germany, Spanish and French, depending on the tour company. You can walk inside the Cathedral Cave, swim in its crystal-clear water, take impressive pictures for your social accounts and sunbathe. You can check the schedule for the EVA bus here. These are the two tours that I took and highly recommend! Three bus stops take one hour and 25 minutes and brings you face-to-face with the magnificent Monchique mountain. Hopefully this short guide gives you everything you need to know about getting to the Benagil Cave. The earliest tour I see is at 9am. It costs an average of 35 and takes between 1 and 3 hours. It is a beach of easy access, with parking lots and good infrastructure. 1. If you join a group tour there will be a knowledgeable guide telling curious facts, and information about landmarks, scenery and wildlife, which makes everything much more interesting. If you decide that a kayak or SUP is the right option for you, then make sure you book your hire early or youll miss out! Benagil Cave (Gruta de Benagil) is one of the most emblematic and famous places in the Algarve. Hi, we are plan on mid of December to visit Benagil Cave. My dream is to become a full-time travel blogger. The surfing area of Sagres that extends throughout the park of the so-called Southeast Alentejano. You can also rent a kayak/SUP and make a DIY tour. If youre visiting the Algarve with family, you should take a Dolphin watching & Caves Tour. Hello Danya, Thanks so much for the kind word! Ok so it is technically possible to get to Benagil Cave from Lagos by train/bus but I definitely wouldnt recommend it. Read More 10 de Fevereiro, 2021 0 0 Rooms are pretty well furnished, each of them has everything to be independent (washing machine, dishwasher, microwave). Eventually, caves like Benagil will possibly collapse completely, as the Earth continues to evolve geologically. Prices, how to see it by yourself, other attractions in the area, the best time to visit it, and many other tips. 2016 - 2023 Boundless Roads |Privacy Policy|Disclosure Policy|Cookie Policy | Accessibility Statement One of the nicest ways to visit the Benagil Cave is to rent a paddleboard from Benagil Beach. The cave is located about 100 to 200 meters East of the Benagil beach and, as a sea cave, it is only accessible by the sea. Grab your GoPro and hop on your SUP dude! Use any of our recommended links below to book your trip. There are several ways you can visit the Benagil Cave and Benagil Beach. The train from Lagos to Estmbar-Lagoa is pretty easy as you can pre-book your ticket online. Do you think they will still be renting down on Benagil beach? Then help a fellow traveler and pin it! The last time I went only to Benagil Beach and admired Benagil Cave from above. From here you can see down into the stunning cave and its the perfect place for a photo! I recommend that you book in advance because its one of the most popular Algarve tours. The paddleboards available for rent can be single or double. Boundless Roads is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets, accommodation, or any other online reservation. My studies have taken me to unique places around the world since I was a teenager. Then, you can hike your way towards the caves, which you will reach in 10 minutes. Keep reading below to learn exactly how you can visit it. Heres the best paddle/kayak tour you can book for your visit to the caves: From Albufeira: Benagil Tour by Kayak or SUP. Your email address will not be published. Ive looked for kayak/SUP rentals but I have not found anything that we can book for late afternoon/early evening. The only way to get there is by taking one train and two buses. Megan's travel tips been featured in numerous media outlets including Metro, Timeout, Thrillist and more. Well, the cliffs are made of limestone and, years after years, the waves and wind have created the cave, while the rainwater has made the opening on top of the cave. Not to mention, the tours and rentals get more expensive. Below, find out my top 3 recommendations close to the caves: Budget Olive Hostel Lagos: Located in the center of Lagos, this hostel is certainly not the closest to the caves, but it is a very good value for money. I had the same problem because I wanted to get inside the cave with my photo gear, but sadly going there with a boat is just not the option :/ And youre right, the earliest tours are around 9am! It is important to remember that the paddleboard has no place to store personal belongings, so plan well what you will be taking along with you. The key thing to know about these tours is that youre not allowed to get off the boat. You can take a tour to Benagil cave and enter from the sea by boat trip, kayak, stand up paddle board or by swimming. There are single, double, and triple kayaks for rent. Then you have to swim 100 meters to the cave. Benagil Cave, and the Algarve coast in general, is made up of Miocene limestone sitting on rocks created in the Mesozoic era (the age of the dinosaurs). The route starts with a 360 ft drop from the entrance the descent is via stairs, but on the way back up it is possible to take the elevator. The visit to the site currently takes place in the form of an expedition: for an hour, visitors walk 1500 ft of the cave with all the necessary equipment. This kayaking tour is one of the best and it departs from Benagil Beach which is located right next to the cave. Where to eat around Benagil cave? Will luggage fit on the bus or should we take a train to Lagoa then taxi to carvoeiro? Swimming to the cave is the easiest at low tide. Exploring Benagil cave by boat 4. It's a gorgeous natural formation, which deserves a place in your Portugal bucket list. As you may already know, Algarve is a top summer destination in Europe thanks to its beautiful beaches and very pleasant weather. This way you can see all the sensational caves the boat trip visits and make the most of Benagil Cave by staying a bit longer to enjoy the little cave beach at your own pace with the kayak or paddleboard. Some boats allow you to go in the water and swim to the beach. Its recommended that you arrive super early to make sure you get a space especially in high season and weekends. The kayaks sell out even before the boat tours, so you have to arrive around 9 am to guarantee yours. If you dont want to pay the A22 toll, you can drive to Portimo via N125. Kayaks and Stand Up Paddle boards can be rented around Benagil beach, there are also boat tours departing from here. Benagil cave is a 5/10 minute swim around the corner from the beach, roughly a 200m swim. To go into the caves you have several options: The path takes you to the cliff edge of Benagil Beach a perfect spot for people watching. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. This boat tour is one of the most highly rated tours from Lagos so Id highly recommend it. In this complete guide to visiting the Benagil Cave, we will go over everything you need to know to plan your trip to Portugal and make sure you can properly visit it. As I said, the boat tours dont allow you to get off the boat and explore the cave for yourself which can be a bit of a deal breaker for some people. When you arrive in Benagil there is a large car park which is very well signposted so you cant miss it! We know a kayak tour that takes you inside the Benagil cave starting near Carvoeiro. Now, nature lovers and Instagrammers from all over the world come to marvel at one of the most incredible and unique places in the world. Where to park around the Benagil cave? If you want to stay in the village of Benagil, here are some of the hotels that I recommend: Carvoeiro Hotel Situated in Carvoeiro, less than 0.6 miles from Paradise Beach. Benagil Cave Algarve From there, you need to take the N125, and then the M1154 (Estrada da Caramujeira) until you get to Estrada de Benagil. Otherwise best way is to go to the beach a day before, go to a rental stand, and secure a booking for the next day. 28May28 May, 2020 Benagil How to get there? The coast is absolutely stunning, and there is plenty of beautiful places to see around. Visiting Benagil Cave by paddleboarding. By having lived in several countries I have been able to share my experiences as a travel content writer for the last 4 years and I still have plenty more to tell. You will then need to take the local EVA bus into the center of town to the Lagoa Central Bus Station (Lagoa Terminal Rodovirio). If the current isnt very strong and you have a Lilo or another inflatable, hop on it and get kicking! Born and raised in Italy, I have been living in many different countries for 4 years and in Cancun Mexico for 7 until in 2017 I decided to leave my office job and explore the world, with lots of bags and a camera. Find out where Benagil Cave is located and how to get inside the cave. Benagil Cave makes the world's "50 most beautiful places in the world" and I'm gonna tell you exactly how to get to this amazing sea cave in the Algrave. The paddles available for rent can be single or double. If you dont go early enough, your boat wont be able to stay long enough at the cave for you to swim to it. The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes. Examples of these caves are Algar Seco, Paradise Cave, Alfanzina Lighthouse Cave, Love Cave, among others. Here you can find some of my greatest adventures across the globe, travel tips, inspiration and much more. From there, you can follow the steps mentioned above. Every year, 10 thousand people visit Gruta das Torres. The average price is between 20-30. Not to mention you get to experience a new activity and diversify your Algarve trip. Bear in mind that you wont have the cave for yourself, unless you go early in the morning, preferably before 10, or for sunset. Benagil Cave is very close to Benagil Beach, about 600 ft into the sea on the left side of the beach when facing the ocean. Benagil Cave is one of the most photographed places in the Algarve. This swim & chill tour is ideal as you can choose to either swim, kayak or paddleboard to the cave and youll go with an expert guide that knows the area well so youll be super safe. Find more options in this dedicated guide of the 20+ Best Hotels in Algarve. The town is well connected to other towns on the Algarve by bus and train. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. If youre making a DYT tour, be careful and pay close attention to tide times, the weather forecast and local advice. First of all, you'll need to get to one of the amazing Algarve beaches near Benagil Caves, Portugal. It is so perfect that I wonder if it had a little help from an artisan. You can drive to the cave and see it from above but you will only be able to see through the roof of the cave. Offering great value for money, O Litoral is the place to go for grilled fish and homemade fresh juice. To get inside, I recommend booking a tour (either a boat tour, a kayak tour, or a paddle-SUP tour as you prefer).

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