Beach · Lagoa · Algarve · Portugal

Praia de Benagil

The tiny fishing cove that guards Portugal's most famous sea cave

A pocket cove wedged into the Algarve cliffs, and the launch point for the world-famous Benagil cave — the natural cathedral with an oculus in the roof. Kayak, SUP or licensed boat tour only; swimming to the cave is now banned.

Type
Wild cove
Length
150 m
Sand
Fine golden sand
Water
Atlantic · 18–22 °C · calm, deep
Praia de Benagil
GPS · 37.0879° N, 8.4260° W
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Where to park

Where to leave the car

Small paid lot (fills 09 h in summer).

When to arrive

Best time to visit

Sunrise SUP tour to have the cave to yourself.

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Portugal — Lisbon miradouros, Douro river cruises, Sintra palaces and Algarve caves

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How you get there

Getting there

Steep road down from the village of Benagil.

What you'll find

Services

  • Boat & kayak operators
  • Restaurante O Xandra (grilled fish)
  • Small bar on the sand

Local tips

What we wish we'd been told

  • 01Book the 07:00 SUP tour — best photos, no crowds
  • 02Combine with a walk to Praia da Marinha along the clifftop

Keep exploring

More beaches in Portugal

Guide to Portugal