{"id":77773,"date":"2026-01-30T15:33:21","date_gmt":"2026-01-30T13:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/visit-the-benagil-cave-in-portugal-by-boat-on-foot-or-in-a-kayak\/"},"modified":"2026-02-12T14:28:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T12:28:43","slug":"visit-the-benagil-cave-in-portugal-by-boat-on-foot-or-in-a-kayak","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/visit-the-benagil-cave-in-portugal-by-boat-on-foot-or-in-a-kayak\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit the Benagil cave in Portugal: by boat, on foot or in a kayak"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You want to visit the famous <strong>Benagil cave<\/strong> and you&#8217;re probably wondering :<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>How to visit the Benagil cave on your Algarve road trip<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Which tour to choose<\/strong>?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or <strong>whether you can walk or swim to it<\/strong>?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Good news, you&#8217;ve clearly come to the right place. During our road trip to the Algarve, the <strong>Benagil cave<\/strong> was one of the must-sees. And like many travelers, we quickly realized that this ultra-popular site raises a <strong>lot of questions<\/strong>&#8230; and a few preconceived ideas.  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we share with you <strong>our opinion<\/strong>, <strong>the different ways of visiting the cave<\/strong>, <strong>what you absolutely need to know before going<\/strong>, and above all <strong>our recommendations for excursions in French<\/strong>, to avoid unpleasant surprises.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"8c7c6c\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #8c7c6c;\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"928\" height=\"529\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-30.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77741 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-30.png 928w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-30-400x228.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 928px) 100vw, 928px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group fiche-lieu has-background is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"background-color:#7ba0982e\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center is-style-default has-white-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-55448ba17ce3998770088ee850f857ea wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"background-color:#7ba098\"><strong><strong><strong>Key facts : Benagil cave<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-custom-fond-background-color has-background is-vertical is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-622252b5 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-style:none;border-width:0px;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--10)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f5e0a93 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--custom-bleu-fonc);border-top-style:dotted;border-top-width:1px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Key facts<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#x1f6a4; Recommended access<\/strong>: kayak or boat<br\/>&#x1f6ab; <strong>Access on foot<\/strong>: impossible <br\/>&#x1f3ca; <strong>Swimming access<\/strong>: prohibited<br\/>&#x1f6b6;&#x200d;&#x2642;&#xfe0f;<strong>Randonn\u00e9e des Sept Vall\u00e9es Suspendues<\/strong> <br\/>&#x2b50; <strong>Level of frequentation<\/strong>: very high in summer<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f5e0a93 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"border-top-color:var(--wp--preset--color--custom-bleu-fonc);border-top-style:dotted;border-top-width:1px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--20)\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:150px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our hotel near the cave<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/cidade-de-olhao.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/cidade-de-olhao.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">&#x1f4a6;<\/a><\/em> &#x1f17f;&#xfe0f; <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/algarpapa-rooms.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/algarpapa-rooms.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Information and reservation for the hotel Algar Papa Rooms<\/a> <\/em>with pool and oceanfront parking<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where is the Benagil cave?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <strong>Benagil Grotto<\/strong> is located on the south coast of Portugal, in the Algarve, just off the <strong>village of Benagil<\/strong>, near the villages of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/what-to-do-in-armacao-de-pera-portugal-our-must-sees\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"76818\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Arma\u00e7\u00e3o de P\u00eara<\/a> and<strong> Carvoeiro.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f449; Here are some ideas of distances from the main Algarve villages:  <\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/armacao-de-pera-visite-guidee-privee-en-bateau-des-grottes-de-benagil-t390616\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/armacao-de-pera-visite-guidee-privee-en-bateau-des-grottes-de-benagil-t390616\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Visit the Benagil cave from the village of Arma\u00e7\u00e3o de P\u00eara<\/a>: ~10 km<br\/>&#x1f4a6; <em>We recommend staying at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/algarpapa-rooms.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/pt\/algarpapa-rooms.fr.html?aid=1529171&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the Algar Papa Rooms hotel<\/a> with pool and parking by the ocean.<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/albufeira-excursion-en-bateau-grottes-et-observation-des-dauphins-t64461\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=albufeira\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/albufeira-excursion-en-bateau-grottes-et-observation-des-dauphins-t64461\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=albufeira\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Book a 2h30 boat trip to observe dolphins and geological formations including Benagil.<\/a>  from Albufeira ~28 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/faro-l1238\/au-depart-de-faro-grottes-de-benagil-marinha-et-carvoeiro-visite-d-une-jounee-t457596\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/faro-l1238\/au-depart-de-faro-grottes-de-benagil-marinha-et-carvoeiro-visite-d-une-jounee-t457596\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">From Faro<\/a>: ~55 km<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/u\/2\/embed?mid=1XkMDMlgaNxEhJhXYQoi5MJEIL_BrbI4&#038;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"100%\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is the Benagil cave so famous?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s <strong>one of Europe&#8217;s most famous sea caves<\/strong>, recognizable by its huge dome pierced by a circular hole that lets the light in. The Benagil cave became world-famous because it was used as the background image on Windows 10. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The limestone rock of the coastline has been <strong>shaped by the sea over time<\/strong>, hollowed out by erosion to form a vast cavity.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The ceiling then <strong>partially collapsed<\/strong>, revealing a <strong>large circular hole<\/strong>, called an <em>algar<\/em>, which illuminates the interior of the cave.<br\/><br\/>&#x2b50; The result: an almost unreal setting, with slightly pinkish sand on the floor, golden walls and natural light that changes according to the time of day.<\/p>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you visit the Benagil cave on foot or by swimming?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of <strong>the most frequently asked questions<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x274c; Access on foot: NO<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>There is no access to<\/strong> the cave <strong>on foot<\/strong>.<br\/>The coastal path (including the <strong>7 hanging valleys<\/strong> hike) only allows you to <strong>see the hole from above<\/strong>, but <strong>not to descend into the cave<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x274c; Swimming access: NO (and dangerous)<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is officially <strong>forbidden<\/strong>, for various reasons:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>strong currents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>heavy boat traffic (see below for tips on avoiding the crowds)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>unpredictable waves<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"887961\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #887961;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"568\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210823_181354-1200x568.jpg\" alt=\"alvor portugal algarve\" class=\"wp-image-76968 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210823_181354-1200x568.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210823_181354-400x189.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210823_181354-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit the Benagil cave by boat or kayak<\/h2>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit the Benagil cave by kayak (our favourite option &#x2764;&#xfe0f;)<\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For us, <strong>kayaking or paddling is the best way to visit the Benagil cave<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Why?<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the distance from the beach is very short: 10 minutes by train<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>we were able to enter<strong> the cave directly<\/strong> by parking the kayak on the sand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f449; We recommend this well-organized <strong>1-hour French kayaking excursion<\/strong> with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kayak Secret Algarve<\/a> departing from Benagil (approx. \u20ac25). We were also able to visit other, less touristy caves.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a nutshell,<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#x1f4cd; <strong>Departure directly from the village of Benagil<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#x1f6f6; S <strong>mall group<\/strong> (maximum 10 people)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#x1f1eb;&#x1f1f7; <strong>English-speaking guide<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember to book in advance, especially during school vacations.<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Book a kayak trip to the Benagil cave (FR guide)  <br\/><\/a> <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f4a1; We recommend that if it&#8217;s available, you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">book the 8am slot<\/a> (although we&#8217;re well aware that&#8217;s early for a vacation get-up), so you can have the privilege of a quiet, uncrowded visit inside. From 10 a.m. there&#8217;s a parade of canoes and boats, as this is one of the Algarve&#8217;s most popular tourist sites.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By booking via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/benagil-excursion-en-kayak-vers-la-grotte-de-benagil-douche-gratuite-t216270\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Get Your Guide<\/a>: the<em>big advantage, in our opinion, is that <strong>you can change or cancel your<\/strong> booking <strong>up to the day before<\/strong>, with a simple click on the application, which is always reassuring<\/em> to be able to change your plans according to the weather.<\/p>\n\n<div data-gyg-href=\"https:\/\/widget.getyourguide.com\/default\/availability.frame\" data-gyg-tour-id=\"216270\" data-gyg-locale-code=\"fr-FR\" data-gyg-currency=\"EUR\" data-gyg-widget=\"availability\" data-gyg-variant=\"horizontal\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"0LXQSML\" data-gyg-cmp=\"benagil\"><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"786d4f\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #786d4f;\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"502\" height=\"610\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-32.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77743 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-32.png 502w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-32-400x486.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 502px) 100vw, 502px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"737f81\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #737f81;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"921\" height=\"463\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-33.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77744 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-33.png 921w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-33-400x201.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 921px) 100vw, 921px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit the Benagil cave by boat<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Obviously, a boat is the <strong>easiest<\/strong> option, especially if you don&#8217;t want to paddle.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x26a0;&#xfe0f; Worth knowing:<br\/>Most boats are <strong>not allowed to disembark in the cave<\/strong>.<br\/>It can be seen <strong>from the water<\/strong>, which is still impressive, but less immersive than kayaking.<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/benagil-l163460\/circuit-complet-des-grottes-de-benagil-avec-happy-hour-l-apres-midi-t1022816\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/benagil-l163460\/circuit-complet-des-grottes-de-benagil-avec-happy-hour-l-apres-midi-t1022816\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Take a look at this boat trip from the village of Benagil <strong>in French<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-gyg-href=\"https:\/\/widget.getyourguide.com\/default\/availability.frame\" data-gyg-tour-id=\"1022816\" data-gyg-locale-code=\"fr-FR\" data-gyg-currency=\"EUR\" data-gyg-widget=\"availability\" data-gyg-variant=\"horizontal\" data-gyg-partner-id=\"0LXQSML\" data-gyg-cmp=\"benagil\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><br\/><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"677273\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #677273;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"948\" height=\"493\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-28.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77734 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-28.png 948w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-28-400x208.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 948px) 100vw, 948px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"6e6b59\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #6e6b59;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"970\" height=\"475\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-29.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77740 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-29.png 970w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-29-400x196.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 970px) 100vw, 970px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"4e80a7\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #4e80a7;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210828_143410-1200x569.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-76251 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210828_143410-1200x569.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210828_143410-400x190.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210828_143410-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#x1f42c; Combine Benagil cave + dolphin watching  <\/h3>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This outing combines <strong>two of the Algarve&#8217;s must-sees in a single activity<\/strong>: the discovery of the famous sea caves, including Benagil, <strong>and dolphin-watching in the open sea<\/strong>. The Algarve coast is particularly renowned for the presence of <strong>numerous dolphins<\/strong>, often observed in groups, which makes the experience both fun and impressive, especially for children. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is the kind of activity that makes a holiday: sailing along the cliffs, entering spectacular caves, then heading out to sea in search of dolphins, all <strong>supervised by a French-speaking guide<\/strong> who explains the animals&#8217; behavior and the formation of the coastline.  <\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f39f;&#xfe0f; <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/algarve-l66\/portimao-croisiere-dans-les-grottes-de-benagil-avec-observation-des-dauphins-t420129\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.com\/fr-fr\/algarve-l66\/portimao-croisiere-dans-les-grottes-de-benagil-avec-observation-des-dauphins-t420129\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Benagil caves + dolphins cruise (guide FR)<\/a><\/strong> ideal for families<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"1d5d77\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #1d5d77;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1632\" height=\"1200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gmzsct-vc0e.jpg\" alt=\"a dolphin swimming in the water\" class=\"wp-image-76282 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gmzsct-vc0e.jpg 1632w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gmzsct-vc0e-400x294.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/gmzsct-vc0e-1200x882.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1632px) 100vw, 1632px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"49678b\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #49678b;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"990\" height=\"412\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-36.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77748 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-36.png 990w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-36-400x166.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 990px) 100vw, 990px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Visit the cave on foot<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also possible to see Benagil cave <strong>from the top of the cliffs<\/strong>, by taking the famous <strong>Seven Hanging Valleys hike<\/strong> which links <strong>Praia da Marinha<\/strong> to <strong>Praia de Vale de Centeanes<\/strong> and passes just <strong>above Benagil cave<\/strong>, fact :<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f449; <strong>approx. 5.7 km (one-way)<\/strong> &#8211; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/fr\/randonnee\/portugal\/faro\/percurso-dos-sete-vales-suspensos-gruta-de-benagil-arcos-naturais\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.alltrails.com\/fr\/randonnee\/portugal\/faro\/percurso-dos-sete-vales-suspensos-gruta-de-benagil-arcos-naturais\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">full itinerary on the All trails website<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#x23f1;&#xfe0f; <strong>Walking time<\/strong>: 2h30 to 3h without long breaks (more like 4h if you take the time to enjoy the viewpoints)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x1f501; <strong>Round trip<\/strong>: ~11 to 12 km<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x1faa8; <strong>Level<\/strong>: easy to moderate (well-marked path, but some ascents\/descents)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x1f305; <strong>Main attraction<\/strong>: plunging views of cliffs, natural arches, beaches and <strong>Benagil cave from above.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#x1f4a1; If you don&#8217;t want to do <strong>the whole hike<\/strong>, you can park in a parking lot 10 minutes from the cave and then just go and admire the hole from above and the surrounding cliffs.<\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Our recommendation: explore the cave from the water in the morning, then go for a hike in the late afternoon.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"85837d\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #85837d;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"569\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210826_152401-1200x569.jpg\" alt=\"armacao de pera portugal algarve\" class=\"wp-image-77174 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210826_152401-1200x569.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210826_152401-400x190.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/20210826_152401-scaled.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"726e54\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #726e54;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"958\" height=\"514\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-31.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77742 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-31.png 958w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-31-400x215.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 958px) 100vw, 958px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img data-dominant-color=\"ac9173\" data-has-transparency=\"true\" style=\"--dominant-color: #ac9173;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"946\" height=\"502\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-34.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-77745 has-transparency\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-34.png 946w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-34-400x212.png 400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 946px) 100vw, 946px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Benagil?<\/h2>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>By car<\/strong>, if you have <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/fr\/portugal\/faro?a_aid=PourquoiPasNous\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/fr\/portugal\/faro?a_aid=PourquoiPasNous\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">rented a car<\/a>, there are several parking lots in the village of Benagil and you can rent a kayak.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By boat<\/strong> from several Algarve villages such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/albufeira-excursion-en-bateau-grottes-et-observation-des-dauphins-t64461\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/albufeira-excursion-en-bateau-grottes-et-observation-des-dauphins-t64461\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Albufeira<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/portimao-croisiere-dans-les-grottes-de-benagil-avec-observation-des-dauphins-t420129\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/portimao-croisiere-dans-les-grottes-de-benagil-avec-observation-des-dauphins-t420129\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Portim\u00e3o<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/armacao-de-pera-visite-guidee-privee-en-bateau-des-grottes-de-benagil-t390616\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.fr\/algarve-l66\/armacao-de-pera-visite-guidee-privee-en-bateau-des-grottes-de-benagil-t390616\/?partner_id=0LXQSML&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=benagil\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Arma\u00e7\u00e3o de P\u00eara<\/a>&#8230;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>On foot<\/strong> from <strong>Praia da Marinha<\/strong> or <strong>Praia de Vale de Centeanes<\/strong>, following the <strong>Seven Hanging Valleys trail<\/strong> which passes <strong>just above the cave.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By public transport <\/strong>(less convenient): buses available to Lagos or Carvoeiro, info and bookings on the <a href=\"https:\/\/vamusalgarve.pt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vamus Algarve<\/a> company. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Our opinion on the Benagil cave<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Benagil cave is clearly one of <strong>the Algarve&#8217;s most emblematic sites<\/strong>. Impressive in both size and light, it&#8217;s well worth a visit during your stay in the region.   <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>However,<\/strong> the experience may <strong>vary depending on the time of day, the season and the type of visit chosen.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote has-text-align-center is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We advise you to plan your visit well in advance, as a well-organized visit to the grotto is a wonderful experience, especially when combined with exploration of the surrounding coastline.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img data-dominant-color=\"858f90\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" style=\"--dominant-color: #858f90;\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"552\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-20-at-18.10.31-3-1200x552.jpeg\" alt=\"portugal algarve\" class=\"wp-image-76975 not-transparent\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-20-at-18.10.31-3-1200x552.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-20-at-18.10.31-3-400x184.jpeg 400w, https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-01-20-at-18.10.31-3.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t hesitate to leave us a <strong>note<\/strong> or <strong>5 stars<\/strong> below, to let us know if you&#8217;re planning this trip, to ask any questions you may have, below we&#8217;ll answer you with great pleasure.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before you leave, <strong>find all our articles to help you organize your trip:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>&#x1f6cf;&#xfe0f;  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/?p=79028\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"78345\">Where to sleep in the Algarve? our best addresses<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x1f5fa;&#xfe0f; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/road-trip-algarve-portugal\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"78921\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Itinerary for your Algarve road trip?<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x1f697; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/?p=78252\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"77133\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Car rental in Faro in the Algarve: our tips and advice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Visit the villages of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/what-to-do-in-lagos-portugal-our-opinion-and-must-sees\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"76752\">Lagos<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/what-to-do-in-armacao-de-pera-portugal-our-must-sees\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"76818\">Arma\u00e7ao de P\u00eara<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/what-to-do-in-alvor-portugal-beaches-and-our-opinion\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"76816\">Alvor<\/a> and Olaho<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x26f5; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/how-to-visit-the-ponta-da-piedade-cliffs-by-boat-and-on-foot\/\" target=\"_blank\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"77127\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to visit the cliffs of Ponta da Piedade<\/a>? by boat and on foot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>&#x1f9a9; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/what-to-do-in-portugals-ria-formosa-nature-park-and-its-islands-a-hidden-treasure-in-the-algarve\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"76230\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What to do in Portugal&#8217;s Ria Formosa natural park<\/a> and islands?  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style='text-align:right' class='yasr-auto-insert-visitor'><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You want to visit the famous Benagil cave and you&#8217;re probably wondering : Good news, you&#8217;ve clearly come to the right place. During our road trip to the Algarve, the Benagil cave was one of the must-sees. And like many travelers, we quickly realized that this ultra-popular site raises a lot of questions&#8230; and a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":77774,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_wp_convertkit_post_meta":{"form":"-1","landing_page":"","tag":"0","restrict_content":"0"},"yasr_overall_rating":0,"yasr_post_is_review":"","yasr_auto_insert_disabled":"","yasr_review_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":true},"categories":[400,399,72],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-77773","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-algarve","category-portugal","category-travel-guides"],"acf":[],"_wp_attached_file":null,"_wp_attachment_image_alt":null,"rank_math_primary_category":"392","rank_math_title":"Visit the Benagil cave in Portugal: by boat, kayak or on foot","rank_math_description":null,"rank_math_focus_keyword":"Benagil cave","yasr_visitor_votes":{"stars_attributes":{"read_only":false,"span_bottom":false},"number_of_votes":0,"sum_votes":0},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/image-30.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77773","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=77773"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":79220,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/77773\/revisions\/79220"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/77774"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=77773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=77773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pourquoi-pas-nous.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=77773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}