When we visited the Algarve coast in Portugal, the first thing we wanted to see was the Benagil Cave. Booking a tour was confusing as we heard several conflicting reports about visiting the Benagil Cave. We visited the Benagil Cave in October 2023.de new rules were introduced during our visit to the Benagil Caves, but for 2024, things have already changed.
What is the Benagil Cave?
The Benagil Cave is the most famous sea cave in Algarve due to its impressive domed ceiling with natural skylights. Inside the sea cave there is a golden sandy beach, layers of sandstone walls and turquoise waters that create a fascinating play of light and color.
The cave is located in the small village of Benagil, not far from popular cities such as Carvoeiro and Portimão. Boat trips through the Benagil Cave depart from Portimão, making it a convenient and accessible destination for visitors exploring the Algarve coast. It is also located on the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, a famous hike in the Algarve.
The Seven Suspended Valleys trail is a 5.7 km hike that takes you from Praia da Marinha to Vale Centeanes. The Benagil Cave is located in the middle of the hike in the small village of Benagil. There is parking nearby, so even if you don’t hike the entire Seven Hanging Valleys trail, you can visit Benagil Cave and see it from the skylight above.
New rules and regulations for the Benagil Cave
The local authorities have taken new measures to preserve the Benagil Cave. The cave is a protected natural wonder and with the increase in the number of visitors, it has become perilous and unmanageable. The boats capsized and the beach was constantly crowded. By limiting boats and blocking access, the Benagil Cave can be preserved for years to come.
Limited access: To manage the flow of tourists and reduce the environmental impact, access to the caves is now limited. It is important to book your visit in advance, especially in the high season (June to September).
Guided tours only: Solo kayaking and swimming in the caves are no longer allowed for safety reasons. All tours must be part of an organized boat trip with authorized operators.
This ensures that the caves are visited in a sustainable and safe way. We have seen police boats patrolling along the coast and they have taken conservation very seriously. We also saw kayakers capsize. We have heard that the fines for swimming in the cave.
Environmental fees: a small environmental tax has been introduced, which is included in the price of the trip. These fees support conservation efforts and help preserve the natural beauty of the caves.
Is the Benagil Cave open in 2024?
Yes, the Benagil Cave will be open to visitors in 2024. However, due to new regulations and to ensure the safety of visitors, access to the cave is now only allowed through boat trips organized with authorized operators. These measures make it possible to control the number of tourists and reduce the environmental impact.
Believe me, even with measurements, when we visited the Benagil Cave, it was a Zoo there on the water. The kayaks capsized, the boats queued to enter the caves and entering the Benagil Cave was only a short experience of 3 or 4 minutes.
However, we loved our boat trip on the Algarve coast. The other sea caves, the sea arches and the high limestone cliffs make it one of the most spectacular coasts in the world. It puts the Great Ocean Road in Australia to shame, and I thought it was spectacular.
