Praia de Benagil Trave Guide 2025: Epic Beaches, Caves, and Coastal Trails
Benagil Beach is located near a fishing town of the same name in southern Portugal with a length of 320 meters. The most famous feature of Benagil Beach is the Benagil Sea Cave, an open-topped natural rock formation that has gained widespread popularity. Over the years, wind and water erosion have sculpted a magnificent cathedral-like cave, which opens to sunlight and reveals a blue-green sea. Praia de Benagil not only reveals a natural beauty but also other outdoor adventures and picturesque beaches.
Getting to Praia de Benagil
By Car
By Car the best means of transport that one can use in order to get to Praia de Benagil is a car. Car parking is available near the beach, but it becomes crowded during the summer season. Auto Vilão is roughly sixty kilometers west of Faro and fifteen kilometers east of the famous holiday destination of Lagoa. Renting a car in Faro or Lagos is an excellent option for exploring the nearby attractions and beaches.
By public transport.
Depending on the location tourists wish to reach, there are various bus options available, but the limited number can be confusing for guests who do not speak Portuguese fluently. If using public transportation is your only option, we advise taking a bus from Faro to Lagoa, then a taxi or local bus to Praia de Benagil.
When should you visit Praia de Benagil?
The best time to visit Praia de Benagil is from May through to September, but the best time is from June through to September. It’s a warm time of the year, so the climate is suitable for the sea and different water sports. However, if you prefer less crowds, consider visiting in May or October. Those surprise tourists who either arrive very early in the morning or late in the evening are equally recommended because they stand to benefit from a serene environment, particularly for photography enthusiasts.
Top Things to Do Praia de Benagil
Explore the Benagil Cave
Here the main point of interest is apt to be the Benagil Cave, or “Algar de Benagil,” in Portuguese. There is a single way to get to this natural attraction: swimming, kayaking, or joining a boat tour. Somewhere inside of you, you’ll watch the sunlight dancing on the rock formation and the sparkling turquoise waters. Boat tours are relatively simple to find; however, the most personal, and arguably more intimate, way to explore it is to rent a kayak or paddleboard.
Sunbathing and swimming.
Praia de Benagil is also a beautiful place for recreation and swimming on the sand strip. Although tiny in size, it has golden sand and clear waters, perfect to carry out a beach event free from the bustle of a busy world. It is a guarded beach during the social seasons, making it safe for families and children to visit as well.
Kayaking and Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Sometimes it can be fun to be closer to the water, and kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are great ways to stay close to the water and not disturb the animals in the areas the Civilian Conservation Corps has designated for trails.
Apart from hiking, the two most common means of getting to Benagil Cave and experiencing the rock formations in the Algarve region are kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Available for rent from companies near the beach are the equipment; there are also tour guides available. Such tours may visit a number of caves and the isolated areas on the coast, so they offer guests a close-up view of the island’s geological features and marine fauna.
Hiking the Algarve Cliffs
Many beautiful hiking trails, offering stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean and Algarve cliffs, characterize some of the cliffs around Praia de Benagil. The Seven Hanging Valies Trail is one of the most famous ones and runs parallel to the coast, providing views on Benagil and, indeed, other beautiful beaches such as Praia de Marinha. This is a fairly long and tough climb, yet the views are spectacular.
Nearby Attractions
Praia da Marinha
Praia de Benagil, one of the most famous beaches with exquisite rocks, arches, and a clear sea, is about a 25-minute car drive away. This is an ideal place to snorkel and do photography.
Carvoeiro Boardwalk
This lovely clifftop boardwalk, located near the town of Carvoeiro, offers a great boardwalk and good views of the Algarve coastline. The boardwalk terminates at the Alfanzina Lighthouse, a site that visitors will find informative.
Slide & Splash Water Park
Ideal for children and adults, Slide & Splash is one of the biggest water parks in Europe with amazing attractions and only 15 minutes driving distance from Praia de Benagil. With its array of slides, pools, and facilities, Slide & Splash has gained popularity as a fun destination for individuals beyond the family.
Accommodation Options
Despite Benagil’s compact size, there are numerous nearby towns offering a variety of hotel and accommodation options. Here are some options to consider:
Luxury Resorts: Vilalara Thalassa Resort at Porches, Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort at Carvoeiro
Mid-Range Hotels: The bed presentation of Rocha Brava Village Resort, the appearance of the main building, and the general view of the property at night are stunning, as is the homeliness of the establishment of Quinta das Andorinhas B&B.
Budget-Friendly Luxury Villa: Pac4Porrtugl offers some luxury villas in Lagoa, guest houses in Lagoa, and Carvoeiro.
Dining and Local Cuisine
Algarve is very famous for fresh fish, and Benagil Beach serves some delicious meals. Local restaurants, particularly the smaller ones in the area, serve delicious local foods such as grilled sardines, cataplana, and piri-piri chicken, among others. The following are some recommended spots:
O Pescador Benagil has a local reputation for its sea food and fresh fish, and it definitely has a beachside feel to it.
Ristorante Bella Napoli serves Italian cuisine and offers a stunning view of the Atlantic Ocean.
O Algar: Adjacent to the caves, this restaurant provides delicious food that is prepared based on local recipes and a view of cliffs.
Practical Travel Tips
If you have an interest in cliffs, there are trails you can climb that have steep surfaces; it’s recommended to wear strong shoes.
Because peak season bookings may be full, pre-book your hotel and tours.
If you plan to go on a hike or sunbathe during the day, make sure to pack a bottle of water and sun cream.
Be careful with the tides while kayaking or paddleboarding in the caves; some of them may require one to leave at high tide.
