Benagil Cave, It is in the top ten of what to see in the Algarve and is one of the most photographed destinations in this piece of the world. So much so that I give you a curious fact for reflection. In all of Portugal it is difficult for you to find a policeman doing surveillance work. This way of proceeding is explained when the educated Portuguese people are met, which leaves a large part of civic coexistence to responsibility rather than to coercive measures.
In the Benagil Cave there is constantly a maritime police patrol stationed with a watchful eye on all kinds of offenders of the multiple regulations that are in the place. Such is a crowd that crowds into this handful of square meters between the beach, the sea, the sun and the rocks!
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| Benagil Cave Algarve |
Where is the Benagil Cave
To focus where we are, I am going to divide the Algarve rock line into four main zones if we head east to west. They can be more, but, roughly, they are the following:
1. The great sandy areas of immaculate beaches from Vila Real de Santo Antonio or Castro Marim with Praia Verde as the jewel in the crown that end in the bars in front of Faro.
2. The Ria Formosa, a paradise on planet Earth that stretches from Tavira to Faro.
3. The areas of cliffs that open to wonderful coves with the beaches of Lagos or Vale de Lobo as new top destinations.
4. The surfing area of Sagres that extends throughout the park of the so-called Southeast Alentejano.
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| Benagil Cave Algarve |
The Benagil Cave is located in the third division, between the great sandstone cliffs of Carvoeiro (with its hiking area that is to take away the sense) and the also famous Praia da Senhora da Rocha. All this with a peculiarity that makes it even more inaccessible: that the town of Benagil is small, boxed in between cliffs, with devilish slopes and with impossible parking at any time of the year. Therefore, if you are wondering how to get to Benagil, it is best to shuffle all the options before putting this name in the car's navigator.
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| Benagil Cave Algarve |
What is there to see in the Benagil Cave and why is it so famous?
Also known as Algar de Benagil, the Portuguese name, Benagil is part of a series of peculiar concavities frequent in this part of the world. We have, on the one hand, the yellow cliffs and, on the other hand, the constant action of the sea that opens holes, caves, doors, steps, windows... Somewhere it will be narrow, in another area a small boat can pass without much draft.
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| Benagil Cave Algarve |
The action of the sea on the cliffs is joined by the wind and all this not only impacts frontally on the rock but also on the top (the roof) of some caves. This makes the gaps that the sea opens on the cliffs also open, like a window to the sky, towards the sky. The sun finishes off this wonder of nature by filtering through these special rocky skylights as it reflects on the sand that the retreating sea reveals.
The Benagil Cave, even though it is not the only algar in this rocky line, is the most famous because it has everything. It has enough width of golden sand protected by the ocher cliffs and in front the sea of water so clean and transparent that schools of fish can be seen, while the natural skylight is right in the center of the space. At the same time, the sun is making its rays reflect clearly while, around, the shadows unfold.
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| Benagil Cave Algarve |
How to get to the Benagil Cave
All this that makes it special also contributes to making it a destination for both lovers of curious things and Instagram addicts. The algar, therefore, gets very crowded especially in high season. And how do you get there? Walking without more? No. That is impossible as there is no pedestrian access even at low tide. You can choose from the following:
1. Risk leaving the car very far from Benagil beach that is adjacent to the cave and there dare to reach it by swimming. It is not recommended even for athletes in the optimal point since the sea can do its thing and make you crash against the rocks. I have seen some who have ventured with the help of an inflatable mattress. Even if you have to make a physical effort, you always have this support to reach the sandy area in a graceful way. Of course, this option is only suitable for those who do not skip the gym for a single day.
2. Athletes with more awareness of their physical integrity who wonder how to get to the Benagil Cave choose a kayak to reach the area. In this way they can disembark on the shore and walk along the beach that is inside the cave more easily. It can be rented by the hour on the beach itself and you don't have to walk far to reach the sea.
3. The Benagil Cave can also be enjoyed from above through the hiking area that is enabled for this purpose. It is another way and the best if you are in this part of the world in winter or autumn.
4. Without forgetting these possibilities, the best option is, without a doubt, a boat trip suitable for the whole family.