Praia de Benagil: complete guide to one of the most famous beaches in Lagoa
Praia de Benagil is a small golden cove in the municipality of Lagoa, known around the world for the sea cave hidden right beside it, the Algar de Benagil. In this guide you will find out how to get there, when to go and how to visit the cave while respecting the rules.
Where is Praia de Benagil
Benagil is a small village in the parish of Lagoa e Carvoeiro, on the western Algarve coast, a few minutes by car from Praia da Marinha and Carvoeiro. It used to be a fishing village and now lives mostly from tourism, with only a few dozen permanent residents and many visitors in summer.
Location: View on map (approximate coordinates: 37.0875, -8.4258).
What makes it special
What sets Benagil apart is the Algar, a sea cave carved by the sea from the sides and from above, with an opening in the ceiling that lets sunlight in and lights up the interior. The beach itself is small and sheltered by golden cliffs, with calm water and a setting much loved by those who want to see the coast from the sea.
Getting there and parking
You can drive there on municipal roads from Carvoeiro or the EN125, but parking is limited and fills up early, so plan to arrive in the morning or late in the afternoon. You can also walk, along the trail on top of the cliffs between the Marinha area and Carvoeiro.
Best time to visit
In summer the beach and the surrounding area get very crowded, so June and September are better for a calmer visit. For boat trips, early mornings tend to have calmer seas, but always check the day’s conditions with the operator.
What to do nearby
- Visit the Algar de Benagil by boat or kayak: under the rules in force at the time of writing, only visits with authorised operators are allowed and boats may not land on the beach; check the current rules before you book.
- Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: the trail along the cliff tops covers this stretch of coast and offers spectacular views.
- Praia da Marinha: right next door and one of the most beautiful beaches in the Algarve.
- Boat trips: they leave from several points along the coast and show caves and coves that can only be seen from the sea.
Quick tips before you go
- Bring water, sunscreen and a hat.
- Do not try to enter the cave on your own boat or board: visits are limited and regulated.
- Check the current rules and visit limits before booking a trip, because they can change.
- Take your rubbish with you and respect the vegetation and the cliffs.
More beaches nearby
Where to stay and what to book near Praia de Benagil
Carvoeiro, Lagoa and Armação de Pêra are the most practical bases, with apartments, villas and holiday rentals close to the beach. To find accommodation and experiences in the region, such as boat trips, activities and guided visits, visit Algarve Férias, and to see the ratings of homes and experiences, Algarve Reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Can I walk into the cave? No. The Algar de Benagil can only be visited by sea, with authorised operators, and boats may not land on the beach.
How long can I stay inside the cave? Under the rules in force at the time of writing, visits have been limited to about two minutes per boat since August 2024. Always check the current limit with the operator.
Videos from our channel
The Algarve Video channel has filmed this place. Watch it here:
