There are bigger and even more beautiful beaches nearby, but this is where most tourists end up, as it’s the main gateway to one of Algarve’s most famous sights, the Benagil Cave. This cave is hidden just to the left side of the beach and only accessible by boat. You’ll see people lined up, waiting for the next departures. Most likely social media brought them here, as before everyone saw photos of this natural wonder, it was a well-kept secret. Now everyone wants to be photographed inside the cave, which has a round hole at the top and a small beach inside. It’s a highly romantic place, so couples fight for the perfect spot with the right angle for photographs.
Technically, it’s possible to swim from the beach to the cave, but that’s definitely not recommended. It’s just 200 meters (about 650 feet) away, and takes less than 10 minutes, but there will be no one to help you if you get in trouble. The boats going in and out of the cave can generate big waves, and there can be unexpected currents. Always go by boat and as early as possible to avoid the crowds. The only alternative to the boats are kayaks and stand up paddleboards, available for rent at the beach, but this is only an option when the sea is very calm.
Before or after a visit to the cave, most stay at the beach, sunbathing or swimming in the often calm waters. You should beware that the water goes from shallow to deep very quickly here, so you shouldn't go very far if you don’t know how to swim. There are lifeguards on duty between June and September, but no supervision at other times of the year.
This beach is part of the Seven Hanging Valleys trail, which starts at the stunning Marinha Beach to the east and ends at Vale de Centeanes Beach to the west. This is a coast with tall golden cliffs, but at Benagil they reach their lowest point, rising up just 7.5 meters (25 feet). Still, they protect the beach from the winds. You shouldn’t stay directly below them, however, due to the risk of rockfall. If you want shade, bring an umbrella, as there are no rentals here.
In the summer, it can get crowded. Space is further limited by the number of tour and fishing boats on the right side, so there is not much space between sunbathers. The right side is also used by daredevils, who jump into the water from the rocks. There’s a bar for refreshments, but it’s recommended that you bring water and snacks. The beach is down the road from the village of Benagil, but it’s such a small place, that there are only a couple of restaurants.
The top of the cliff offers breathtaking views. Close to the parking lot you’ll even see the Benagil Cave from the top. For safety reasons, the hole is fenced, but you can get close enough to see the interior of the cave.
Location: Lagoa
Beach for: Sunbathing, Boat Tours, Social Media
Lifeguards: Yes
Bathrooms: Yes
Rentals: No
Bar or Restaurant: No
Accessible: No
Parking: Yes
How to Get to Praia de Benagil
Bus 77, operated by Vamus, departs three times a day on weekdays from Lagoa’s bus station, from May to October. It’s not in service on weekends, and in the other months of the year it only departs once in the morning and once in the afternoon. It stops at Benagil in 25 minutes. It’s better to rely on the more frequent bus 52, which goes between the towns of Alvor and Armação de Pêra, stopping in Praia da Rocha (Portimão) and Carvoeiro. It reaches Benagil in 1 hour and 10 minutes from Alvor, 55 minutes from Praia da Rocha, 40 minutes from Armação de Pêra and 15 minutes from Carvoeiro.
Going by car is the most convenient option. There’s a parking lot at the top of the cliff, about a 5-minute walk from the beach, but you need to go early to guarantee a spot. Driving, you reach this beach in less than 15 minutes from Carvoeiro, about 20 minutes from Armação de Pêra, 25 minutes from Portimão or Alvor, and a half hour from Albufeira. If you’re not renting a car, you can always go by Uber. It should cost around 6 euros from Carvoeiro and 25 from Albufeira.
Beaches by Praia de Benagil
Marinha Beach is 7 minutes by car from Benagil or a 25-minute walk. You can also follow the Seven Hanging Valleys trail to the west, and reach Praia do Carvalho in less than 15 minutes (by car it’s about 8 minutes). Further west is Praia de Vale de Centeanes, which is where the walking trail ends (it’s 11 minutes by car).
Hotels by Praia de Benagil
Tivoli Carvoeiro
Benagil Beach is just 10 minutes by car from this wonderful 5-star hotel. It stands on a cliff above the sea, so you can expect magnificent views from most of the spacious rooms and from the terrace with a bar and swimming pool. Facilities include two restaurants and a spa with a variety of treatments.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Tivoli Carvoeiro
Vale de Milho Village
Just a 10-minute drive from Praia de Benagil, this highly-rated resort is made up of townhouses with their own private garden and swimming pool. It overlooks a lake and there’s also a view of the ocean in the distance. It doesn’t have a restaurant, but guests may prepare meals in their houses. Each house has two or three bedrooms, so it’s where you’ll want to stay if you’re traveling as a family or in a group of friends.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Vale de Milho Village
Montinho Boutique Suites
This romantic bed-and-breakfast is for couples. It offers a good value for money and is about 5 minutes by car or a 15-minute walk from Praia de Benagil. It’s quite a peaceful place, with an outdoor swimming pool.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Montinho Boutique Suites
Rocha Brava Village Resort
Just 7 minutes by car from Benagil Beach, this clifftop resort caters to families. It has apartments and villas surrounded by gardens, three swimming pools, four tennis courts and a gym. A supermarket provides everything that you need to prepare your meals, but there’s also a restaurant.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Rocha Brava Village Resort
Terraços de Bengil
These holiday homes stand right above the beach. They accommodate as many as 4 or 6 adults, and are fully equipped. Many have terraces with splendid views.
SEE PRICES, AVAILABILITY AND MORE DETAILS HERE: Terraços de Bengil