Benagil Caves: Day Trips and Tours from Albufeira

If you want to be awed by natural wonders on your trip to Portugal, look no further than the Benagil Caves. Located in southern Portugal, these caves are truly a sight to behold and are famous across the globe for their unique rock formations.

It's easy to take a day trip to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira as the natural phenomenon is just a stone's throw from the city.

You will find all you need to know about the Benagil Caves, one of the most amazing destinations for day trips from Albufeira.

How to get to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira?

The Benagil Caves are located in Lagos, along the Algarve in the south of Portugal. They are approximately 30 kilometers from Albufeira.

From Albufeira to the Benagil Caves by car

It takes around 30 minutes to make the journey to the Benagil Caves by car. You'll head north out of Albufeira and follow the A22. At exit 7, you'll merge onto the N125 and follow it towards Benagil. Once in the village, you can arrange a boat to take you to the caves.

From Albufeira to the Benagil Caves by bus

It is possible, albeit a little time-consuming to make the jaunt to the Benagil Caves by public transport. You can take the Line 13 bus from Albufeira Caliços bus station towards Portimão. You'll depart at Alcantarilha, where you'll take a second bus to Praia Do Carvalho in Benagil.

From there, you can arrange a boat to see the caves close up, or alternatively hike to the top of the rock formations. It takes around 2 hours to make the journey.

Guided tour to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira

One of the easiest ways to visit the sea caves is to arrange a Benagil Caves day tour. Generally, you'll meet at the tour operator's office in Albufeira at a time selected by you. Tours last between 2 and 3 hours.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira?

Benagil Caves day tours depart from Albufeira throughout the day. You'll travel the short distance to the caves in boat tour, watching out for friendly dolphins along the way.

When you arrive, you'll have plenty of opportunities to capture the perfect shot of the sun peeking through the naturally formed cave "window." You can see for yourself how the limestone has formed over millennia, and enjoy the golden rays of light that fill the caves.

You'll have the chance to take a dip in the cool cave waters, or alternatively relax on the beach and appreciate the unique view. Depending on which Benagil Caves excursion you take, you may be able to explore the area by kayak or paddle board.

When you've finished admiring the spectacular scenery of the caves, you'll board your boat and head to a swimming spot. After cooling off, you'll start your return to Albufeira, where your Benagil Caves day tour ends.

Along the way, you may enjoy a gourmet barbecue, prepared on deck by your boat crew.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Benagil Caves?

There are several day trips to the Benagil Caves to choose from, which vary depending on the activities you wish to participate in.

Day trips to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira

On this day trip, you'll journey along the jagged south coastline of Portugal to the Benagil Caves by speed boat. You'll be awed by the natural wonder of the caves, which allow in an ethereal ray of light.

After a photo stop, you'll continue to a nearby swimming spot, where you can dip into the cool azure waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Throughout the day, you'll have the opportunity to spot dolphins playing in their natural habitat.

Catamaran day tour to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira

Catamaran day trips to the Benagil Caves make your experience even more memorable. You can relax on deck as you make your way towards the natural phenomenon, before traveling to a golden beach for swimming and sunbathing.

You'll have the opportunity to toast your loved ones with a glass of champagne, and you'll also enjoy a freshly prepared barbecue on board.

Day trip to the Benagil Caves with kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding from Albufeira

On this day tour, you'll travel the short distance between Albufeira and the Benagil Caves by boat. When you arrive, you can choose between kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding for exploring the caves. You'll be able to explore the site better from the water, and you don't need to be an expert to join in.

You'll end your tour with a refreshing swim in the ocean before returning to Albufeira.

How much does a tour to the Benagil Caves from Albufeira cost?

Seeing the Benagil Caves is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and luckily it's also budget-friendly.

You'll pay between €30 and €40 for a day trip to the Benagil Caves.

If you wish to try kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding inside the caves, you'll pay between €40 and €50 for your tour.

Alternatively, those who want to enjoy champagne and a barbecue aboard a catamaran can expect to pay around €60 per person.

What will you see and do on a Benagil Caves day trip from Albufeira?

The Benagil Caves are a network of sea caves that stretch along the Algarve in the south of Portugal. They are known for their unique rock formations, which feature cavities on the top, allowing light in.

The caves have a long history that stretches back millions of years. The Benagil Caves are made of limestone and were formed around 20 million years ago. As Pangea broke apart to form the continents that exist today, limestone built up in layers and the sea caves were created.

According to local legend, the caves were once home to a mermaid who would lure sailors to their doom with her singing. Over time, the legend evolved and the mermaid became known as Benagil, after the cave in which she lived.

These rock formations are only accessible by water, which adds to their charm, as you'll never find them brimming with hordes of tourists.

There is also a small beach inside the Benagil Caves, which is the ideal spot to admire the "window" that showcases the clear blue sky above. You can also enjoy a cool swim in the waters of the caves, or travel around by kayak, or paddleboard.

You can hike to the top of the Benagil Caves, in order to peek inside from above. While it's forbidden to get too close to the edge, you can enjoy walking upon the caves' ancient rocks and gaining an aerial perspective of what lies inside.

When are the Benagil Caves open over the year?

The caves themselves are open year-round. However, most tour operators close for the winter season, around November or December, and don't open again until the following summer. To ensure you can visit the Benagil Caves, take a tour between May and October.

When is the best time to visit the Benagil Caves?

If you wish to take a day trip to the Benagil Caves without flocks of eager holidaymakers, choose to visit in the shoulder months of May, June, September or October. During these months, temperatures range from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, and there is very little rain. You'll also find that the seas are calm and mild enough to swim in.

Are there any tours to the Benagil Caves from other cities in Portugal?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Portugal:

• Day tours to the Benagil Caves from Lagos
• Day trips to the Benagil Caves from Portimão

Travel tips

• The light that seeps into the caves is the most striking between 10 AM and 4 PM, so plan your visit for between these times.
• Bring your swimwear on your Benagil Caves day tour, to enjoy a dip in the world's most unique rock formation.
• Make sure you walk along the top of the caves if you have the opportunity while in Benagil.