Benagil Cave, also known as Algar de Benagil, is a famous sea cave located on the Algarve coast of Portugal, near the small fishing village of Benagil. It's renowned for a spectacular natural skylight, or "oculus," in its domed ceiling, which allows sunlight to stream down onto the small sandy beach inside. This feature has made it one of the most photographed and popular natural landmarks in Portugal.

Due to recent regulations to protect the cave and manage tourism, the way to visit it has become more restricted. Here's what you need to know about the best ways to see it:

How to Get to Benagil Cave

• From the Sea: The only way to enter the cave and see the beach from the inside is by sea. Swimming to the cave is now heavily restricted and strongly advised against due to safety concerns from boat traffic. The most popular options are:

  • Boat Tours: This is the most common and easiest way to visit. Tours are offered from a number of nearby towns, including Benagil Beach, Portimão, Albufeira, and Carvoeiro. The boats are typically small enough to enter the cave, but disembarking on the beach is no longer permitted, and your time inside is usually limited. Many tours also include visits to other sea caves and beautiful beaches along the stunning Algarve coastline.

  • Kayaking or Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP): This is a great, active alternative to a boat tour. It allows you to paddle right into the cave and get an up-close view of the rock formations. However, like boat tours, you can no longer disembark on the beach inside the cave and must be part of a guided tour to enter.

• From the Land: You can hike to the top of the cliffs above the cave as part of the scenic Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. This offers a different perspective, where you can peer down through the "eye" of the cave, but you won't be able to go down to the beach or see the full interior. This view is still impressive and offers great photo opportunities from a safe distance.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn (May, early June, and late September to early October) when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are not as overwhelming as in the peak summer months of July and August. It's also best to go in the early morning to avoid large crowds. If you are booking a tour, it's highly recommended to do so in advance, especially during high season.