Grotta di Benagil

The famous sea cave of the Algarve, with its natural skylight above a hidden beach.

The Gruta de Benagil is the most famous sea cave of the Algarve: a huge dome of golden rock with a natural skylight above a hidden beach, carved by the sea in the cliffs of Lagoa between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra. Seen from inside, with the light falling through the opening, it is one of the most photographed places in Portugal.

The cave

The cave lies at the foot of the cliffs next to Praia de Benagil, a small beach of the municipality of Lagoa. The sea opened its two entrances in the limestone of the coast, and the roof collapsed in part, leaving the round opening — the eye of the cave — that lights the sandy floor inside. The cliffs and caves around it, including the famous rock arch of Praia da Marinha, share the same geological history.

What to see

The dome and the natural skylight above the beach inside the cave.
The entrance by sea, with the colours of the cliffs around it.
The coastline between Benagil, Marinha and Carvoeiro.
The beaches of the Lagoa coast, at the foot of the cliffs.

Visiting

The cave can only be reached by sea — by boat, kayak or paddle — from the beach of Benagil and the inlets around it, and only in calm conditions; the sea inside the cave and along this coast can be dangerous, and visitors should follow the instructions of the licensed operators and the local authorities. Rules and restrictions apply to protect the cave, so plan the visit with the official information of the municipality.