Praia de Benagil – is yet another beauty of nature in the Algarve region, and one can only note that more and more people are getting to know this wonderful place. But it is unachievable to be able to appreciate its scenic views without groups of people.
This guide packs practical advice to make your trip memorable – An insider's guide to the best things to do in Benagil – ranging from the famous Cave to the lesser-known spots. Buckle up your sunhat and your zest for fun as you go through Praia de Benagil.
Discover the Beauty of Praia de Benagil
So, before we unravel one of the most stunning natural highlights of the Portuguese Algarve coastline, let us take you to another marvel called Benagil. One of the wonders not to be missed in Portugal, this beautiful location in the Algarve region offers excellent scenic views and geological wonders.
Location and accessibility
Indeed, Praia de Benagil is located along the southern limit of Europe's Portuguese country in the beautiful Algarve area. Some of the beaches are relatively unknown and are situated at some distance from the region's main centers, such as this one, situated roughly 150 km west of Faro and just 8 km east of Lagoa, which is more like an undiscovered tropical island.
Indeed, its accessibility contributes to its uniqueness; however, this factor implies that proper pre-planning is required for those desiring to go there.
To reach Praia de Benagil, visitors have several options:
1. By car: Concerning transportation, the most preferred means, would be by having a private car to access the beach. To get to Lagoa from Faro, one is required to use the a 22 westbound and the exit is to Lagoa. Parking areas can be noticed near Benagil beach, following the indications for Benagil village.
2. Public transport: There is transport from Lagoa to Benagil, but sometimes the transport is in the form of buses, and at times, they are few. A few steps from the coast, there is a village where I live.
3. Organized tours: Many tour operators organize day excursions to Praia de Benagil with other tourist sites easily accessible from the beach.
4. Boat tours: For tourists who are based in neighboring coastal towns, you can take an aquatic tour using boats to see the beach and this famous Cave.
Still, access to the beach is rather difficult sometimes. There are some small drawbacks: the descent to the sand is provided only by a steep staircase, so persons with special needs may need help here. Although rock climbing up the cliffs is not easy, the scenic esthetic values around these cliffs, especially the top, is a worthwhile experience for the onlookers.
Best Times To Visit
In Praia de Benagil it is nice all year round; however, it is possible to determine certain periods as the most preferable. Here's a breakdown of what to expect throughout the year: Below is the year divided on what to expect:
Therefore it can be concluded that the season can be rather beneficial and rather unfavorable to swimming.
Thus, it is possible to state that the season has both advantages and disadvantages for swimming. Summer brings hot and sunny weather, more extended hours of light, and even more boat tours. The vegetation in spring is fresh, and many tourists do not visit because of the moderate temperatures.
Warm sea, comfortable air temperature, and relatively low amount of tourists are high lights of autumn. Calm but stormy seas, deficient and closed boat trips, and many facility closures characterize winter.
The best time to go is during what is referred to as the shoulder seasons, which are in May and early September specifically. In these months, you do not get very hot weather, and there are few people around as it's off-season, but almost all services offered to tourists are available.
Depending on when you are planning the visit, it is imperative to note the tides. It is safer and perhaps easier to tour the beach and the accessible natural coves during low tide as the waters at high tide may always pose some dangers. Remember to consult the local tide tables to fit the swimming into your schedule ideally.
Unique geological features
Praia de Benagil is a well-known beach famous for its Rock formations. Where one of the most outstanding and stunning features of Benagil is a natural sea arch called the 'eye of God' owing to the hemispherical ceiling that opens to a circular hole in the ceiling of the Cave. The Cave is a den, and the whole structure points to the effects of erosion; the waves and the winds were responsible for the formation of the Cave by cutting the limestone cliffs.
Other peculiarities include limestone cliffs, piles of sea stacks, natural bridges and arches, coves and caves, and rocks. These geological facts are remarkable because they provide a physical history of the earth, depicting different geological ages and even fossils.
The beach also brings differentiation in other aspects of the environment: bird caves and holes for birds' nests and transparent water for snorkeling. But of course, people should not go close to the edge of the cliff and experience the caves with the right guides and appropriate tide.
Correct, the remaining natural wonders and geological formations are quite sensitive to tourists and irresponsible attitudes towards them. In order to support and constantly develop the preservation of the environment, specifically of Ancient Murrays – Birdsville and the surrounding areas, they can only leave footprints behind while taking pictures.
Praia de Benagil is one of them since it demonstrates that even today, nature is outstanding; this place has optimal visiting time, it is situated on the shore, and it reveals extraordinary geological formations.
Surrounding Attractions and Activities
Well, Praia de Benagil and its amazing Cave are long gone, but there is much more to see and do in this area. There is much to do in Algarve that will add value to your trip besides visiting here.
Hiking Trail with Scenic Picture
People in the Algarve region do not have a hard time exercising, particularly, engaging in hiking because of the many hiking routes due to the rugged and neatly sliced geographical features of the coastal area. Here are some trails near Praia de Benagil that outdoor enthusiasts shouldn't miss: Below are some of the trails near it that the outdoor lovers should not miss :
1. Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: This 6-km (3. 7 miles) trail is considered to be one of the most used in the Algarve. This one begins from Praia da Marinha, going through Praia de Benagil up to Praia de Vale Containers. The trail provides beautiful scenery of the coastal line, structures of rocks, and small beaches that take a lot of work to come by in the regular tours.
2. Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos: A longer version of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, this 11km trail goes through seven valleys, each named in English. The 4-kilometer (7.
3. Carvoeiro Boardwalk: Carvoeiro Boardwalk: Essentially, the 570-meter wooden Carvoeiro boardwalk to the top of the Carvoeiro cliffs brings splendid views within closer range. For those who enjoy taking in the stunning landscape without having to go on strenuous hikes, it is ideal.
4. Praia da Marinha to Benagil Cave Walk: The coastal trek above Benagil Cave from Praia da Marinha has amazing ocean vistas. You can see the Cave from above.
5. Percurso do Algar Seco: This is a very short but beautiful walk with some interesting rock formations and 'The Doll' rock arch near Carvoeiro.
Nearby Beaches to Explore
Benagil Beach is a stunning beach, but there are so many beautiful seashores lining the nation's coast that you should make sure not to miss. Here are some close by beaches that offer great experiences:
1. Praia da Marinha: Praia do Marinha's fine, golden sand, crystal-clear sea, and limestone cliffs make it one of the world's most stunning beaches. It is appropriate for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
2. Praia do Carvalho: It is a small and rather isolated beach, the entrance of which can only be reached by a hand-carved passage in the cliff. Regardless of the season, its clear waters and surrounding cliffs make the place ideal for swimming as well as cliff jumping for the extreme.
3. Praia de Albandeira: This is a quiet, little, clean sandy beach with very clear water and some unique stones. So, it is affordable, like some of the popular beaches, which are great for a day out.
4. Praia da Corredoura: This lesser-known beach is more secluded than the previously described ones. One must climb up a steep staircase, and on the other side, there are marvelous rocks and nice clean water.
5. Praia do Vale de Centeanes: It has fine sands stretching for long distances with cliffs in the background. This is popular with water sports lovers and provides services like sun beds and an al fresco restaurant on the beach.
6. Praia de Nova: This is a small, beautiful beach surrounded by cliffs. It is more relaxed than some of those overpopulated beach areas and provides a serene environment.
Boat Tours And Kayaking:
Consider going on a boat trip or kayaking adventure for a more accessible and secure method to explore Benagil Cave: Consider going on a boat trip or kayaking adventure for a more accessible and secure method to explore Benagil Cave:
Boat Tours: Friendly and informative, designed for families and those with mobility issues difficulty marching, political funds, and writing.
Kayaking: A cave tour by kayak is the most exciting and involves closer interaction with the structures inside the Cave and other areas of the coastline.
When visiting this area and the Praia de Benagil particularly, the same must be enjoyed and left as is to ensure that future generations will also enjoy it. No matter if you are taking a boat tour, kayaking, paddling a paddleboard to discover the Cave, or just enjoying the golden beach.
It will definitely be one of the highlights of your tour through the Algarve. Do not let this chance pass to see this astonishing coastal marvel and make some great memories.