Portugal
Benagil Caves
Visit the famous Benagil caves! This photogenic cave consists of limestone and is one of the most famous attractions in the Algarve.
Benagil Caves by kayak
To visit the Benagil caves, you have several options: kayaking, supping, swimming or boat trips. However, swimming is not recommended because it can be dangerous and far. Supping is also not recommended if you haven't done it yet. The disadvantage of a boat ride is that they do not dock at the beach. Therefore, renting a kayak was the most interesting option for us! We opted for a guided tour where you visit the caves in a small group. Moreover, you have access to the small beach inside the Benagil cave and get some free time. After the cave, you also kayak to the award-winning beach of Praia da Marinha where you also get some free time. Everywhere on the internet you read that it is important to book the kayak tour as early as possible to avoid big crowds. This is true! We booked a tour at 8 am (in July) and we were so glad we made this choice because the caves were not too crowded and you could still enjoy the view. When we came back at 10 am, people were waiting in huge lines for their kayak tour and there were more big boats with tourists at sea than at 8 am. Therefore, I really recommend booking the kayak tour as early as possible to get the most out of it and avoid the huge crowds!
Benagil from above (Seven Hanging Valleys Trail)
After the kayak tour we decided to do part of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail which is a 6 km (one way) trail and stretches between Praia da Marinha beach and Praia de Vale Centianes beach. Due to the extremely hot weather we decided to only walk part of it, from Benagil to Marinha beach. There are several amazing view points where you will see limestone stacks and natural arches!
