The top 6 caves in the Algarve

The Algarve coastline is one of Europe’s most wonderful landscapes, shaped over millions of years by the force of the Atlantic Ocean. Its cliffs hide a treasure trove of natural wonders. These are its majestic sea caves. 

The formations, carved into the limestone and protruding out from the ocean, have become icons of Portugal’s southern region, attracting adventurers, photographers, and nature lovers. From hidden grottoes only accessible by boat to picture-perfect arches, the caves in the Algarve offer experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the top six caves you can’t miss in the Algarve, explaining what makes each one special, how to get there, and why they deserve a spot on your itinerary.

 

1. Benagil Cave (Algar de Benagil)

If there’s one cave that has come to symbolise the Algarve, it’s the Benagil Cave. Located near the fishing village of Benagil in Lagoa municipality, this natural wonder is sometimes called the “Cathedral of the Sea.”

What sets Benagil apart is its huge circular skylight. The famous “Eye of Benagil”, which floods the interior with golden light, illuminating a hidden sandy beach and two grand archways facing the sea. The cave is estimated to be around 20 million years old, sculpted by the relentless action of waves crashing into its structure over the years, shaping it into its present-day form.

There have been some regulatory changes in 2023/2024 which are worth noting. These have been put in place to protect you and the cave itself. Swimming is no longer allowed, and neither is landing on the internal beach. Instead, you can access the site via licensed boat tours or guided kayak trips, each carefully timed and monitored to avoid overcrowding.

You can still see the incredible cave through licensed boat tours or trips, which are all carefully planned to avoid overcrowding. These types of trips will allow you to get up close and even inside the cave, meaning you can grab amazing pictures! You just won’t be able to get out into the water or land on the beach. 

• Getting there: Benagil is a 40-minute drive from Lagos, a 30-minute drive from Albufeira, and about an hour from Faro. Most tours depart from Carvoeiro, Portimão, or Albufeira, making it easy to include on a coastal day trip.

 

2. Ponta da Piedade Caves

South of Lagos lies Ponta da Piedade, a rocky area known for some of the most spectacular Algarve caves. Unlike Benagil, which is known for its one massive chamber, Ponta da Piedade is a whole group of grottos, arches, and towering limestone pillars, with some even rising 20 meters high.

Local guides have given the formations names, such as the Elephant, the Cathedral, and the Titanic, due to their distinctive looks. And they really do match up to their names! Some smaller caverns are nicknamed after rooms in a house, like the Kitchen, the Living Room, and the Garage.

The history of these formations stretches back millions of years, with erosion creating intricate patterns in the cliffs. Early afternoon light brings out the warm golden tones of the rocks, but sunrise and sunset are magical times for a quieter visit.

• Getting there: Ponta da Piedade is just a short drive or walk from Lagos town. You can explore by boat, kayak, or on foot via cliffside trails and staircases that lead down to the water.

 

3. Algar Seco

In Carvoeiro, the coastal landscape is otherworldly at Algar Seco. Here, the rocks have been sculpted by wind and sea into honeycombed pools, narrow passages, and formations like nothing you’ve seen before. You can even go inside!

The highlight is “A Boneca,” or the Doll Cave. Head inside and you’ll find two natural windows framing the Atlantic, providing you with one of the most picturesque views in the Algarve. This is actually what gives the cave its name, as its windows resemble the eyes of a doll when viewed from the sea. You can access this via the Passadiços do Carvoeiro boardwalk, which protects the fragile cave from people walking on its rockfaces.

While Algar Seco has no hidden sandy beach, it offers panoramic lookouts and natural balconies. It’s a popular spot for a sunset and to grab some snaps.

• Getting there: Algar Seco is situated on the eastern side of Carvoeiro and can be easily reached on foot from the town centre. You might want to think about wearing sturdy shoes, as flip-flops can be unsafe on the uneven rocks.

 

4. Zorreira Cave

Near Benagil, Zorreira Cave is one of the Algarve’s best-kept secrets. It’s less famous than Benagil, but it’s often featured on boat tours that pass through this stretch of coastline.

The cave’s mineral-rich walls shimmer gold under the sunlight. When the light strikes just right, the waters reflect a dazzling tropical blue-green around you. Inside, small sandy coves create a private feel, making Zorreira one of the most photogenic stops on the Algarve cave route.

Because it’s located near Benagil, it’s good to experience Zorreira as part of the same trip. A reminder that this stretch of coast is packed with hidden treasures!

• Getting there: Access is only possible by boat, usually as part of tours departing from Carvoeiro, Portimão, or Albufeira.

 

5. Captain’s Cave (Gruta do Capitão)

Between Carvoeiro and Armação de Pêra lies a beautiful grotto known as Captain’s Cave. Unlike the more accessible Benagil or Ponta da Piedade caves, this one demands patience and luck.

You can only get here by boat, and usually only when the water conditions are low tide and calm. If you can visit, you’ll be rewarded with the sight of a small hidden beach inside!

Captain’s Cave is less about size, but more about its rarity. For many visitors, simply glimpsing its entrance is a highlight, since access is limited. It represents the untamed, unpredictable side of the Algarve coastline.

• Getting there: Most tours that attempt Captain’s Cave depart from Carvoeiro or Armação de Pêra, but whether you can enter depends entirely on the weather and tide.

 

6. Arcos de Marinha

Finally, no list of the best caves in the Algarve would be complete without the Arcos de Marinha, the twin natural rock arches near Praia da Marinha.

Standing on the beach or viewing them from the sea, you can appreciate why these arches have become symbolic of the Algarve. They are a testament to the power of nature to carve beauty from stone. Most tours to Benagil also pass by Marinha, making sure you don’t miss these iconic shapes.

• Getting there: Praia da Marinha is about a 15-minute drive from Carvoeiro and 45 minutes from Faro. The arches can be seen both from the beach and from the water on boat tours.

 

Essential information when visiting Algarve caves

Exploring the Benagil caves in the Algarve and beyond is best done with planning. The ideal seasons are spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October), when the weather is warm and you might get fewer crowds, but summer also guarantees calm seas and great weather.

Best times of day:

• Early morning for quiet photography
• Midday for fantastic natural lighting inside the caves
• Late afternoon for golden hour light

 

Tours and costs: Group tours usually range from €23–45 per adult, but you’ll find a range of different packages, depending on where exactly you want to go, how long for, and whether you’d like food and drink provided. 

If you’d like a more private experience, then you can also find private charters, which can vary from a few hundred Euros to thousands. Tours depart from multiple nearby towns, including Vilamoura, Albufeira, Portimão, Lagos, and Carvoeiro.

Safety regulations (2024 updates): As we mentioned earlier, independent access is banned for Benagil Cave, and swimming is not allowed.

Travel times: Around 40 minutes from Lagos to Benagil, 30 minutes from Albufeira, and one hour from Faro to most central cave sites.

 

Stay in luxury while exploring the Algarve caves

After a day spent discovering the breathtaking caves in the Algarve, from the iconic Benagil skylight to the golden arches of Marinha, there’s nothing better than returning to comfort, privacy, and style. The Algarve isn’t just about natural wonders. It’s also a destination that’s sought for world-class dining, golf, and serene escapes. Pairing your cave adventures with a luxury villa stay creates the ultimate Portuguese getaway.

If you’re looking to make your trip unforgettable, explore our collection of luxury Algarve villas. Choose from retreats in Vale do Lobo, vibrant marina-side living in Vilamoura, or the exclusive resort of Quinta do Lago. Our properties combine elegance with convenience, putting you close to the region’s highlights while offering the privacy and comfort of a five-star stay. 

Ready to plan your Algarve escape? Contact us today and let us help tailor your perfect holiday.