When Is the Best Time
Gruta de Benagil is incredible. It is not easily accessible. Most tour boats along with the coast and dolphin-watching trips drive inside at high tide, giving you a glimpse of this fascinating cave. Swimming into the cave is a real adventure.
However, I recommend this for experienced swimmers only. Take a board or a double airbag swimming drift bag. Do not underestimate the powerful swell. Swimming into the cave can be quite challenging, especially during rough seas. Never go alone!
Inside of Benagil Cave is a beach that is much bigger at low tide. Check the tides first before swimming! If you are not an experienced swimmer, I recommend one of the boat trips to the caves at the Algarve.
Avoiding Crowds and Best Time for Swimming
The best months for swimming are June to September with pleasant sea temp. July and August are the peak season; Prices increase, and beaches are pretty busy. The Portuguese school holidays start in mid-June and last roughly until the first week in September, depending on the school. Most of the schools have different holidays. Therefore, the very best times with fewer tourists and pleasant weather are the first half of June and the beginning of September, but even October is usually an excellent month. Bring a neoprene shorty if you plan to snorkel. The sea temperature is around 21°C / 70°F during summer until October and 20°C / 68°F in June.
Top Tours to Watch Dolphins and Caves
These are my recommended tours via GetYourGuide. Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!
Weather and Sea Temperature Algarve
Spring and autumn are pleasantly warm ranging from 18-24°C in the shade. In the summer, temperatures often climb to 30°C, but nights cool down due to the sea breeze. The winter is mild, with roughly 16°C during the day and dropping to 9°C at night. It is the wettest time of the year though it doesn't rain for days often. The driest months are from May to September. The Algarve is an outstanding destination throughout the year through July and August beaches are packed with Portugues.
The sea temperature is most pleasant from May to October. In May ranging from 16-20°C and after the hot summer from 24-18°C.
Best Months to Visit
Location and Tips
Benagil is famous for its caves, the coastal walk exposed in parts to reach outstanding beaches, and the lighthouse. It is a stunning walk from Benagil to the famous Praia de Marinha.
The Benagil Cave is also named the cathedral and is very popular. Boat tours are offered to several caves where Benagil is always included. You can swim into the cave, but It's challenging in the open sea, especially during higher surf. Therefore, if possible, come here for swimming when it's not windy—the stronger the wind, the higher the waves.
We visited the cave by boat, where I took the pictures, and we swam into it.
If you are getting hungry, plenty of nice restaurants around Benagil offer lunch and dinner.
Accommodation Tip Albufeira
There are plenty of hotels, guest houses, and rental homes at the Algarve. We chose a rental house close to Albufeira. I recommend accommodations between Portimao and Albufeira. I suppose you like to explore some of the most outstanding places and you don't like to drive that far. I prefer to stay closer to all activities and the most beautiful beaches. I added a link for rental houses around Albufeira via booking.com.
