Algar de Benagil, Natural sea cave in Lagoa, Portugal
Benagil Cave is a sea grotto on the Algarve coast with two openings at water level and a circular skylight in its domed ceiling. Light enters through the roof opening and reaches the sandy floor, while the walls show textures shaped by natural erosion.
The sea carved this limestone cave over thousands of years through wave action that wore away softer rock layers and eventually created the ceiling opening. The cave became known through tourism in recent decades and now attracts visitors from many countries.
Fishermen from Benagil have worked the waters surrounding this formation for generations, developing intimate knowledge of tidal patterns and currents that shape their fishing methods and route planning along this coastal stretch.
Visitors reach this site exclusively by boat or kayak from Praia de Benagil, with tours running throughout the day and calm sea conditions between May and September offering the most suitable visiting conditions.
When the water level drops, a sandy patch forms beneath the roof opening where visitors can stand. The light conditions inside change with the sun's position and create different moods at different times of day.
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