Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal
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11 unique caves and algars you should see in Algarve

Caves in Algarve are some of the most incredible rock formations you can possibly visit! Here are some of the most beautiful and also secret caves and algars to visit in Algarve.

In this blog post, you will find all the caves in Algarve with photos, descriptions, how to get there, and exact locations where they can be found on Google Maps. Happy exploring!

Read more >>> 19 most beautiful Instagram spots in Algarve, Portugal

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What are caves and algars in Algarve?

We all know what caves are – openings in the ground, cliffs, and rocks where you can enter inside. Sometimes bigger, sometimes smaller, sometimes longer and deeper, but sometimes – more shallow. But what are algars?

This word is something typical in Algarve, Portugal. You will see some unique caves with circular holes in the ceiling – those are called algars. Some caves don’t have holes so they are regular caves, but those that have – are algars. Easy! So here are my favorite caves and algars in Algarve!

Important! You always have to remember that caves and algars are part of nature. Be mindful and careful when you are accessing these places as rockfalls are not uncommon. After all – these caves and algars were formed due to erosion and rockfalls so always be careful with your surroundings!

1. Algar de Benagil or the Benagil cave

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Algar de Benagil or Benagil cave

The Benagil cave is probably the most famous of all the caves in Algarve and Portugal. And one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country so it is a must-see place for any visitor. Read more about how to visit the Benagil cave here.

It is a huge coastal cave with a circular opening in the ceiling and two archway-shaped entrances from the ocean to the cave. It is only accessible by the sea so you need to book a kayaking tour to see this place (see the first option!) or you can also go on a SUP board.

Important! You will find many boat tour offers all over Algarve offering to take you to the Benagil cave. You have to know that these boats will take you as far as they can inside the cave, but you will NOT be allowed to disembark and enter the cave on foot due to safety reasons.

You will have to stay in the boat. If that’s fine for you, then I would recommend this boat trip from Portimão port (they have the sunset trip option!), or you can also join a boat trip from Lagos, or a boat trip to see dolphins and Benagil cave from Albufeira port.

Location: Algar de Benagil · Parking lot (free)

2. Algar at Praia dos Três Irmãos

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Praia dos Três Irmãos
Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal

This particular view is one of the most photographed places in Algarve. There is a tiny secluded beach next to Praia dos Três Irmãos beach that is full of stunning rock formations including this algar in the middle of the beach.

You can very easily walk inside this rock formation or rather – walk under it. It has multiple openings and a circular hole above the ceiling. If you look through one of the openings you will see this beautiful view with unique cliffs in the distance. Remember – come here only during low tide!

Location: Praia dos Três Irmãos · Parking lot · Photo location

3. Boneca’s Cave at Algar Seco

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Boneca's Cave
Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Boneca's cave

Algar Seco is a rocky area at the coastline in Carvoeiro full of different and unique rock formations. There is a wooden walkway called Carvoeiro Broadwalk nearby where you can walk along the coast and learn more about the rock formations in Algarve. Definitely check out this area and take a short walk along the coast!

One of the main attractions in this area is Boneca’s cave. It translates as the Doll’s Cave as the cave has two oval holes looking out to the ocean. Apparently, the holes look like two doll’s eyes if you look at them from the ocean.

Getting to the cave is very easy – there is a parking lot just a few meters away, where you can park your car, then follow a stairway down the cliff in the direction of Boneca Bar, then pass the bar and you will see an entrance to the cave. There is a short tunnel until you reach this spot with two holes.

Location: Boneca’s cave · Algar Seco · Carvoeiro Broadwalk

4. Diamond cave at Praia dos Três Irmãos

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Praia dos Três Irmãos

There is another beautiful cave at Praia dos Três Irmãos! I call it the Diamond Cave because you can see a beautiful diamond-shaped rock formation in the ocean if you look through the opening of the cave. It makes for some beautiful photos and is a nice place to explore if you happen to be at the beach during low tide!

Location: Praia dos Três Irmãos · Parking lot · Diamond cave

5. Caves at Praia do Pintadinho

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Praia do Pintadinho

This little Praia do Pintadinho beach is a true gem! It is a small sandy beach located in Ferragudo village, a neighborhood of Portimão.

It is nice for swimming or sunbathing, however, my favorite part of the beach was those multiple caves that you can access quite easily with dry feet.

There are three larger caves on the left side of the beach (one of them pictured above) if you stand on the beach facing the ocean. And then also a huge hole in the cliff on the right side of the beach.

It has three different openings so it looks like a cave with three different exits. It is best to come here during low tide as the caves are close to the water!

Location: Praia do Pintadinho · Photo location

6. Algar at Praia dos Três Castelos

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal

This algar at Praia dos Três Castelos beach was one of my favorite discoveries in Algarve. It is located at Praia dos Três Castelos beach in Portimão and is very easily accessible.

The algar has two entrances from the side of the beach, but you can also observe it from a viewpoint from above (but you can’t make a photo like this, tho!). It is easy to access – just go to the beach and find this spot, there will be narrow entrances to this cave. Remember to come during low tide!

Location: Algar at Praia dos Três Castelos

7. Algar at Praia de Boião

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal

This algar at Praia de Boião is one of the most unique algars of all. It is kind of a hybrid between a cave and an algar. There is a huge opening in the coastal cliff where you can walk under a cliff ceiling that has a circular hole.

This place looks really cool! To get there simply park your car at the Praia do Alemão beach parking lot and walk along the beach to this point. It is accessible only during low tide!

Location: Algar at Praia de Boião · Parking lot

8. Hollow rock at Praia dos Três Castelos

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal

During one of our low-tide beach walks we found this little gem – a hollow rock just off the coast at Praia dos Três Castelos.

Usually, it is in the water, but during low tide, you can walk inside it – it has multiple narrow entrances. If you are an adventure traveler just like us then you will like this hidden gem just like we did!

Location: Hollow rock at Praia dos Três Castelos

9. Algar at Praia João de Arens

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal

This beautiful hidden gem was amongst my favorite caves in Algarve. Getting there is an adventure! It is not easy to find and not easy to access this algar, however, it is worth the effort.

In order to get here you can park your car at Praia do Alemão parking lot, then climb uphill and follow a coastal path until you reach Praia João de Arens beach. Then find a narrow path downhill to the beach.

When you are at the beach you have to find a pathway under a cliff to get to the next part of the beach. It is visible and accessible during low tide. You will just have to bend over to get through there.

When you get to the next beach (these are nudist beaches, by the way), walk across it in the direction of the rocks you will see in front of you and find a small access hole to the algar. It is quite low and you will have to get down on your knees to get there. We used the wide-angle setting on our phone to make this photo!

Location: Algar at Praia João de Arens · Parking lot

10. Algar at Praia do Amado

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal

This beautiful algar at Praia do Amado beach is one of the easiest algars to access. It is located just off the coast and it might even be accessible during high tide.

Just go to the beach (there are stairs leading down from the street nearby) and then walk up to this spot (location below). The entrance to the algar is quite big and easy to find.

Location: Algar at Praia do Amado

11. Cave at Praia de Albandeira

Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Albandeira beach arch
Caves and algars in Algarve Portugal - Albandeira beach arch

This cave at Praia de Albandeira beach has one of the best views – the huge Albandeira stone arch. This natural wonder is a must-see when visiting Algarve. Most tourists are walking uphill and above the arch.

However, there is a secret tunnel from Albandeira beach to the second part of the beach where you can see the arch through a cave. The only this you have to know is that it is only accessible during low tide.

Location: Cave at Praia de Albandeira

Happy exploring!

Algarve is one of those must-visit destinations and regions in Europe! There is no other place with so many beautiful, unique, and different beaches, breathtaking coastal cliffs, charming towns, and this relaxing Southern vibe! If you can, please, leave a comment below if there are any significant changes to anything that is written in this blog post! Thanks!

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Caves in Algarve Portugal
Caves in Algarve Portugal

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