Algarve’s Must See Caves: Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade

Benagil Caves vs. Ponta da Piedade—This is a common question to ask when you have decided to take a trip to the Algarve. These two iconic spots showcase some of Portugal’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes, each offering a unique way to experience dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and hidden grottoes. The short answer: both. And with the right planning, detailed below, you can see them in the best way possible for an easy and unforgettable trip.

We’ve tested the plan ourselves—our family of four spent countless hours researching before our trip, and after confirming with local tour guides, we found the easiest and most rewarding way to visit both Algarve highlights. If you want a stress-free way to see these incredible Portuguese spots, this is it!

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Overview: Choosing Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade

Both Benagil Caves and Ponta da Piedade highlight the Algarve’s stunning coastal landscapes, but they offer different perspectives. Benagil’s famous cave can be admired from above or explored from the water, while Ponta da Piedade’s dramatic cliffs and sea arches provide breathtaking panoramic views. Deciding between them depends on how you prefer to experience the region’s natural beauty. Here’s what sets them apart.

Key Differences: Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade

Feature	Benagil Caves	Ponta da Piedade
Viewed From	Above (Seven Hanging Valleys hike) or Below (boat, kayak)	Below (boat tour, kayak) or Above (boardwalk walk)
Accessibility	Requires boat, kayak, or paddleboard to enter the cave; hiking offers a partial view from above	Easy boardwalk and lookout points above; boat tours provide the best experience below
Scenery	Iconic domed cave with a circular skylight	Dramatic rock formations, sea arches, and a maze of grottoes
Best For	Adventure seekers, photographers, boat/kayak lovers	Casual visitors, families, boat tour fans, sunset views

The Benagil caves are more well-known than Ponta da Piedade, but both are equally breathtaking and worth fitting into your Algarve visit. Let’s dig into how you can visit them both, and how to do it efficiently with your treasured vacation time. If you are like us, you can not choose just one! The question of Benagil Caves or Ponta da Piedade is not straightforward, but we’ll make it easy.

Guides: Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade

Yes, you can visit both the Benagil Sea Caves and Ponta da Piedade in one trip. There is no need to pick just one. If you want to experience both caves without stress, here’s the easiest way:

See the Benagil Caves From Above

Hike the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail for the best views of Benagil’s famous domed cave without getting on the water. The viewpoints on this trail let you take in the multiple skylight openings and surrounding coastline from a breathtaking angle, and you can linger as long as you like! Take off from the Carvoeiro area, parking at Praia do Marinha (here), and make a whole day of the adventure.

See Ponta da Piedade From the Water

Take a boat tour from Lagos Marina to explore the intricate sea arches and hidden grottos that aren’t accessible by land. This gives you an up-close experience without the hassle of kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). (You can probably guess that kayaking is not my thing.). Tours start near Lagos’s Old Town, a charming town with an old fish market and plenty of dining and shopping.

Optional: Also see Ponta da Piedade from above

Take time to hike the Ponte da Piedade boardwalks for a view from above, if time allows during your visit. Details for exploring the boardwalk are on our Ponta da Piedade guide. Park near Praia Dona Ana or Camilo Beach (here) and enjoy an hour or two of hiking and exploring the Piadade cliffs and beaches all the way to the Piadade lighthouse. You can stay on the boardwalk the entire way, or venture off on smaller paths (our favorite) to spot some truly unique views.

Q&A: Which Algarve Cave to Visit

Should we do an Algarve boat tour or an Algarve kayak tour?

While both Benagil and Ponta da Piedade offer kayak tours, we recommend boat trips if you’re traveling with young kids or prefer a more structured experience. Kayaking offers flexibility and a closer view of the formations, but the presence of boats can make it feel crowded, and navigating through busy waters isn’t always relaxing.

One caveat; however, if you can access a kayak and get out on the water before the boat tours start, you will have a stunning experience.

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Where should we stay on our visit to the Algarve caves?

We recommend finding lodging in Lagos, in the Old Town area. If you fly into Faro International Airport (to the East), want to be near good food, dining, and culture, and will also visit Sagres (to the West) — it’s a fantastic central point. We enjoyed our stay in Lagos and felt safe and welcome with the kids. Dining reservations were not needed at most patio dining restaurants, and the busiest place of all was the Black and White Coffee Shop for breakfast. Get in early, or use the grab-and-go sister restaurant right next door.

Should our family do a boat tour to the Benegail Caves or Ponta da Piedade?

The smoother boat ride and easier-paced experience for families is out of Lagos marina to Ponta da Piedade. This is our opinion after speaking with tour operators in the region. We originally planned both boat tours but were talked out of it. With the recommendation to hike the trail to the Benagil caves viewpoint, you can still visit both historic sights.

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Summary: Comparing the Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade

Algarve’s Benagil Caves vs Ponta da Piedade is a comparison where you can say “yes” to both. Each stunning natural wonder offers unique ways to experience its beauty. Near the Benagil caves, hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail is a must-do for breathtaking coastal views and an elevated perspective of the caves. Meanwhile, a boat tour from Lagos Marina gives you a closer look at Ponta da Piedade, where you can marvel at the sea caves and arches from the water. For those who prefer land views, Ponta da Piedade’s boardwalks provide scenic vistas and access to hidden viewpoints.

We’ve done the research, tested the plan, and confirmed it with locals—this is the easiest way to make the most of your visit! For more details, check out our full Guide to Visiting Benagil Caves and Guide to Ponta da Piedade.

Enjoy the views, and happy, Breezy travels!

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