Benagil Cliffs & Caves Hike from Faro with 4 Scenic Stops

Summary

Algarve cliffs hike with caves, sea views and quiet beaches

You’ll hike dramatic Algarve cliffs near Benagil with a small group and local guide, seeing sea caves like Algar Seco and hidden beaches below Senhora da Rocha. Pause for stories at ancient rock formations, try a diving mask if conditions allow, and relax at quiet chapels or sandy coves before heading back to Faro.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t know what to expect when we piled into the van outside Faro train station — just a little nervous and a bit sleepy, honestly. But as soon as we got to Praia da Marinha, the ocean air woke me up fast. Our guide, João, pointed out these rock shapes along the cliff — he called one “the Titanic,” which made us all squint and laugh (I still don’t really see it). The path was rocky but not too tough, and the sun kept peeking through clouds in that way that makes everything look sharper. You could smell salt and wild herbs crushed underfoot. I kept stopping to take photos but they never quite caught how big it all felt.

João had this way of pausing for stories — sometimes about geology (24 million years old?!) or sometimes just about growing up nearby. At Benagil Cave, we stood right above that famous skylight hole; you could hear the sea echoing inside, even though we were on top looking down. Someone asked if you could swim in there (you can’t from above), but he handed out diving masks anyway for later, just in case the water was safe at Praia Nova. I liked that he never rushed us — it felt like he actually wanted us to see things instead of just ticking boxes.

Algar Seco was wild — those Boneca Cave windows looking out over the water are something else. There’s this weird silence in there except for distant waves and people’s voices bouncing off stone. By the time we reached Senhora da Rocha, I was tired but happy to sit by that tiny old chapel on the cliff edge. Some people went down through the tunnel to Praia Nova; I just watched gulls circling below and ate my sandwich slowly. It wasn’t fancy or anything — just peaceful. I think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Benagil Cliffs and Treasure Hiking

• Meet at Faro Train Station
• Travel to Benagil
• Hike Praia da Marinha cliffs
• Visit top of Benagil Cave
• Explore Algar Seco Carvoeiro
• Visit Senhora da Rocha and Praia Nova Beach
• Return to Faro by van

Top questions

How long is the Benagil hiking tour from Faro?

The tour lasts around 5-6 hours including van transfers between stops.

Is pickup included for this day trip from Faro?

You meet your guide in front of Faro Train Station; van transport is included from there.

Do you go inside Benagil Cave on this hike?

No, you visit the top of Benagil Cave and see inside from above; swimming into the cave isn’t part of this tour.

Are there chances to swim during the tour?

If weather and sea conditions allow at Praia Nova Beach, you can swim or snorkel using provided masks.

What should I bring for this Benagil cliffs hike?

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, bring water, snacks or sandwiches, swimsuit/towel if you want to swim.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is provided; bring your own light food like fruit or sandwiches for breaks along the way.

Are pets allowed on this hiking experience?

Yes, pets are welcome on this tour.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

The hike is easy to moderate but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes van transport with air conditioning from Faro train station, a local guide who leads hikes along four scenic Algarve spots (Praia da Marinha cliffs, Benagil Cave viewpoint, Algar Seco caves, Senhora da Rocha), use of a diving mask if swimming is possible at Praia Nova Beach, plus umbrellas if needed—just remember to pack your own snacks and water.