The best way to get to Benagil Cave is by taking a boat tour from Portimao or Albufeira – the two biggest towns nearby. However, it's also possible to visit the cave from Lagos. It's a bit further and boat tours take just a little bit longer (and cost a bit more), but it's definitely possible.
To get from Faro to Benagil cave by public transport, you can go by bus or train to Lagoa. To go by bus, the easiest option is to get the Eva bus. The bus ride takes about 1h30 and costs around 6€ one way. The bus from Faro leaves from the Terminal Rodoviário, which is close to the Museum, so very central.
Like much of the Algarve, the coast around Benagil is made up of Miocene limestone sitting on much older rocks created in the Mesozoic era, when dinosaurs ruled the Earth. Over time, the limestone built up, with the layers that make up the Benagil Sea Cave forming about 20 million years ago.
Are there sharks in Portugal? The easy answer is yes, and probably more than you would first think. Don't panic though, they're mostly hunting small fish such as sardines and mackerel. Sightings are quite rare, and Portugal has a safe history of no recorded shark attacks.
Is it safe to swim at Portugal's beaches? Given Portugal's vast expanse of coastline, the risk of drowning is a possibility, and each year there are deaths in the beautiful waters off the coast of Portugal.
The beautiful southern coastline, known as the Algarve, is the most popular destination with tourists but tends to be the most expensive, especially in the summer. Outside of the summer there are fantastic deals in the larger resorts, and it is possible to have a budget holiday.
The Algarve region is great for familiesIt's just as safe as the rest of the country. The biggest risk to travelers here is pickpocketing. Local Tip: You can find plenty of safe child-friendly resorts across the Algarve, which makes it an excellent place to visit in Portugal if you're traveling as a family.
Holidaymakers often pass straight through Faro en route to the more popular beach resorts of the Algarve. They're missing out. This coastal city is well worth a stay in its own right, with a fascinating cultural history, a well-preserved old town, good-value accommodation, tempting seafood menus and lively nightlife.
The easiest is to go to Lagoa (careful, LagoA not LagoS). The direct bus drive takes a bit over 3 hours and costs around 20€. There is a bathroom on board and the busses have air conditioning and are very comfortable. From Lagoa, you can grab a taxi for about 10€ to Praia do Carvoeiro, Ferragudo or Praia de Benagil.
