Review: Tavira to Benagil Cave Hike, Snorkel & More

So, you’re possibly thinking about heading from Tavira over to Benagil Cave for a day packed with walking, seeing some cool stuff by the coast, and perhaps even a bit of snorkeling? The Algarve region of Portugal, it seems, has got pretty amazing views, and the well-known Benagil Cave is that thing people definitely want to witness. I’m here to break down my own experience getting there from Tavira and, you know, let you know how it actually goes, the stuff to look out for, and if the hype seems worth it. Forget, you see, about generic guides – I’m really going to get real on if this trip is a thumbs-up or if, to be honest, there are better things you could probably be spending your time on.

Getting from Tavira to the 7 Valleys Trail: Initial Thoughts

First things first, you see, Tavira isn’t exactly a hop and a skip from the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail, where a lot of Benagil Cave trips usually kick off. Now, I decided to get the train because, actually, driving and trying to find a spot to park just felt like too much trouble, right? The train is, though, quite affordable, yet expect that the ride will use up a big part of the day – maybe almost two and a half to three hours. So too it’s time well spent relaxing. This involves first taking the train to Lagos, that’s alright, and then switching to another little regional train headed in the direction of Portimão. From there, you get a bus. A bit drawn out, maybe?

My first thoughts, honestly? Well, the Portuguese countryside viewed from the train is quite lovely. Hills kind of rolling past, cork trees scattered all over, and little villages dotted here and there. The comfort? Not, that is, amazing. Think, almost, fairly standard train seats. A lot of time staring out of the window, if I’m honest. Still, you know, getting to chill and watch the world pass made the travel not only about getting from A to B, alright? It felt a bit more like the start of a holiday, sort of slowing stuff down before getting to the crazy viewpoint at Benagil.

Hiking the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail: Highs and Lows

Right, let’s speak of the Seven Hanging Valleys Trail. Very popular, like your Instagram feed is full of pictures from here kind of popular. That bit of the Algarve coastline that it tracks has got cliffs that are tall, stacks that stand alone from the ocean, and of course, that bright blue water that people write poems about. The whole walk is, that is, supposedly around 12 km (about 7.5 miles) there and back. So, that is something to consider. It’s labeled as, seemingly, moderately tough, and, basically, I reckon that assessment is proper, mostly.

The views? Super good. That ocean spread out below you, those waves sort of crashing on rocks. Now, the upsides? Obviously, the photos will be great and, it seems, you’ll feel quite good when you post them online for everyone to see! Yet, to be honest, there are quite a few more upsides than this. I happened to like the fact you can actually stop at quite a few little beaches to relax. Actually, maybe take a swim, if, that is, the ocean is feeling agreeable and warm. Bear in mind there isn’t much, actually, regarding shade, that’s alright. Bring hats, water and sunblock. On top of that, there could be crowds, notably around the more scenic sections. Expect many selfies and trying to grab spots for the best photos.

The trail itself has sections which could be a little uneven, which, frankly, meant that trainers are preferable. Flip-flops? Bad idea, at the end of the day. I noted that quite a few people wore hiking boots. Overkill maybe, however, ankle assistance is good. Furthermore, there aren’t that many spots to get food or drinks on route. That implies carrying what you might, very, want along for the whole trip.

Benagil Cave: Tourist Trap or Worth It?

The main attraction, right? So, Benagil Cave has become massively popular because of its awesome natural skylight and beach situated right within the cave itself. Images are, that is, everywhere. Seeing it for real is something else altogether. It’s that incredible. The cave is, so to speak, reachable by swimming, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, or through going on a boat tour.

Swimming is, it’s true, possible from Benagil Beach. That seems quite close, honestly, however, take note, that actually, it isn’t quite that short of a trip. I chose that kayak alternative since that seemingly provides you with enough liberty for getting in at your own pace and staying as much as, you see, you could be bothered. Quite a few businesses at Benagil Beach actually rent out kayaks. Now, during peak season, I would recommend reserving a kayak earlier. Furthermore, do monitor the ocean’s status. When that is rough, swimming might be hazardous. When it is truly tough, kayak rental firms won’t even consider you. Always monitor the recommendations from people that you have rented from. They generally, I mean, are very knowledgeable.

Once in the cave, well that feels like, very, another world altogether. That sunshine floods through an opening. This shines on that sandy bottom. So too it’s almost, that, really, picture-perfect. That sound from the waves actually echoes. Honestly, quite magical.

Thing is, there’s consistently quite a number of other people too. So, if your plan involves getting an image entirely by yourself without another single person in your picture, good luck to you, since, frankly, it isn’t occurring. In fact, a small bit from the attractiveness of the cave derives from just how many people enjoy seeing it, sharing experiences and making that place such a community, yet, actually, perhaps this doesn’t please you.

Snorkeling in the Algarve: Clear Waters or Murky Disappointment?

Let’s, perhaps, be truthful: when the Algarve becomes brought up, people tend to not often bring up snorkeling quite first thing, and with justification. Now, the Atlantic coast line here, in some respects, may not be what someone that anticipates seeing Finding Nemo expects. Actually, the water can, clearly, often be a bit cold, however if, basically, you’re traveling in summertime, it must be, that, bearable, especially with, basically, a wetsuit.

Regardless of the fact the views might be lower than you hope, you can find some okayish snorkeling locations right near Benagil. Quite a few of the smaller coves along that Seven Hanging Valleys route, if I’m truthful, offer alright possibilities. Do remember to bring a mask and snorkel set, otherwise anticipate renting them from some local shop.

The diversity regarding ocean wildlife isn’t going to rival the Great Barrier, that seems right. But, you can view quite a few smaller fish and some appealing rock formations underwater. Honesty, the true appeal isn’t the snorkeling alone. I find it a combination including snorkeling combined with the cliff landscape is really interesting.

Food and Drink: Keeping Energy Levels Up

There are just a few spots for getting food or water instantly over on the Seven Hanging Valleys Route. As I said, ensure, to be truthful, you happen to be filled up beforehand or get a picnic including you, should you need it, that seems, right. Praia do Carvalho has got a small restaurant in which, seemingly, I purchased some refreshment which has a see. But, frankly, options become pretty constrained, yet what I received, you understand, fulfilled our criteria back then and then.

Right around Benagil beach itself, I am aware you can find several cafes including cafes for you to snatch something to take in or maybe take in following that tour boat including taking walks the valleys, correct? I stumbled upon of which costs seemed relatively higher priced. What’s this lead to? It means to me that packing your unique food along makes sense. In that way, you realize that you will have when you want to and you aren’t getting short changed.

Final Verdict: Was It Worth It?

So too it’s almost, that, getting coming from Tavira up to the 7 Hanging Valleys Trail including Benagil Cave for walking and even diving? Actually, it might be described as a day’s quest to deal with to me, and as well a mix including very large highs along with many factors worth managing.

Your stroll along the Algarve coastline is awesome – without any question. Benagil Cave does live up towards all this talk, actually. I actually adored the chance so that you can kayak right to our individual, just like your individual, tempo and get which photo without anyone else’s photo bombing this location! The specific snorkeling is useful included with an important mix using the dramatic vistas but never specifically the biggest bit of this is that actually.

Still, travel originating from Tavira has been truly included including really a quite a few many hours riding for several types connected with public transportation. Always anticipate countless individuals that happen to be as well planning on looking into those beautiful landscape from their cell phones cameras/or in real life as you would anticipate there towards staying in this particular specific space along the Algarve. Basically, while this is really absolutely good but it’s really really hard getting peacefulness for hours if people do seem swarming around your space on occasion there.

So, should someone consider a journey to a location such as Benagil with it all factored within any more? Seriously depends with one of the things we could be to get from your daytime outing in the open air! Intend you truly desire specifically incredible organic landscape so that you can share around for some time during your networking feeds even? Have you really thought that you could like a fantastic working experience, perhaps walking for some kilometers with amazing back-drop included behind by your walking/ running experience? Does someone like your self taking small dives into small oceans where the atmosphere/ wildlife there, in truth aren’t extremely as impressive at locations far aside through Benagil and Tavira right this moment? Afterward go correct in future! Then, for a completely, that is, balanced trip that does provide quite something truly exciting together with a number connected with tiny compromises that would have been completely expected, after this, it’s possible this happens at a minimum just once so long.

• Spectacular Scenery: That Algarve coastline really offers remarkable views, and that Benagil Cave does provide a sight definitely really worth observing.
• A quite active Time Outdoors: That running is amazing; this can offer enough physical activity in case anyone seem keen towards checking a couple sections.
• Bear regarding Crowds: Always foresee rather many people; perhaps the spot are you feeling similar toward your personalized spot with your place becomes overcrowded, on occasions, at different.
• Long time Traveling: Going through Tavira does indeed add vacation time thus strategy your visit effectively!
• Preparation Important: To confirm most the fundamentals in place like mineral h2o suncream snack objects at times the best kind including running boots; for sure to receive to own day and the rest from this site in many great working conditions available to choose!

Eventually is visiting because area through Tavira included through worth a moment including options or could anyone, literally, locate even further rewarding tips using this location during Europe along for various working adventures around an existing amount with time offered.