The Algarve Caves have become an attraction for many travelers, who visit the southernmost region of mainland Portugal.

These are millions of years old formations ( Cretaceous period , 145 to 66 million years old), living traces of the geology of the area in constant change. Tirelessly sculpted by the sea and wind , they gave rise to limestone rock forms that exert appeal and fascination to the human eye. They represent part of the natural heritage of the Algarve .

There are many caves in the Algarve . U but are submerged, others can only be visited in good weather; some are very small, others are large enough to have small inland beaches, and the entrance of water through two different places. Some have algars , which are open areas at the top of the rock through which sunlight and other elements enter. Others are quite dark.

There are many reasons to include visiting some of these caves in your trip or vacation. Although most are only accessible by boat, it can include your family, groups of friends or couples. Since they are not very accessible, they tend to be places away from the most popular tourist spots and with more people. It is a great way to enjoy the Algarve's coastline, which combines crystal clear and warm waters with magnificent rock formations. They are great for taking pictures, and there are not many, so it is a field to explore for your lens . Finally, the captains of the boats, in addition to being excellent sailors and knowing the location of the caves, are excellent guides , and tell fascinating and curious stories about each place in the Algarve.

One of these caves, that of Benagil, became world famous and praised, being an attraction much sought after by visitors from the region . But it is not the only one that deserves to be highlighted, and in this article we will see the caves of the Algarve that we consider the most beautiful.

Doll's Cave (Gruta da Boneca) in Algar Seco

Algar Seco is a set of caves that deserve to be discovered and explored.

They are very accessible on foot, through a sidewalk that runs along the edge of the cliff with wonderful views of the horizon. Well lit and with benches it is a great place to stroll around the clock at any time of the week. One of these caves is the beautiful Gruta da Boneca . So called by fishermen, who see her doll-like shape.

You can explore its interior, which with a good day of sun and light, looks like the interior of a palace, with natural openings overlooking the sea. Ideal for taking photos and discovering all its corners, with time.

Located between Carvoeiro beach and Vale Centeanes beach. You can visit on foot, this being one of the few exceptions .

Elephant Cave

Like many of the caves, it is called "the elephant" for its shape. This shape is only noticeable when we see it from the outside, at some distance, on the boat as we approach , as in the photograph. It is located in an area with several caves, but all locals refer to this as the most interesting to visit.

The Elefante cave is located in the Ponta de Piedade area , near Lagos. You can visit by boat or other small boat.

Captain's Cave (Gruta do Capitão)

One of the most difficult caves to access, the Captain's Cave is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful you can visit. However, you can only get there in very favorable sea conditions . It has a small beach, where you can get off the boat, take pictures and, above all, better appreciate the natural sculpture of its vault. For this it is important to get there at low tide. At high tide most of the cave is flooded and it is more difficult to enjoy and maneuver the boat. One of the most referred attractions locally.

The Captain's Cave is located between Armação de Pêra and Carvoeiro . Close to the beaches of Estaquinha and Barraquinho . You can only visit by boat, and with an experienced captain.

Caves of the Combs (Grutas ds Pentes)

The Pentes Caves are two caves close to each other. One of them has an algar, which, as we have seen , is a natural hole in the ceiling through which light enters . When visiting it seems that we are pirates looking for a treasure. Or to hide a treasure, who knows. They don't have a lot of solid ground, but it is worth the trip. The opening is quite large and you can see different birds, such as seagulls or swallows.

The Pentes caves are located near Armação de Pêra (East of the Algarve). You can visit by boat or motorboat.

Cave of the Heart or Love

There are those who call it the Cave of Love or the Cave of the Heart . Even when we are inside the cave, if we look underneath for the grotto, we see that the opening at the top , have the shape of a heart. A site ideal for a romantic moment ?

The Gruta do Coração is located near the beaches of Benagil and Carvalho, in the municipality of Lagos. You can visit by boat.

Navy Arches

The Arches of the Navy are not exactly a cave. They are located in an area with many caves and it is a spectacle of the compact limestone formation , supported at the bottom by two large arches. Can m be admired s boat .

The beach of the Navy is considered one of the eight most beautiful in Europe and is already a world reference. With little swell, as it is protected by rocks, it is ideal for diving, and you can see many species of fish in its clear waters . Surrounded by imposing cliffs.

Together they are a dream scenario, which seems to have come out of a movie. Try and feel.

The arches and Marinha beach are located in Caramujeira , Lagoa municipality. You can see and pass the Navy arches by boat. The beach is accessible on foot.

Benagil Cave

On our trip through the most beautiful caves in the Algarve, we must mention the most famous, the Benagil Cave . This cave of incomparable beauty, became worldwide known from 2010, with a series of articles in international magazines, and since then it is considered the ex-libris of the caves . It attracts thousands of travelers every year from all over the globe and is considered one of the main attractions of the Algarve .

It is no accident. With two openings on the sea side, where boats or boats pass, a small beach and an algarve that allows good visibility, this cave seems to have been made by an artist. The vault looks perfect and the combination with the blue of the sea takes us to the realm of dreams.

You will certainly find many interesting perspectives for good photos. Of course, for this, it is advisable to visit on a day with good weather, low tide and with advance reservation, since it is so sought after.

The Benagil cave is located very close to Benagil beach, Carvoeiro, Lagoa council . You can visit the Benagil cave on a boat trip from Albufeira, Armação de Pêra , Carvoeiro, Ferragudo and Portimão. In some places they also have the option of kayaking.

If you visit the Algarve, do not miss the opportunity to visit these and other caves on its coast. By foot or boat trips, always promises a lot of fun and adventure. And it has one more advantage, it can be done by everyone, including families with children. Good discoveries.