Benagil is a small Portuguese village on the Atlantic coast in the municipality of Lagoa, Algarve, in Portugal.[1]
Up to the late 20th century, the village's economy was based on ocean fishing, but it developed into a tourist area with a widely used beach, Praia de Benagil.[1] It has few inhabitants but in the summer many people come from abroad. The population is roughly 60. Benagil village and beach are located close to the internationally famous Marinha Beach.[citation needed]
The main tourist attraction in Benagil is Benagil Cave (Portuguese: Algar de Benagil).[2] Out of all sea caves that dot the Algarve coastline between Lagos and Albufeira, the Benagil Cave is the only one that has been eroded both from the side and from the top. This unique natural process has resulted in an opening in the ceiling that allows the sunlight to brighten up the grotto and the beach that it hides.[citation needed] In 2023, after concerns of overtourism was raised, canoes, kayaks and surfboards are banned[3] and there have been some proposals to set up limits and admission fee for tourists.[2]
- ^ a b Bruxo, Michael (14 September 2021). "Authorities to impose stricter rules on visits to Algarve's iconic sea caves". Portugal Resident.
- ^ a b "Proposed limits and fees for access to Algarve caves". The Portugal News. 31 Aug 2023. Retrieved 2024-01-09.
- ^ "Benagil cave ban in place". www.theportugalnews.com. Retrieved 2024-01-09.