Portimão: Benagil Caves & Golden Coast Eco Catamaran Tour

What's included

What you'll see and do

1. The Fort of São João do Arade, sometimes referred to as the Castle of Arade, is a medieval fortification. The first fortification on the site consisted of a watch tower erected in the reign of King John II of Portugal. Later, following the settlement of Ferragudo (around 1520), it is believed that the castle was encircled by a defensive wall (built on the rudimentary walls of the older walls). The origins of the Fort of Arade date back to the Philippine Dynasty, to defend the coast of the peninsula from attacks by pirates and privateers in service to the Crowns of northern Europe.

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2. Ponta do Altar Lighthouse

   The lighthouse, of unusual design, consists of a small square turret attached to a one-story caretaker's house. It supports a red lantern on its terrace. The house, often compared with the appearance of a small schoolhouse, is painted white, with exposed stones and a red tiled roof. It is located on a promontory, used since prehistory for pagan rituals, on the eastern side of the entrance to the port of Portimão. The Ponta do Altar Lighthouse was first proposed by Ricardo Peyroteu on June 21, 1884. It started operations of 1 January 1893. The tower is 10 meters high and 2.7 meters wide. The original light was white and used oil as the fuel source. It combined with two smaller lights at the ends of the two moles at the entrance to Portimão harbour.

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3. This small islet, with an area of just 0.16 ha, is classified as IBA (Important Bird Area), due to its importance as nesting site for ardeids (herons). This place is especially interesting during spring, due to the existence of a colony of Cattle Egrets and Little Egrets - at this time of year the top of the islet is full of white dots, which are the herons in their nests.

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4. Torre da Lapa was perhaps built in the 16th century as part of the watchtower system that helped defend the Algarve coast. For hundreds of years, up there, the men from the neighborhood took turns watching the coast, always keeping an eye on the boats of corsairs, mostly from North Africa. In case of danger, it was also up there that a bell was rung, smoke signals were made or, at night, a fire was lit, so that people had time to put their possessions and lives in a safe place.

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5. One of the deepest caves in this area. Entering it is amazing! Only possible when weather conditions are favourable.

   3 minutes here

6. Algar de Benagil

   Algar de Benagil is one of the most widespread places when the subject is the Algarve beaches, including the international press. No surprises, this beach / cave is incredibly beautiful. Whenever the conditions are favourable, we will enter it. Prepare your camera!

   3 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Before you book

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Languages

pt, en

Ticket

Mobile Only

Runs on

Every day

Group size

Up to 15 travelers per booking

Operated by

Algarve SUN BOAT Trips

Know before you go

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• Dogs or other pets are not allowed
• Access to our boats is not suitable for people with reduced mobility
• Baby Stollers and Wheelchairs are not allowed
• Suitable for pregnant women
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Please check in 15 minutes before departure time
• Only water and food intended for young children are allowed on board
• Smoking only allowed on the back of the boat with permition from the crew
• ATTENTION: Our kiosk is not the check-in or boarding point. The Boarding Pier M is on the North Side of Portimão Marina, with car access via Rua Simão Correia.
• Not recommended for pregnant women with high-risk pregnancies or in advanced stages of pregnancy

Photos