Portimão Travel: Rain, Serenity, and the AMAZING Benagil Cave Boat Tour

Описание: Leaving Tomar we drove south to the Algarve expecting ☀️, but the rain ☔️ was our travel guide! Watch how this unexpected Portimão downpour led to deserted, serene beaches, a near-disaster boat booking that became an incredible VIP experience, and the most dramatic view you can get inside the AMAZING Benagil Cave.🤩


Portimão Benagil Cave, Travelogue:

Seeking sunny relaxation in the Algarve, we headed south to Portimão, only to be met by rain that intensified with every kilometer. However, this unexpected wet weather did not dampen our spirits—it simply transformed the trip into a serene, unforgettable retreat.

 We stayed at the NH Marina Portimão Resort looking out at the harbor.

After checking in and organizing the room, we walked along the boardwalk of Praia da Rocha (Rocha Beach).  Normally a very busy and bustling beach area, the rain brought with it a quiet serenity that we really appreciated.  We stopped at the Senhora da Rocha for an early dinner, including some traditional grilled sardines and of course wine.  We walked up the cliff to check out the town and the Av. Tomás Cabreira to see if we could find the casino we saw from the beach.  The Hotel Algarve Casino was very interesting and we managed to figure it out quickly but didn't stay long.  The view from their outdoor bar was amazing.  Since the rain stopped we enjoyed strolling along the beach which we had to ourselves, except the seagulls. High tide kept us from going all the way down the beach.

The next morning started with the complimentary resort breakfast, which was fully loaded. Since it was low tide, we continued our beach walk from the night before and threw up the drone.  The limestone cave structures were dramatic to walk through.  Our main adventure for the day was a Benagil Cave Boat Tour.  We headed down to the marina and found our tour company.  The company messed up and, as luck would have it, asked us to take another boat—a much smaller, faster, and a bit more private vessel. This turned out to be the best thing we could have done. We headed out to sea to see the limestone caves along the coast.  In the smaller boat we were able to get inside the caves.  The cliffs are amazing.

After our boat tour, we drove to the other side of the harbor to see the cliffs and the Rocha do Elefante (Elephant Rock) from the top.  The streets are not for the faint of heart and the quick beachside snack at the O Praia Grande was a well-deserved reward.  The cliffs are just as amazing from the top as they were from the boat.   

A glass of wine at the resort bar and we were ready to walk to find dinner along the Av. Tomás Cabreira.  We took the local route through the Fortaleza de Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Fortress), a medieval fort built in 1621.  The Fort was completely dark at the top, making the descent feel ominous.  We ended up eating at the bustling La Dolce Vita and the Ravioli Dolce Vita was the best pasta dish we have ever eaten.  The wine was good too.

Between the VIP cave tour and the delicious ravioli, the Portimão rain truly gifted us a serene, unforgettable slice of the Algarve. We can't wait to see what the next two days bring.

Portimão https://maps.app.goo.gl/MhDwVnoACHKtH...
NH Marina Portimão Resort https://maps.app.goo.gl/6a1B8FYizkcqe...
Senhora da Rocha https://maps.app.goo.gl/TXJPzfd6ZzMwh...
Feel & Discover Algarve – Benagil Cave Boat Tours from Portimão
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8PrggSi1x7w3E...
https://www.gocavesmanguitus.com/bena...
O Praia Grande https://maps.app.goo.gl/ffuotENfceUZ8...
Elephant Rock https://maps.app.goo.gl/gNWmy8X6JpHSC...
La Dolce Vita https://maps.app.goo.gl/s5Kt8pNe9VC1V...

Timestamps:
0:00 Day 16 NH Marina Portimão Resort
1:07 Ate at Senhora da Rocha
4:07 Day 17 Beach Walk
7:00 Benagil Cave Boat tour
16:03 Lunch O Praia Grande
16:28 Walked Percurso dos Sete Vales Suspensos
16:59 Elephant Rock 
19:14 Dinner at La Dolce Vita