One Weekend Around Comporta
One Weekend Around Comporta
Less than one hour and a half drive from Lisbon towards South, Comporta is one of the best kept secrets and a (almost) hidden paradise of secluded beaches, sand dunes and breathtaking landscapes that will make you want to stay for a long time enjoying the relaxing pace of this region.
It is not as known or crowded as the famous beach area of Algarve in the southernmost region of Portugal, but you can easily spend there a long weekend or, why not, a longer vacation.
Comporta is also the perfect place to be based and explore the surrounding region, from Alentejo countryside, to some more beautiful beaches in Grandola area or Arrabida Natural Park between the cities of Palmela and Setubal.
In this blog post I will share some tips to enjoy to the fullest your stay in Comporta area.
Comporta Beach and Village
Stay at least a few days in Comporta enjoying one of the best beaches in Portugal, in a nature reserve surrounded by rice paddies, pine trees and sand dunes.
Even if this beach is located in one of the most amazing natural areas of the country, it offers all the facilities like sunbeds, parasols and great beach bars. But if you walk a few minutes from the main entrance, you can find kilometres of desert beach just for yourself. Lose track of time enjoying the deep blue of Atlantic Sea, take a horse ride in the sand dunes and stay for the sunset with a drink.
Pego and Carvalhal Beaches
Drive a few more kilometres in South direcyion and don’t miss the opportunity to visit Pego Beach, considered one of the best beaches in the world by its natural unspoilt beauty, extended by more than 4km.
Carvalhal Beach also deserves a visit. It is completely secluded and ideal to relax away from the rest of the world.
Carrasqueira Harbour / Cais Palafitico
I couldn’t find a way to translate the name of this place but it is undoubtedly a must visit when in Comporta. Located in the shores of River Sado, this fishermen village became famous for its unique dock for fishing boots made of wooden jetties on stilts.
Grandola
Head South to explore Grandola, less than half an hour from Comporta. You will find there more amazing beaches and the beauty countryside of Alentejo, the biggest region in Portugal characterised by the vastness of savannah like landscapes, cork trees and red dusty soils. Gastronomy is also extremely rich and tasty, so make sure you try Alentejo style food.
Troia
If you drive a few kilometres North from Comporta you will arrive to Troia, a big complex with resorts, restaurants, a marina and a casino a good option if you are missing the hustle and bustle. It is a peninsula bordered by the Ocean and the estuary of Sado River.
In Troia there are also some beautiful beaches with views to Arrabida National Park and you can take a cruise for dolphin watching, as there are dozens of dolphins in the mouth of Sado river.
You can also visit some Roman Ruins from the 6th century, as it was in ancient times an important trade hub and one of the largest Roman fish-salting facilities.
From Troia you can also take the ferry to get to Setubal city and Arrabida National Park.
Arrábida Natural Park
When in Comporta region don’t miss Arrábida Natural Park. If you drive from Lisbon, the easiest way to get there is heading to Setúbal, a city with a commercial fishing port on your way to Comporta and then follow Arrábida signs. You can also make a day trip to Setúbal and Arrábida, taking a ferry or a boat from Tróia and spend a day exploring the natural park and the stunning pristine and golden sand beaches of Arrábida.
In Setúbal visit São Filipe fortress overlooking the city and Tróia Península. Walk around the old town and stop in one of the many typical fish restaurants and try fried cuttlefish, a delicious local specialty.
Explore Arrábida Natural Park and be amazed by the beautiful natural sceneries. Stop on your way in an almost secret stop, a paragliding ramp with the most Stunning views of Sado estuary, cliffs, pine covered hills and amazing beaches.
Go to Arrábida Monastery, built in the 16th century and located in one of the highest points of the natural park.
Finally experience the beaches of Arrábida with unbelievable pristine waters. Parkings can get full in summer time quite easily, so a good option is to take a shuttle from Setúbal or a boat ride from Tróia. Figueirinha Beach, Portinho da Arrábida, Galápagos and Galapinhos are absolutely beautiful and a great plan for a beach day.
