Discover the hidden gem of Comporta, on Portugal’s west coast, a tranquil enclave offering long sandy beaches, the soothing sound of the ocean, fragrant pine forests and picturesque rice fields populated by storks. Escape from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a soothing vacation in tattooed fusion with nature.
It’s no wonder that Comporta attracts both Lisbon locals and quiet lovers looking for a peaceful getaway. Discover the top 5 reasons why you should visit this idyllic destination and treat yourself to a rejuvenating and stylish vacation.
Have you ever heard of the village of Comporta, a secret little corner of paradise just 1h15 from Lisbon?
Comporta is a small summer resort on Portugal’s Alentejo coast, less than an hour and a half south of Lisbon. It is part of the region of the same name, the Costa de Comporta.
Anyone visiting Comporta will surely agree that this is a little corner of paradise, with the ocean on one side and rice fields on the other. Until recently, this place was kept secret, but it has gained in popularity thanks to its unique atmosphere. Renowned artists and designers are particularly fond of the area. It’s safe to say that Comporta is one of southern Portugal’s rising stars. It’s the ideal place to discover the Alentejo region, famous for its breathtaking coastline, unspoilt wilderness and charming medieval towns.
Here are 5 reasons why you should definitely add this place to your list of places to explore on vacation.
1. Go to Comporta and enjoy the beauty of its beaches
One of the main reasons to visit Comporta is undoubtedly the beauty of its sandy beaches, which stretch along some 60 km of coastline. It’s safe to say that this region boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, awarded the Blue Flag. Add to this the fine, soft sand, which contrasts perfectly with the depth of the ocean, and you have the perfect duo. What more could you want for a perfect vacation?
When visiting this region, you should visit the following beaches:
- Praia da Comporta – a beautiful large beach, located in a nature reserve surrounded by pine forests, perfect for a romantic stroll for two or delicious cocktails with live music ;
- Praia do Carvalhal – a beautiful, unspoilt beach bordered by dunes and rice fields, the ideal place to watch the sun set and enjoy fresh seafood;
- Praia do Pego – an endless beach of golden sand and wild vegetation, considered one of the most beautiful in the world and a favorite meeting place for the local elite.
2. What to do in Comporta Enjoy local cuisine in a dream setting
We make no secret of the fact that one of the things we particularly enjoy on vacation is good food, and there’s no shortage of it in Comporta. A refreshing cocktail in a beach bar, lunch overlooking sun-drenched rice fields, dinner for two in an old stable or a quick snack in a food truck are just some of the options available. And believe us, there are many more, and it would be a shame not to try them all.
Of course, as befits the Alentejo region, the menu of local restaurants includes dishes based mainly on locally-grown rice, of course! As well as delicious risotto, expect amazing fish and seafood, considered by connoisseurs to be the best in the country.
Must-taste dishes in this part of Portugal include seafood risotto, cod soup, grilled sardines, calamari and the region’s specialty: cuttlefish with garlic and coriander. Those with a sweet tooth won’t be disappointed either: we recommend you try the bolas de Berlim, or egg cream fritters.
We recommend the following restaurants:
- Cavalariça – an excellent restaurant located in an old stable, which serves regional dishes with a modern touch, perfect for a dinner with friends;
- 5 Sentidos – a charming restaurant in Carvalhal where you can enjoy excellent seafood – we recommend the baked octopus – and other traditional Portuguese dishes;
- Sublime Comporta Beach Bar – a great restaurant on Carvalhal beach with magnificent ocean views, where you can not only eat well, but also quench your thirst – the cocktails served here are delicious ;
- Restaurante Sal – renowned and popular restaurant specializing in fish and seafood, located just off Pego beach;
3. The magical rice paddies of the Comporta region
If you think picturesque rice fields are only found in Asia, you’re wrong. There are plenty of them in Comporta. After all, this is where the most rice is grown in Portugal. So it’s fair to say that rice paddies are the heart of the region, and undoubtedly one of the main factors that make it so special. Whether you come to Comporta in midsummer or spring, the rice paddies have an almost magical appearance, giving the place a unique atmosphere. To make the most of it, we recommend walking or cycling around the area, preferably at sunset. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet a family of storks along the way?
4. Swim in Praia da Comporta and see dolphins
Another good reason to visit this region of Portugal is to meet… dolphins! With a little luck, these beloved mammals can be spotted in the nearby nature reserve at the mouth of the River Sado. A catamaran excursion in search of dolphins with a local guide usually lasts two to three hours and is an unforgettable experience. In addition to the colony of dolphins that populate the fresh waters of Sado, you can also admire wild aquatic birds and even pink flamingos! We recommend the following companies to organize this type of excursion: Captain Arrábida, Sado Arrabida and Vertigem Azul.
5. Go beyond the fishing village and discover the magnificent Alentejo region
Comporta is undoubtedly an excellent starting point for discovering the charms of the Alentejo region, the largest and one of the most beautiful in the country. Charming medieval villages, unspoilt nature and a picturesque coastline are just some of the attractions of this part of Portugal. From Comporta, it’s well worth making an excursion to Elvas and Évora – two charming towns that have been included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List for good reason.
Monument lovers should also visit Viana do Alentejo, a town with a charming castle. Other towns of note are Marvão and Monsaraz, both on the Spanish border. The latter is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful towns in the country. During your vacation in the Alentejo region, it’s also worth visiting one of the local vineyards, as the region’s warm, sunny climate is conducive to the production of excellent wines.
