Portugal is really spending its time in the spotlight. The tiny Iberian country is finally getting the global recognition it deserves for its gorgeous coastline, world-class cuisine, and delicious wine that will make you ask for it. last (another one) again and again. And while its capital, Lisbon, tends to get the most attention, as someone who lives here, I’ll let you in on a little secret: one of Portugal’s best assets is actually about an hour south, in the small seaside town of Comporta. .
The village located in Setubal district is small by all standards. It has a population of fewer than 1,500 full-time people, and an area of about 50 square miles (129.49 sq km), most of which consists of shoreline. It might also remind you of the charming coastal destinations in the northeastern United States, which many call the “Portuguese Hamptons.” Here’s what you need to know to plan an epic trip to this stunning port city in Portugal right now.
Plan a trip to this charming port city in Portugal
What do you know about Comporta?
Like we said, it’s small, so don’t expect a ton going on here while visiting. But really, isn’t this the kind of quiet, relaxing getaway we’re all looking for these days anyway? Another thing to note is that public transportation here is basically non-existent, so if you travel to Lisbon, it’s best to rent a car at the airport and drive to Comporta so that you have a way of getting around easily while you’re here. The ride should take about an hour and then change.
When to visit Comporta?
Things tend to heat up in the region starting in early May, when average highs are around 74 degrees Fahrenheit (23.33 degrees Celsius), according to WeatherSpark. Things stay warm until the end of October, but only cool down to the low 60s (15.55°C) during the winter. Yes, summer is warm and pleasant but don’t overlook the shoulder seasons in April and November, when temperatures are still mild, but there are far fewer other tourists.
Things to see and do in Comporta
Visit Comporta Beach
If you are planning a trip to this city in Portugal, chances are that your main goal is to get to the beach. So, it’s a good idea to head straight to Praia da Comporta. In the summer, this area is rather lively, with locals and tourists alike filling every inch of the sand. Here visitors can find cafes and restaurants ready to serve you something tasty right on the beach, along with surfing schools that will make you go from beginner to experienced paddle boarder in a single lesson flat. There is plenty of parking on the beach, but you still want to try to get there early to get a spot.
Take the boat through the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve
Plan a trip to Comporta, a charming city in Portugal and wStep into animal paradise with a visit to the Sadu Estuary Nature Reserve. Here, visitors can watch a huge flock of pink flamingos gently dip their beaks in the water or see a group of dolphins meandering about. One of the best ways to experience this reserve is via boat, so you can also find yourself among the aquatic life and discover the more than 250 species of birds (including the aforementioned herons, kingfishers, and flamingos) that call this wonderful place home.
Go horse riding
Plan a trip to Comporta, a charming city in Portugal You can see it from a slightly elevated perspective by booking a highly sought-after horseback riding tour with Cavalos na Areia (which translates to ‘horse in the sand’). During the trip, guests will traverse several landscapes, including desert lands and rice fields, to reach a soft sandy beach, where they can jog along the water’s edge, just like a scene from a romantic novel. Don’t you gallop? The excursions are designed to suit every type of passenger, so a gentle, relaxing walk is also welcome.
Cycle through the rice fields
Those who want to venture through the Comporta without the aid of an animal can do so with a little pedal power. Grab an e-bike from places like Comporta Electric Bikes and cruise from one end to the other, including through some of the amazing rice paddies found almost everywhere in the city. Need more guidance? Book a tour with Cool Explorers, who will gladly guide you around the community.
It includes hotels
Quinta da Comporta
Enjoy a bohemian getaway by reserving a few nights at Quinta da Comporta. The hotel, which overlooks rice fields, has nature-inspired rooms filled with neutral colors and natural materials. Groups can book one- and two-bedroom townhouses or three-bedroom private pool villas, while couples can enjoy simple suites. Just be sure to take a dip in the solar heated pool, which stretches over 130 feet.
Reserve your stay at Quinta Da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort via Booking.com
You can book your stay at Quinta Da Comporta – Wellness Boutique Resort via Agoda.com
sublime behaviour
Find yourself amidst 42 private acres of pristine grounds at Sublime Comporta. A design-lover’s paradise, the hotel boasts ultra-clean aesthetics that will have you taking photo after photo to post on Instagram. Choose between its rooms and suites, or opt for a lively suite overlooking one of the largest lively pools in all of Europe. Don’t leave before dining at one of its restaurants, including farm-fresh organic dishes at The Food Circle and the very local Tasca da Comporta, a seasonal outdoor restaurant serving classic Portuguese cuisine.
Reserve your stay at the Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & SPA via Booking.com
You can book your stay at Sublime Comporta Country Retreat & SPA via Agoda.com
compatible spaces
Easy breeze is the best way to describe Spatia Comporta. The hotel has been designed so that guests feel an easy flow between indoors and outdoors, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows and doors to enhance the experience. Its Mediterranean-style design and landscaping keeps things simple, while its all-white rooms and villas keep things elegant. Guests can take advantage of the many services here too, from grocery delivery directly to their villa to bicycles readily available, laundry service, in-villa dining and even pickleball paddles when they feel like working out.
Book your stay in Spatia Comporta via Booking.com
Book your stay at Spatia Comporta on Agoda.com
How to get to Comporta
The simplest way to get to Comporta is to catch a flight into Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport, which offers regular, direct flights from destinations around Europe, as well as direct flights from Boston, New York City, Miami, San Francisco, Chicago, and more. . Then rent a car and drive 1 hour on the A2 motorway. Choose the prepaid toll option, as toll roads are abundant throughout Portugal.
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(Main image and feature credit: Santiago Urquijo/Getty Images)
This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com
Related: 20 beautiful places to visit in Portugal – from fairytale castles to beach towns