Where to stay in Comporta Region?

Although only an hour’s drive south of Lisbon, the region around Comporta with Melides in the south and Alcácer do Sal to the east had almost been unknown for the last 50 years. A large part of the area was in private property and managed by the Atlantic Company, which kept it in its pristine condition. It was a secret destination for a few insiders and friends of the family. Its almost 60 km long sandy beaches, endless pine forests and picturesque rice fields have now been discovered. Luxury hotels have sprung up in Comporta, trendy beach bars tend to the young urban crowd flying in from all over the world, but it has still kept its authenticity and natural beauty, at least for the moment.

The Comporta region is quite extensive and is not limited to Comporta and Carvalhal. This region encompasses Alcácer do Sal, a beautiful white village on the Sado River; Grândola further inland, a town marked by the Portuguese revolution and very authentic; Melides, a small village with an Alentejo rhythm; and Comporta, the chicest place.

In this region, a good option is to rent a house, as there are very few boutique hotels and those that do exist are 5-star luxury hotels. We offer several alternatives, from holiday homes in Melides very close to the sea to country houses in the nearby hills and pine forests. If you do not find what you are looking for in our selection, please do not hesitate to contact us, as we have villas and charming houses throughout the Comporta region that are not listed on our website. You can also ask us for advice.

The most characteristic features of this area are the old low-rise fishermen's or farmers' houses made of natural materials such as adobe walls or wood, with “colmo” roofs that blend in perfectly with the landscape. In recent years, Comporta has become known for its innovative and sustainable architecture. Many new developments in the region are designed to be environmentally friendly, using renewable energy sources and sustainable building materials. Below you will find a carefully curated list of the best boutique hotels in Comporta, the most authentic beach cottages and beautiful luxury villas in the hills above Melides.

There are good restaurants in the area, as well as interesting excursions. To know more, visit our blog.

The region of Comporta, the trendy getaway on the Alentejo coast

The Comporta region is characterised by its vast pine and cork oak forests stretching inland, and its long, almost untouched coastline, with over 60 km of soft white sand dunes and crystal-clear waters. The area was an important agricultural centre, with a thriving wine industry and large estates dedicated to the cultivation of rice and wheat. The region was also a centre for fishing and maritime trade, with boats sailing up the nearby river Sado to trade goods with Lisbon and other ports along the coast.

When driving down from Lisbon, you will first arrive in Alcácer do Sal, a lovely little town overlooking the river Sado and the surrounding rice fields. The town has preserved its typical architecture and is perfect to enjoy a lunch or drink in one of the many restaurants along the riverside boardwalk. If you prefer spending time surrounded by nature, you can venture south east towards the town of Torrão. 

Inland, Comporta is dominated by vast expanses of pine and cork oak forests, which are home to a diverse range of plant and animal species. These forests are an important habitat for many species of birds, including eagles, storks and herons, as well as small mammals such as foxes and rabbits ... . The coast is home to a variety of marine life, a wide range of fish species, including dolphins.

The Sado river estuary, which borders the region, is one of the largest wetland areas in Portugal and is home to a variety of rare and endangered species, including the white stork and the Portuguese water dog.