Below Setúbal, in the Alentejo region, land and sea blend together to deliver one of Portugal's best-kept secrets: Comporta, a small, unspoilt paradise in the nature reserve of the Sado estuary. Although not far from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, Comporta is a quiet haven away from mass tourism, with sustainable buildings set back from the coast. Small white-walled shops, a tradition of fishing and miles of unblemished beaches characterise this destination.
Discover without further ado the must-sees of Comporta.
There are not many beaches in Comporta. There are three (Playa de Pego, Plaza de Carvalhal and Playa de Comporta) with unbeatable scenery: an idyllic picture of 60 kilometres of large dunes and fine sandy beaches, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean.
Although Comporta has a reputation as a rather chic destination, it retains an authentic and humble side which can be discovered by heading to the Carrasqueira stilt port, an example of local architecture that hangs between land and sea. It was the fishermen themselves who created this labyrinth of wooden quays held together by stakes, the aim being to provide easy access to their boats as the tides change.
Located in the estuary of the Sado River, it is a great spot to take pictures of the sunset or of the storks and flamingos that regularly come here to settle.
Rice paddies, salt pans, marshes, pine-scented forests, dunes and endless swathes of white sandy beaches, old fishermen's huts and white buildings with splashes of blue - a walk through the nature reserve is an unforgettable experience. You can also rent a bicycle and cycle along the dunes and rice fields, or explore this unique environment on horseback. One location: Cavalos na Areia, by José Ribeira. Another option is to rent a kayak for another view, along the water.
When on holiday in Comporta, enjoy the atmosphere of its chiringuitos, its seafood restaurants, the traditional market and bohemian shops.
One spot: Lavanda, an old bakery converted into a shop/restaurant
Don't miss the Museu do Arroz, the famous museum dedicated to the region's cultivation of rice, housed in an old mill. A stop at one of the town's restaurants tells you all you need to know about the significance of rice in the culture of Comporta.