Discover Comporta: A Celebrity's Hideaway Favourite

Written on : 23 April 2024
By : Laura Wendy Harders López

Comporta has become one of the most exclusive spots in Europe for vacationing in a gorgeous natural setting with utmost relaxation and privacy. Only an hour's drive from southern Lisbon and 20 minutes from one of the oldest towns in Europe-- Alcácer do Sal-- Comporta's beach was once highlighted in the New York Times as one of the most beautiful in the world.

Known as the Saint Tropez or the Hamptons of Portugal--join us to find out more about this jet-set paradise in Portugal.

>>> Discover luxury villas in Comporta
>>> Find out more about luxury villas in Portugal

New Centre of Europe's most exclusive tourism

Comporta slowly became exclusive after a wealthy family of bankers known as the Espírito Santo bought the land in the 1950s, and started inviting celebrity friends and selling them plots of land in the 1990s. Shortly after a colossal corruption scandal-- this family's empire collapsed, giving way to new environmental laws to protect the area-- one of which is the prohibition of construction within 500 metres of the beach. This slowed down the region's urbanisation and preserved its still unspoiled natural spaces. Hence, word-of-mouth among celebrities has made this a haven of exclusivity and sophistication over the years, and now is being visited by the likes of Nicolas Sarkozy, Madonna, Mourinho, Noemi Marone Cinzano, Christian Louboutin, Andrea Casiraghi, Eugenia Silva, and Carla Bruni.

Unlike other exclusive and popular destinations such as Ibiza, and Saint-Tropez, Comporta has the privilege of offering utmost privacy given its location and lack of urbanisation, only offering luxury eco-friendly villas and resorts.

One of the last corners in Europe with unspoilt nature

In a New York Time's interview with Italian businesswoman Noemi Cinzano, she recounts: "I have travelled all my life, and I have never seen a place in Europe that is still intact".

The many regulations enforced to protect the region, have yielded fantastic results such as the preservation of its rugged landscapes, miles of white dunes, rice fields, peaceful villages, along with a wealth of wildlife including dolphins, flamingos, storks, and herons among 200 bird species. This natural wealth gives visitors the impression of being in a more secluded and off-the-beaten-track place.

You can enjoy long stretches of 60 km of white, and admire the beauty of its extensive rice fields. This beautiful paradise of crystal-clear waters also boasts lush vegetation. It's surrounded by the Reserva Natural do Estuário do Rido Sado, the Atlantic Sea and the Troia Peninsula-- giving visitors ample opportunities to explore and experience nature to its fullest.

This destination, without a doubt, invites people to evade the hustle and bustle of everyday reality and enjoy the slow pace of life.

>>> Comporta, a wild paradise
>>> Immersion in authentic Portugal: the discovery of the protected lands of Comporta

Great Outdoor Activities Against Breathtaking Settings

Given its beautiful environment, one can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy Comporta to the fullest-- whether you fancy surfing on the beach of Pego or enjoy some horseriding along the endless stretches of white sand in Carvahal. For instance, Maddona is particularly a fan of horseriding along Comporta's coast-- who's been spotted a few times in 2018. Either way, there's always something suited for you. Or if you want to enjoy nature by simple means, one can take a nice long hike through the pine-tree forests, or gaze at the magical sunsets from a belvedere in the port of Carrasqueira.

Some of its must-visit attractions are the marshes and rice paddies that one can find flanking Comporta's port-- that might evoke you of some remote region of Asia rather than Europe.

Exclusive Beach Bars and Restaurants

On Comporta beach, one can find two exclusive beach bars that are worth a visit during one's stay here. One of which is Comporta Café and Ilha do Arroz. Another very famous restaurant is Museo do Arroz, which can be found among the rice fields and very close to the beach. Here, you'll be able to try some of the best rice dishes in the region at the same time as you fully take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding rice fields.

How to Get Here

The best way to get here is by the A2 from Lisbon in the direction towards Algarve or catching a ferry from Setubal. The latter would also allow one to admire the wonderful ecosystem, as well as spot some of its beautiful flamingos among other of its 200 bird species.

>>> Discover Exclusive Villas in Comporta for a Sophisticated Holiday Retreat