Visit Comporta: Discover our selection of must-see places in this Portuguese paradise!
Located on the Tróia peninsula, 130 kilometers from Lisbon, Comporta is a fishing village with an almost primitive landscape. In recent years, the village has become one of Portugal’s most fashionable seaside resorts.
Far from the tourist influx of Portugal’s big cities, Comporta has become a bohemian destination where authenticity and top-of-the-range services come together. From its endless stretches of white sand to its rice fields, the village bewitches its visitors in a disconcerting way.
Want to visit Comporta and discover some of its secrets? Here are 7 must-sees in this small Portuguese village.
1. The Roman ruins of Tróia
Photo Credit: Instagram – @portourgal_guide
If you’re visiting Comporta, opt for an excursion to the Roman ruins of Tróia, just a few minutes from the town center. Situated on a sandy peninsula, this large fish salting complex – bathed by the ocean – will take you back in time.
From the 1st to the 6th century, salted fish and fish-based sauces were prepared here and sold throughout the Roman Empire. Classified as a « Monumento Nacional » since 1910, it now offers a wide range of activities, including guided tours, archaeological exhibitions, equestrian shows and much more.
2. The rice museum
Photo Credit: Instagram – @offbeat_portugal
Located at the entrance to the village of Comporta, in the old rice-husking factory, the Museu do Arroz plunges you into a part of the village’s history linked to the introduction of rice cultivation in Portugal.
If this cultural tour has whetted your appetite, don’t hesitate to stop off at the eponymous restaurant, right next to the museum. You can enjoy delicious dishes or just a drink.
3. The Sado dolphins
Photo Credit: Instagram – @alex.gee.photography
Looking for magic and spectacular encounters during your stay in Portugal? Visit theSado Estuary! Nestled in the bay of Setúbal, this nature reserve – between marshes, rice fields and sandbanks – is home to a multitude of species, including a pod of bottlenose dolphins.
The only population of dolphins living in a Portuguese estuary, you can observe them by taking a cruise on the waters of the Sado. Take advantage of this leisurely stroll – punctuated by the lapping of the water – to admire the natural riches the reserve has to offer.
4. The port of Palafítico de Carrasqueira
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Jose A Constantino
The village of Comporta is home to many little nuggets, and the port of Palafítico de Carrasqueira is one of them. Impossible to miss if you’ve decided to visit Comporta!
Located in Carrasqueira, this rudimentary stilted harbor is used as a mooring by local fishing boats. Configured so that fishermen always have access to their boats, unaffected by the tides, it seems suspended between sky and sea. Its irregularly laid, openwork planks make it an architecturally unique site in Europe, and one of the most visited in theAlcácer region.
5. The beaches around the Comporta peninsula
Visiting Comporta without lounging on one of its sublime beaches? Unthinkable! A thousand miles from the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s most touristy beaches, Comporta’s stretches of golden sand and blue waters offer a haven of peace lulled only by the sound of the waves.
- Carvalhal Beach
Cross rice fields and forests, and at the end – like a secret place – you’ll find Carvalhal beach. Discover its dunes and calm sea, perfect for relaxing and surfing. Take the plunge or relax in a hammock, which you can rent on site.
- Comporta Beach
On the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, you’ll find Comporta Beach, a natural area surrounded by rice paddies and fields.
This unspoilt spot, bordered by pine trees, is known for its wild landscape and tranquility. Perfect for moments of relaxation, it also offers ideal conditions for water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing. Many competitions are held here. For a romantic moment, take a horseback ride along the beach or stay to admire a sublime sunset!
- Pego Beach
Pego beach, a favorite meeting place of the jet-set, reveals an idyllic and wild picture. Lose yourself between dunes and turquoise immensity, and relax in the shade of a parasol with a delicious, refreshing cocktail. High-quality idleness guaranteed!
6. The rice fields of Comporta
Photo credit: Shutterstock / Inacio Pires
An integral part of Comporta’s history, the rice fields are a must-see! Colouring the landscape with the seasons, they contribute to the village’s distinctive energy.
Take a stroll – on foot, by bike or on horseback – and enjoy the peace and quiet of the surrounding countryside. Discover the old fishermen’s huts and observe the different species of birds that hide there.
7. A boat trip
Photo credit: Shutterstock – TLF Images
Visiting Comporta also means taking advantage of its coastline! In fact, there are a number of wonderful boat excursions from Comporta, allowing you to discover the region in a different way, from its crystal-clear waters.
So it would be a shame not to rent a boat in Comporta, and miss out on discovering the magnificent setting to get there! With or without a license, with the help of a skipper or not, you’re sure to have one of the best afternoons of your stay!
Find a boat to rent in Comporta
How do I get to Comporta?
Situated on the Atlantic coast, about 1 hour’s drive from Lisbon, Comporta is fairly easy to get to if you’re just passing through the Portuguese capital. This region is an excellent way to escape the mass tourism that has been a feature of Lisbon for some years now.
From France
To get to Comporta, you’ll first need to travel via Lisbon. Several airlines, both scheduled and low-cost, offer flights to Lisbon from a number of French cities. From Paris, allow around 2h30 for the journey. Don’t hesitate to use Ulysse to find the flight that suits you best.
From Lisbon
Once in Lisbon, here is an example of a typical route to Comporta:
– You can reach Setúbal by car in 37 minutes. If you’re planning to rent one from the airport, Rental Cars can help!
– Once in Setúbal, take your car and board the ferry to Tróia. The crossing takes around 25 minutes and offers splendid views, giving you a foretaste of your vacation. If you’re lucky, you might even see some dolphins!
– From Tróia, it’s a 15-minute drive to Comporta.
Where to stay in Comporta?
Photo Credit: Instagram – @almadacomporta
Would you like to experience Comporta between sea and rice fields? Would you like to stay in local-style houses with top-of-the-range amenities? Then theAlma Da Comporta houses are for you!
These « fisherman’s huts » with their clean lines blend perfectly into the landscape. Wood, thatched roofs, simple luxury that’s sure to please everyone. You’ll be immersed in a grandiose, authentic setting – surrounded by untamed nature – during your visit to Comporta.
Designed to « make everyone feel at home », l’Alma Da Comporta is a warm place full of serenity and easy living. Take time for yourself and let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see.
Map of hotels and accommodation – Portugal