A trip to Comporta: 3 days between rice fields, beaches and Atlantic calm

The day begins among rice paddies. One of the best ways to wake up in Comporta is with brunch at Quinta do Comporta , a sustainable hotel surrounded by seemingly endless rice fields. Its healthy offerings and manicured surroundings make everything feel slower. From there, it's worth going for a walk or renting a bike to explore the paths that crisscross the rice paddies, which are especially beautiful when the sun begins to tinge the horizon with golden hues.

Afterward, the morning can continue in the village of Comporta , where local life pulses calmly. The first stop is Gomes , a market selling fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan breads, and traditional rice balls. A few steps away, you'll discover Almo , a bright space that functions as a café, restaurant, and brunch spot, with fresh and creative offerings that appeal to locals and travelers alike. Between strolls, it's also worth stopping by Life Juice , a home decor store that brings together traditional Portuguese pottery, textiles, and artisan ceramics. This shop invites you to linger among the handmade objects, perfect for taking a piece of Comporta home with you.

In summer, the Casa da Cultura brings life to the area with contemporary art exhibitions and a small creative market, while an ice cream at Gulato Comporta is the perfect excuse to cool off before heading to the beach.

The afternoon is reserved for Carvalhal Beach , one of the most spectacular in the area. Its soft dunes and low vegetation welcome you as you reach the open sea, where the Sublime Beach Club offers a charming beach bar for oceanfront dining or a cocktail after dinner. Nearby, Oxala Specialty Coffee is the perfect stop for those who enjoy a good espresso or a flat white. With a polished aesthetic and relaxed atmosphere, it invites you to sit for a moment, surrounded by the Atlantic breeze, before continuing to explore the coast.

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, Restaurante La Sal , also in Carvalhal, serves fresh fish and rice dishes in a relaxed atmosphere, with a terrace that invites you to stay until the sun goes down.

The day ends at Cavalarica , a restaurant tucked away in a restored former stable. There, signature cuisine blends with local ingredients in an intimate and authentic setting. A perfect dinner to close out a first day that already reveals the true rhythm of Comporta: slow, simple, and full of moments that feel eternal.

A trip to Comporta isn't complete without getting up early to see the Carrasqueira stilt-built port , one of the most unique corners of the Alentejo. Its wooden walkways jut out into the estuary as if floating on the water, and at dawn the golden light blends with the fishing nets and the silence of the place, creating a scene that seems frozen in time. Nearby, small fishermen's bars offer one of those experiences that define what to do in Comporta: at Retiro do Pescador , they serve homemade seafood rice, generous and full of flavor, as local as it is authentic.

The day continues to Setúbal , a half-hour drive or boat ride from Comporta. This port city is a perfect example of what it means to travel slowly: its municipal market is one of the most beautiful in Portugal, with stalls selling fresh fish, cheeses, and flowers. Strolling through its pedestrian streets reveals family-run shops and charming cafés. Exhibitions and tastings are regularly held at Casa da Baía , while Café da Casa hosts works by artists such as Rui Macedo, turning the break into a cultural moment.

In the afternoon, another must-do experience in Comporta is watching dolphins in the wild . From the Tróia Peninsula, Vertigem Azul organizes catamaran trips to sail alongside these animals in their natural habitat, always with a respectful and sustainable approach. It's an ideal plan for families, couples, or any traveler who wants to remember why Comporta's Atlantic Ocean is so unique.

The day can begin with a conscious gesture: a yoga class at Shala Comporta , open to all levels and designed to connect with nature. A gentle practice that fits with the philosophy of traveling slowly and living in the present, values ​​that define the essence of this corner of the Atlantic.

The final day of your trip to Comporta invites you to explore the discreet charm of Melides , a small town in the south that still retains its authenticity. Its quiet, whitewashed streets are perfect for wandering aimlessly, stopping in its shops, and, if the opportunity arises, peeking into the hotel designed by Christian Louboutin, which has already become a design icon in the region.

Nearby is Praia da Galé – Fontaínhas , a beach unlike any other: surrounded by a fossil cliff with formations more than five million years old, its landscape is striking due to the strength of its geology and the beauty of its contrasts. Unlike the beaches further north, here the coast becomes steep and dramatic, offering a perfect setting for walking and marveling at nature.

The route continues to Lagoa de Melides , a natural freshwater refuge surrounded by pine forests. It's a perfect place for a stroll, a leisurely swim, or to watch the sunset reflected in its waters. Facing the sea, the Lagoa ó Mar beach bar offers a simple but delicious meal: fresh fish and local dishes served overlooking the beach—one of those experiences that define dining in Comporta.

Before dinner, the day can end at Alberta Nova Beach , quieter than others and easily accessible. Its light sand and less crowded atmosphere make it the perfect place to watch the sunset, feeling like you've discovered a secret hidden among the dunes.