Comporta

The arrival

Maria Fernanda and I flew from Copenhagen in Denmark to Frankfurt in Germany where we made a short stopover and from there we flew to Lisbon. Our parents picked us up at the airport and we drove to Comporta, the trip lasts an average of an hour and a half and the road is great.

The hotel

We stayed at Quinta da Comporta and found it to be the perfect choice for a family trip. Located in the Carvalhal region, the hotel built by Portuguese architect and designer Miguel Câncio Martins was the realization of an old dream of his. Miguel spent his childhood holidays in Comporta and remained faithful to the place's roots when building the hotel. The spa and restaurant, for example, are located around a terracotta courtyard where the grain warehouses of the farm that occupied the hotel grounds used to be.

The hotel has an excellent structure for families, it welcomes guests of all ages and even with many children, couples do not lose their privacy. The children's facilities integrate perfectly with the hotel's architecture, without losing its charm. My family, which has members aged 1 to 70, loved it, everyone enjoyed it a lot.

The rooms, located in low buildings that look like little houses, white adorned with royal blue stripes, follow the characteristic buildings of Comporta. The rustic-chic decor adds to the atmosphere of the place. White walls decorated with objects in natural materials and furniture, lots of wood, wicker and sisal rugs make up the decor. Our room had a private terrace with sun loungers facing the garden and some others have this terrace facing the rice fields.

The breakfast, which is included in the daily rate, was wonderful, super complete. We spent hours at our small table of 20 people, enjoying all the delicacies and talking. There is a buffet with a huge variety of fruits, breads, cakes, juices and yogurt, as well as an à la carte menu with various types of eggs, toasts and the like.

Lunch and dinner are also served in the same breakfast restaurant, as well as great drinks and wines. The menu is super varied, you can order salads, fish, pasta and pizza and also a selection of sushi and other oriental dishes such as gyoza, which is super delicious.

The hotel staff are wonderful, extremely friendly and helpful, we loved the entire team who welcomed us so well during our stay there!

It is important to mention the hotel's wonderful spa, with rice-inspired treatments, as well as an indoor heated pool and gym, both overlooking the rice paddy. There are also complementary yoga classes daily at the hotel. We loved and highly recommend staying at Quinta da Comporta.

Other hotel options

Next time I would stay there again and would like to stay at the Sublime hotel, which in my opinion is perfect for couples.

Another hotel that I would definitely stay at in the next opportunity is the beautiful Hotel Vermelho in Melides. Opened in April 2023, Christian Louboutin's hotel is his first hotel project. We went for a drink to check it out and fell in love, every detail of the hotel was meticulously thought out, everything is so beautiful!

Another accommodation option that I have been thinking about for a long time and is perfect for a group of friends, couples or a small family is Casa nas Dunas ( @casanasdunascomporta ) a beautiful house, full of charm, which reflects the style of Comporta and is available for rent per season.

To Do

• Horses in the Sand: Horseback riding on the beach or river, accompanied by professional guides. Beautiful, worth it!
• Surf in Comporta: On the waves of Carvalhal beach since 2008, this school is the right destination for anyone who wants to have fun and learn to surf.
• Vertigem Azul: Pioneers in the observation of Sado Dolphins for 25 years. Sail through the landscapes of Troia and Arrábida, aboard the catamaran sailboats, Esperança and Jasmim.
• Badoca Safari Park: An ideal trip for children and families, the Alentejo plain has become a savannah full of free-ranging wild animals.
• Electric Bikes: Most hotels have bikes for their guests, if this is not the case, Electric Bikes rents and sells fat bikes, ideal for exploring the region, strolling along the beach or in the rice fields.
• Green Breeze: A 48-foot boat for rent with service and staff to explore the region with family and friends.
• Melides Sports Center: In the Melides lagoon, book classes or rent materials and equipment for water sports.
• Roman Ruins: This National Monument shows us the remains left by the Romans: houses, factories, baths and cemeteries.
• Sadoarrábida: A cruise along the coast of Arrábida and Tróia. A seafood meal on board or a Wine Sunset Party, in the company of the Sado dolphins.
• Comporta Holistic Shala: Daily yoga classes, therapeutic massages and holistic events. Surrounded by nature, overlooking endless rice paddies and dunes.

To Eat

• Salt: Salt symbolizes the Soul of Comporta, it is a reference for Portugal in the world. Fresh fish, irresistible snacks, relaxed atmosphere by the sea.
• Sal Burger: The star of the house are the homemade burgers made with the best ingredients. Beef, black pork, Portobello mushrooms or Serra cheese. We liked it so much that we went two days in a row!
• Sublime: A beach restaurant with great seafood, some international options and selected meats. Outdoor bar and lounger area with bar dedicated to them.
• Sem Porta: The architecture finds its inspiration in old barns and the cuisine is based on traditional Portuguese recipes, reinterpreted by the chef with a focus on the region.
• Praia na Comporta: The new restaurant in Praia do Pego was designed by French designer Philippe Starck with the concept of being a charming après-ski mountain chalet just a stone's throw from the sea.
• Tasca da Comporta: The best of Portuguese cuisine, from the most emblematic dishes to snacks, including the famous Sado Oysters.
• Tosca: Wonderful Italian in Melides, pleasant and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for family and friends. We love it!
• Dona Bia: Mandatory stop in Comporta with its traditional Portuguese cuisine with great rice and seafood dishes.
• São João: Traditional Portuguese cuisine without complications.
• Pizza Pop: Neapolitan pizzas with soft dough and ingredients from the organic garden, salads and ice cream from Gulato! Ideal for take-away before or after the beach.
• Pica Peixe: A classic from Carvalhal, now also in Comporta.
• O Bem Disposto: Known for its variety of paellas, at Bem Disposto you can also try very Portuguese recipes and snacks, made with fresh, local ingredients.
• Morena: A modern cafeteria full of original options, including bowls, salads, pancakes, eggs Benedict and specialty coffee (the only one in the region). Continuous service from 9:30am to 7pm.
• Mar D'Arrozal: The view over the rice fields is an idyllic setting to enjoy seasonal dishes, from the sea and the land, respecting the farm-to-table concept.
• Gulato: Comporta's official ice cream, handcrafted and delicious.
• Jacaré da Comporta: The Brazilian “way” and the charm of Comporta are the successful ingredients for this to be one of the region’s hotspots. Pizzas made in a wood-fired oven, good music and great cocktails!
• Food Circle: Live a gastronomic experience inspired by Alentejo cuisine. Fire is the protagonist, as are the seasonal products used by the chef, harvested from the hotel's organic garden.
• Chickpeas: Start your day with warm bread from the grocery store or opt for a great breakfast, lunch or dinner. If you prefer to stay at home, count on the take-away or delivery service.
• Colmo Bar: Meeting point after the beach with excellent cocktails and the best national wines. Enjoy the sunset in the center of the village with a view of the most beautiful stork nests.
• Caviar: Beluga, Osetra, Amur Heritage or Astrakhan caviar, directly from the producer and manufactured according to the Malossol tradition of the Caspian Sea.
• Botânico Bar: Snack and craft cocktails.
• Be Comporta: Yogurts, salads, burgers, eggs Benedict, toast and pizzas. Perfect for a brunch or informal dinner.
• Be Bar Comporta: Charming bar that values ​​tradition and reflects the region's relaxed way of life. Taste genuine Comporta craft beer on the terrace.
• 5 Senses: Perfect alchemy between traditional cuisine and flavors with a twist in a welcoming environment.

Beach Clubs

• Salt: Salt symbolizes the Soul of Comporta, it is a reference for Portugal in the world. Fresh fish, irresistible snacks, relaxed atmosphere by the sea. In addition to the restaurant, they also have sun loungers and beach service, book in advance.
• Sublime: A beach restaurant with great seafood, some international options and selected meats. Outdoor bar and lounger area with bar dedicated to them. Book in advance.
• JNcQUOI: In our opinion, the best Beach Club to sunbathe and spend the day, as well as being the best value for money. Super comfortable sun loungers and great service. The menu is more restricted, with options such as sandwiches and starters and great wines and drinks.

To Buy

• Fashion Clinic: The best multi-brand store in Portugal with the latest trends, resort collections and decoration and lifestyle items from luxury brands such as La DoubleJ and Zimmermann. The selection is wonderful and this year they even had a Dior resort pop-up.
• Caju Comporta: Store with a special curation of Portuguese and Brazilian brands of beachwear, accessories, women's and men's cosmetics, as well as furniture, decorative and design objects.
• Casa da Cultura: Authentic Portuguese products at this Summer Market.
• Briffa: A store 100% dedicated to Comporta style with fashion, accessories and decoration. Original pieces, handmade or limited editions, for women, men and children.
• Ambiantia: Handmade pieces, refined aromas, books and much more.
• Alaire: Specialist in In & Outdoor furniture for over 20 years.
• Comporta Selection: Decor, lighting, art and furniture.
• Coral: From ceramics to fashion accessories, from tablecloths to works of art.
• Côté Sud: Concept store that reflects Comporta's lifestyle.
• Fio D'Água: Beachwear, tunics and kaftans for a bohemian chic style in the style of Comporta.
• Flores da Comporta: Brazilian florist Helena Lunardelli creates arrangements for home and parties. Sale of flowers, decoration and design objects. In summer it is open every day from 10am to 8pm and delivers.
• Lavanda: Great selection of women's, men's and children's fashion, decoration and accessories.
• Casa de Cá: From fashion to decoration, an explosion of colors and prints, of unique pieces that inspire us and make us travel the world.
• Stork Club: Irresistible store by decorator Jacques Grange and gallerist Pierre Passebon. Large selection of decoration and design pieces, table arts and ceramics by the artist Bela Silva.
• The Juice Life: A store that makes you dream and an ode to Made in Portugal. Isabel Costa brings together a refined selection of books, ceramics, blankets, candles, clothing and accessories from niche brands.
• Traces of Me: Concept store designed by designer Teresa Martins. Silk, cotton, linen and wool items, designed with sublime textures, dyed with exclusive colors and designs.
• Rice: Selection of decoration pieces, furniture and accessories.
• Manumaya: Unique pieces of decoration, furniture, antiques and fashion accessories.
• Vida Dura: In Melides, a wonderful selection of ceramics, candles, tablecloths, placemats, napkins and other items for the table and welcome. Furthermore, the flower arrangements made in the store are wonderful and tasteful. We go crazy with so many beautiful things.
• Noemia: In the best bohemian chic style, a selection of fashion, home items and perfumes.
• Rice Museum Store: From tunics to shoes, from decoration to gourmet products, everything here is handpicked.