Does an obsession with a region and frequent visits constitute us as insiders? I'm not sure! It quickly feels this way, given our adventures and exploration of the country. For us, the Comporta area still feels remote and somehow undiscovered, yet has plans to rapidly grow over the next decade. I suppose this means we'll have to visit often to keep our list of recommendations up to date! It's one of few locations that we've researched property options, so, needless to say, we love it!

Our first visit to Comporta was in July 2020, as the infection numbers from COVID-19 drastically improved. Our brief 3-day stop in the middle of a 17-day road trip was a teaser for things to come. As we drove away and down the western coast, we knew we'd be back soon! We were fortunate to visit again later in 2021, this time during the spring. We were excited to spend more time in Comporta and really learn all that the area had to offer over our 2 week holiday.

An Insider’s Guide to Comporta

The seemingly untouched paradise of Comporta is located just an hour south of Lisbon. Upon arrival, it feels like you're in a completely different world! Ranges of pines and wildflowers line the roadways, and eclectic villages lead you to some of the most beautiful and untouched beaches in Europe.

We felt like we were discovering a secret location but quickly learned it's no secret. It's just quiet, remote, and well preserved, mainly in part to Portugal's quest to protect the natural coast and small towns. It's a special place known for fantastic food, beautiful coastlines, and infamous rice fields.

Though it's a quiet and relaxed area, there's still plenty to keep you busy, and the restaurant options are unlimited! We'll keep this post updated as time passes, but we've now spent weeks in Comporta. We have quickly discovered a few favorite hotels, restaurants, and activities for our return trips!

The Balcony View from the Owners Suite at Sublime Comporta

Where to Stay

Top Pick: Sublime Comporta

EN 261-1, MUDA, CCI 3954, Grândola, Portugal | Website

Sublime Comporta is our favorite selection when staying in the Comporta area, especially if you want to relax and unwind onsite. This spacious property features multiple lodging possibilities yet is still quiet and private for your relaxing holiday. We enjoyed the Owners Suite, which featured a private hot tub overlooking the beautiful treeline.

There are three restaurants on the property, Sem Porta, the Food Circle, and Tasca da Comporta. There's also a 'can't-miss' seaside restaurant, Sublime Comporta Beach Club, serving fresh seafood and cool and refreshing drinks!

While it's one of the more expensive options in Comporta, it's still quite reasonable and well worth the extra expense. The rooms are unique, the onsite restaurants are fantastic, and most importantly, the service is impeccable! We have more images of Sublime Comporta that I will add later to this post and the upcoming 'Ultimate Road Trip Through Portugal' piece. Many of our image archives are in storage and transit until we finally arrive in Tokyo! So, stay tuned for more!

Other Options

Spatia Comporta

We visited Spatia recently and quickly felt the sense of escape that we've grown to adore. Once we've had the opportunity to stay, we'll update more, but the restaurant and pool vibe was so relaxed and serene. Spatia is also building residence options for those looking to invest or move to the Comporta area!

Quinta da Comporta

If you want to save a little money and plan to explore the area more, it could be a good option for you! The style is typical of the region, with tons of character, and was fun for photography. We ate at the onsite restaurant once and quickly learned that there were options in the area for less than half the price yet far better. Our experience with customer service also left much to be desired. That said, it's in a good location and short drive or bike ride to the beach.

Where to Eat

While there's no shortage of unique places to dine in the Comporta area, here are some favorites!

Cavalarica

Rua do Secador 9, Comporta 7580-648 Portugal | Website

Inside what was once stables in Comporta, you'll find this modern, innovative, and energetic restaurant. The food speaks for itself, but the staff and the environment make it truly special. Start with one of their many cocktail creations, then shuffle your way through the menu. Dishes such as Oysters, Pork Shoulder Croquetas, Chicken Liver Pate on Grilled Brioche, Cured Fish, Smoked Squid, and Grilled Iberico Pork are just a few fantastic options. These are sharable tapas-style dishes, so it's a great restaurant to try many unique dishes in one sitting!

Sublime Comporta Beach Club

Praia do Carvalhal, Carvalhal 7570-782, Portugal | Website

The fresh seafood, smiling faces, and creative menu keep us coming back for more! The cocktails are delicious, the wine list has an option for every mood, and the seafood doesn't get fresher. The oysters, lobster roll, and daily catch features are absolute must-try dishes. There's always room for dessert, and that dessert is the salted caramel chocolate tart! Be sure to sit outside in the sun (if it's not too windy) and watch the waves from your table. There's no better way to enjoy a bottle of wine!

Dona Bia

Praia do Carvalhal, Carvalhal 7570-782, Portugal | Website

You can find the traditional fare of the region at Dona Bia, a cute little unassuming restaurant sitting alone along the N261. While they're open for both lunch and dinner, I'd recommend the latter. The sun sets over the rice fields across the street, creating quite a beautiful vibe. They have a great selection of wine, but I would recommend the sangria! The fritters and the Dona Bia prawns and chips were also fresh and delicious! Dona Bia is classic Portuguese beach cuisine that is simple yet incredibly satisfying.

5 Sentidos

Av. 18 de Dezembro 45, Carvalhal 7570-789 | Website

With a mix of classic dishes, creative and modern takes, and an excellent assortment of sushi options, 5 Senditos is worth visiting. We loved it so much, we went back twice more. We had a light sushi lunch and came back for a delicious and indulging dinner! The staff is fun, kind, and keen to help you pick out a suitable dish for you!

São João

Rua 24 de Junho 2, Comporta 7580-628 | Website

Located in the heart of Comporta, this restaurant consistently serves fresh seafood at great prices! It's traditional, classic, and perfect for an evening with your partner or a group of friends! The octopus salad was the perfect starter to our grouper rice with shrimp and clams, a classic pot for two. The restaurant offers a great variety of wines to pair with dinner!

Be Comporta

Rua Dom Afonso Henriques S/n, Comporta 7580-649 | Website

Relaxing in the town of Comporta is a memorable experience. The storks flying around the village and resting in their enormous nests is a beautiful thing. We stopped in for lunch and a beer on a hot afternoon and stayed for a couple more beers, just enjoying the scene. The food is excellent, along with vegan options. I, of course, went the route of a burger instead. Be Comporta is one of the new favs! We returned for brunch on the way out of town on our exit day. I ordered the 'brunch' thinking it was for one. It was plenty for three people! It made for a great sampling experience!

A few more options we can recommend in the area:

A Escola, Food Circle, Jacaré da Comporta, Gomes Casa de Vinhos & Petiscos, Museu do Arroz, Sal, Pêgo by Sal.

What To See and Do

There’s no shortage of things to do in the Comporta area. If you want peace and seclusion, that’s easy! Want to explore and do more, here are a few options!

Cavalos na Areia

Estrada Nacional nº 261, Km 6, Torre 7580-681 Comporta | Website

One great way to experience long-empty beaches is on horseback. The experts at Cavalos na Areia have you covered! They host horse rides on the beach, provide lessons, and even offer canoe and bike rentals. If you want to document your adventure, they also offer photography and drone videography.

Vertigem Azul

R. Praia da Saúde 11D loja 10, 2900-572 Setúbal | Website

If you were looking for entertainment, you're sure to find something here! Vertigem Azul offers Dolphin Watching, Flamingo Watching, Sunset Wine Parties, Jeep Tours, and other Private Tours.

Surf in Comporta

Praia do Carvalhal | Website

Another great idea in this beautiful coastal area is the surf! Learn to surf, rent equipment, or enjoy the stand-up paddle experience.

Visit the Beaches

There's no shortage of amazing beaches in Portugal! You can find many great options around Comporta. A few of these are our favorites, in fact. Some are more crowded than others, so you can enjoy seclusion on Praia do Pinheirinho or relax among others on the popular Praia do Carvalhal. Check out our recent post, Portugal's Best Beach, for more info!

Shopping

You didn't think we'd leave this out, did you? With a place as unique and eclectic as Comporta, you'll want to bring something back! Here are some fantastic places and designers to check out!