I’ve only been once so far, but this bohemian village in Portugal is located one hour south of Lisbon on the Tróia peninsula in the Alentejo region and has such a cool gypset vibe. The village is located in Herdade da Comporta, a 12,500 hectacre area of coast. Within Herdade da Comporta, there are sever different hamlets: Pego, Carvalhal, Brejos, Torre, Possanco, Carrasqueira and Comporta. Translate from Portuguese, Comporta means “gate that holds back water, in other words a lock.”
Herdade da Comporta is known for its protected nature preserves which allow visitors to view a number of magnificent species. In fact, it’s one of the best places in Portugal for bird watching. Much of the funding for the preservation of these natural areas comes from Espírito Santo (a large national bank). Espírito Santo not only provides the funding for the area, but it manages the land as well. Historically the land was inhabited by salt makers, rice farmers, and fishermen, many of whom still inhabit the area.
The surfing here can be really good if you can catch it on a good day where there is direct wind swell.
Although it has been compared to other holiday hotspots like St. Tropez, Ibiza, and Trancoso, it is truly one of a kind. The village of Comporta is a more low-key mecca for artists, and European fashionistas. While it is currently lesser know thank locales like Ibiza, that will surely change as visitors discover all that Comporta has to offer. It has many reasonable places to spend the night and a handful of hip eateries to enjoy a cocktail or a local meal of pastéis de bacalhau (salt-cod fishcakes). Some of the hotspots to eat are the Comporta Café, Restaurante Ilha do Arroz, Sal, O Dinis Bar do Pescadores, Dona Bia, or Museu do Arroz.
There are now some great boho-chic boutiques. One of which I love is Loja Lavanda, where you can find great tunics, hats, jewelry and home goods.
Loja Lavanda
One of the best places to stay when you are in Comporta is the Casas Na Areia (3km from the beach in Comporta). This small, luxurious hotel was designed by architect Manuel Aires Mateus. Casas Na Areia consists of four different houses: two are made of wood and reeds and two are composed of white concrete.
Rates for the Casas Na Areia are 600€/day (minimum stay 7 days) during the high season– June, July, and August. During the low season– September to May– rates are 500€/day (minimum stay 3 days). Breakfast and daily cleanings are included in the cost of your stay, and there are 4 bicycles that are available for use (free of charge).
The Casas Na Areia
Another great option for accommodations is the Comporta Villas and Suites. These vibrantly colored rooms have direct access or views of the property’s gardens. Each room has a private bath, and there is a shared kitchen for food preparation. The property is 7km from Comporta beach and 5km from the village of Comporta.
Comporta Villas and Suites
If renting a house is more your thing check out 3 Bicas a gorgeous contemporary house that sleeps ten.
3 Bicas
There are so many different activities to do while staying in Comporta, including sunbathing, surfing, dolphin watching, horseback riding, and touring the ancient Roman ruins nearby. Comporta is the perfect place to relax and recharge, away from the crowds of other popular European holiday destinations. Shhhhhhh… 😉
