Comporta, in Alcácer do Sal, Setúbal, is just an hour’s drive from Lisbon, west coast of Portugal and it is the perfect destination if you love enjoying nature, wild landscapes and crystal clear waters. You should head to Comporta if you need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city: believe me, it’s a natural paradise and it is unlike anywhere you have been before! If you come to Comporta with kids, you can find different types of activities to do with your family.
Almost unknown, it has been added among the tourist destinations only recently, as as it is a highly protected nature reserve and was in the hands of the crown, a British holding and, later, the Espírito Santo family, the country’s leading banking group.
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Holidays in Comporta with kids: what to do and what to see
If you are a fan of the beach, this is the place for you. The area is known to be an excellent surfing destination, but it is suitable even to those who just want to rest and relax in the sun. This natural paradise offers crystal clear waters and views of the Parque Natural da Serra da Arrábida.
This part of coast is also popular for surfing! If your kids have never surfed before it’s a good idea to have a lesson with one of the surf schools available here.
Comporta is also great for walking, with precious views and surrounded by nature.
Be sure to spot the storks, a symbol of fertility and the Comporta animal. The adult reaches a standing height of 80 to 115 cm, so you should not be mistaken. Their intricate nests are impossible to miss.
If you’re looking for an incredible experience, you can take your car for a short five-minute ride to Cavalos na Areia, where you can arrange horseback riding on the beach or rent a kayak.
If you want a little more culture and tradition, you can also visit the Museu do Arroz (Rice Museum) to learn more about the rice production in the area over the years. It is located in an old factory, built in 1952; here you can admire machines, devices and photographs that tell the story of the factory.
Finish your visit by having lunch in the museum restaurant, where the specialty is rice, of course!
To end the day, you need to visit Cais Palafítico da Carrasqueira, one of the most visited places in the area. This unique masterpiece is made of wood and serves as a dock for fishing boats. The perfect place to watch the sunset.
Beaches in Comporta
Comporta and the entire Sétubal region have some paradisiacal beaches which are undoubtedly counted among the best beaches in Portugal, being awarded the prestigious Blue Flag award. Don’t miss the following beaches:
Praia da Comporta
The main beach in this area is Praia da Comporta, which is located within a nature reserve, surrounded by pine trees and rice fields that isolate it from the rest. It’s so long that you can hardly see where it ends!
You can just relax, or hire horses or try riding the waves with a surfboard or kiteboard.
Praia do Pego
Praia do Paga is a secluded wild must-see when visiting Comporta.
Did you know that it has been recognised as one of the best beaches in the world?
With its sand dunes it is a natural paradise!
Praia do Carvalhal
The Carvalhal sea is calm and peaceful and perfect for families. It’s surrounded by nature, with no buildings around.
Where to stay in Comporta with kids
We usually choose houses to rent when on holidays, as it more suits our concept of vacation: no schedules, no fixed hours, some spaces for our active children!
Discover here some holiday rentals solutions in Comporta for families.
With its golden beaches, scenic surf-spots and dolphins frolicking in diamond-clear waters, Comporta is the right antidote to the crowds of the Algarve and, the ideal place for families to kick back and relax.
Have you ever been?
With love
Francesca
