SLEEP
A self-catering home or villa rental is a great way to experience this destination like a local - hunkering down in your own slice of paraiso. This Kid & Coe architectural Cabana compound was built using traditional materials in a contemporary style. Set between pine forests, the aforementioned rice fields plus a short walk to town (Carvahal) or the little surf school around the bend.
Comporta has some amazing boutique hotel and small resort options if you’re more into being catered to (and we don’t blame you!).
Sublime Comporta is one of the first design-forward hotels in the region (and our favourite!) offering guests contemporary thatched cottage luxury hideaways. Families can book the Guests Suites room or a multi-bedroom villa if they really need space to spread out. Be sure to book the chef’s tasting experience at the Food Circle featuring a round open wood burning kitchen surrounded by the properties vegetable garden overflowing with gorgeous seasonal produce.
The Lisbon transplant, AlmaLusa (right in the village of Comporta) encircles a refreshing pool for hot days (our boys spent hours here on our recent visit), eclectic colourful decor, and a yummy poolside breakfast daily. The gorgeous Terrace suites or spacious Signature Suite work well for families. The property is easy walking distance to all the boutiques and local cafes/restaurants. Rent bikes to visit the nearby beach or to cycle through the rice fields and estuary.
New wellness outpost, Quinta da Comporta is located close to Carvahal and it’s stunning beaches. The property has an impressive array of wellness offerings including their gorgeous spa and farm-to-table restaurant, Mar D’Arrozal, housed in a contemporary barn.
Spatia is another new addition that is more remote (15 mins from town) but offers its guests peaceful surrounds and privacy.
EAT: BREAKFAST
All of the hotels serve a beautiful breakfast (usually included in the room rate). But if not, wander around the village of Comporta and do as the locals do. Order a coffee and pastry at one of the small nondescript cafes in the center while sitting with the other villagers and watching the world go by.
There are also several bakeries in the village where you can grab something fresh from the oven - we love Gomes Padaria or have brunch at Be Comporta in the village
ENERGIZE
Rent bikes or take a jog to Comporta or Carvahal beach. Exploring the area and immersing yourself in the beauty of the surrounding area.
If kids or parents want to try their hand at surfing, be sure to pop by the adorable surf shop on the road to Praia Carvahal, where you can arrange lessons and rentals.
SNACK
Gomes Padaria for pasteis de nata (ask for the canella (cinnamon) sprinkled on top or any of their other daily delicacies.
PLAY
Head to the beach - Carvahal or Comporta - both have chairs and umbrellas to rent and beach clubs to grab lunch.
CHILL
Afternoons are perfect for slow lane siestas and to curb jet lag. My best advice for traveling with littles is to stay somewhat on Eastern Standard time (with a daily siesta) and give everyone permission to enjoy days of doing nothing. Dinners happen later here and being on holiday time, it allows everyone a wide berth.
EAT: LUNCH
Odinis - Christian Louboutin’s fave. We loved their “kids club” - aka an un-supervised rustic play area on the sand just beside the restaurant. Grilled fish, batatas fritas and Clams in white wine sauce (almeijtos) are our go-to orders, accompanied by a pitcher of Sangria branco.
Restaurante Sal - A long lunch is a must here. There is also a more casual snack bar that is easy (especially when your kids need immediate sustenance).
Sublime Comporta Beach Club - a new addition to the beach. The decor is straight out of a coffee table design book. Fish is served by weight with fresh catches daily - we loved the grilled Seabream and Seabass as well as the fried cuttle fish paired with chilled Provençal rosé.
FROLIC
The well-maintained country roads are a joy to drive - rice fields, secret beaches, pilgrimages to discover tile factories, ceramic studios and discovering little local restaurants serving the best fresh fish and arroz around.
CAFFEINATE
Anywhere you find a terrace with mismatched umbrellas advertising a multinational consumer packaged goods brand and a crowd of villagers. Don’t you dare ask for a to-go cup!
INSPIRE
The 500 year old village of Melides has become a cool artist commune and collective. Plan a lunch and a visit to their beaches. You can find a more detailed itinerary in our Melides guide here
EAT: DINNER
A Escola - is lovely. On the road to Alcacer.
Donna Bia was a crowd favourite amongst our little crew. We have returned multiple times throughout our visits.
Calvarica - bright and cheerful decor, serving biodynamic cuisine, beautifully presented
5 Sentidos - something for the whole family - from seafood to pasta, served in an inviting dining room or alfresco
Sao João - right in town, a local spot serving traditional Portuguese food
Food Circle - seating for only 12, all centred around an open wood burning fire grill where chef's prepare truly outstanding dishes (mostly from their garden)
Museu do Arroz - located in a former rice husking factory - it is a fun way for the whole family to better understand the original industry that put Comporta on the map.
Note: Reservations are a must everywhere during the summer months
DATE NIGHT
At dusk venture into the village of Comporta to have a wander through the little shops and marvel at the big nests scattered throughout town. These are home to hundreds of migratory storks. Grab a cold Sagres or coppa de vin at the buzzy Be Bar before heading to Gomes Casa de Vinhos & Petiscos for dinner.
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