WHY WE LOVE IT HERE | A colourful dreamscape. A 500 year old village less than two hours south of Lisbon that is a mash-up of cool artist collective set amidst humble ancient village. Boasting many celebrity seasonal inhabitants who seek refuge from the limelight and relish the opportunity to connect with the wild and rustic nature, dunes and empty beaches that surround the town, it has attracted the likes of Christian Louboutin who owns a bolt hole here, Italian screen siren Monica Bellucci and aesthetic Belgium interior designer Vincent Van Duysen. The eco-friendly architecture and lack of urbanization protect this enclave from over development.
BEST TIME TO GO | If you’re after a warm beach getaway than you should stick to the months of June to October.
WHAT TO PACK | If you visit in the summer as we have, you wear very little. Check the temps in advance and plan accordingly. Pack: colourful swimsuits, wide-brimmed sun hats, cotton dresses and simple leather sandals. Shorts and tees for the boys/men. The vibe is very laid back and bohemian.
TIPS | Be sure to pack the mosquito repellant. Built around resplendent rice fields, the pesky mosquitos come out in swarms at dusk. A stay in Melides pairs well with a visit to nearby Comporta. Full guide can be found for Comporta here.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you need help deciding on and booking a stay in Melides or curating a full custom itinerary.
SLEEP
While Melides is an ancient town by any account, there has been an influx of design savvy residents over the past decade. Many historic properties and rustic ranch homes have been bought and updated with an eye for detail and design. A home base is a lovely way to truly experience the area. We fell in love with this Kid & Coe Vale Figueira Residence and can vouch for its ideal location (15 minute stroll into town through a cork forest and down a country lane). With a meandering garden (front and back) full of native plants and benches for quiet moments of contemplation scattered throughout. Our family enjoyed the expansive salt water pool and all the space for the children to be wild and free. The shelves in the sitting room were loaded with books, the fridge was stocked upon arrival by the amazing local concierge team, and our boys were thrilled when they discovered a chess set in the loft.
Hotel Vermehlo - a brand new small luxury hotel on the edge of town. Opened by none other than Christian Louboutin, one of Melides’ many well known seasonal residents. With it’s contemporary Moorish and Indian influences, it casts quite the spell. Injected with splashes of his signature cherry red, the effect is both striking and surprisingly serene.
EAT: BREAKFAST
Panificadora de Santo André - a local bakery in town serving coffee and pastries with a lovely little patio to escape the sun.
Xtian - Hotel Vermehlo’s restaurant serves up an elegant breakfast on their pretty patio.
Or choose from one of several casual local terraces that feature a crowd of villagers enjoying their morning coffee and pastry under parasols.
ENERGIZE
Surf lessons with Ana at Surf Comporta
Rent bikes with Melides by Bike
Kayaking & SUP rentals can also be arranged with Surf Comporta and is an excellent way to discover the Lagoa de Melides, a large lagoon that cuts across the land and flows down to the beach
SNACK
Stop by one of the small mercados in town for snack supplies. Our whole clan couldn’t get enough of the daily snack platters we put together. Tons of sardines, olives, raw cut seasonal veggies, ripe peaches and nectarines, local cured meats, potato chips in flavours we can’t find back home and open gooey cheeses that go great with all the above! Serve with wine and passion fruit soda water for the kids.
PLAY
The beaches are wild and wonderful with golden sand and turquoise waters as far as the eye can see. You can rent chairs and an umbrella for a full or half day.
EAT: LUNCH/DINNER
Xtian - Restaurant within the Vermelho Hotel in the middle of town serves up traditional portugese fare. Their grilled sardines and mackerel are divine alongside a fresh salad, arroz and batatas fritas
O Melidense - Restaurant in the middle of town serving up traditional portugese fare. Their grilled sardines and mackerel are divine served alongside a fresh salad, arroz and batatas fritas.
Blue Melides - owned by a Belgium couple, this colourful beachside establishment is mostly meat-forward (the Alentejo region is known for their many cattle farms). Their frites are not to be missed - be sure to get a side of mayo so you can enjoy them Belgium style. The homemade breaded chicken fingers were a hit with our kids who were, admittedly, a bit seafood-ed out. Best for dinner.
O Fadista - it’s a family affair here in the centre of town where they serve up incredible clams (almeijoas) and garlic prawns.
Tosca Melides - for pizza & beer
FROLIC
Horseback riding - An excellent way to admire the many views of the Alentejo with Passeios a Cavalo Melides
CAFFEINATE
Anywhere you find a terrace and a crowd of villagers - in town or at the beach. Don’t you dare ask for a to-go cup! Grab a table and wile away a few minutes in silence (promise the kids a visit to the nearby playground or beach in exchange for said silence).
INSPIRE
Badoca Safari Park - take a safari in the heart of the Alentejo, 15 minutes from Melides. Interact with Giraffes and lemurs, African rafting, walks through the park and tropical plants, exotic birds, reptiles and more
EAT: DINNER
See above under LUNCH/DINNER
DATE NIGHT
Sundowners at Destilaria Black Pig Alentejo and dinner in town at Hotel Vermehlo restaurant
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