English
Español
Português
Coastal Jewels
Latest Posts
In the charming villages of Comporta and Melides, a blend of bucolic tranquility emanates from rice plantations, fishermen's huts, and the presence of storks' nests. This idyllic backdrop coexists in harmony with upscale boutiques, gourmet restaurants, luxury condominiums and 5-star hotels. The awe-inspiring views of the sun gracefully setting over the ocean, the pine trees and the dolphins passing by transform any retreat to these villages into a personalized journey to a Portuguese paradise — here, we present five must-go places:
About 12 years ago, renomated French shoe designer Christian Louboutin fell in love with Melides, located in the Alentejo coast. He then decided to renovate a fisherman's hut, a place where he would go back every year, in June, to design his Winter collection. Little by little, a desire to create a “secret escape in one of the most beautiful villages” in Portugal started to grow on him. In 2023, Hotel Vermelho was launched.
With only 13 rooms, the exclusive hotel has the mission to “celebrate the traditions and savoir-faire of the Iberian Peninsula.” Guests will immediately recognize the “audacious spirit” of Louboutin in every corner, because of the “juxtaposition of styles, materials and colors”, including tiles from the city of Azeitão, pieces created by Portuguese and Spanish artisans, as well as the contribution of some of his talented friends from Europe, including Portuguese architect Madalena Caiado and Italian sculptor Giuseppe Ducrot.
PRAIA DA GALÉ
Melides is home to one of the most breathtaking landscapes along the Alentejo coast and arguably one of Portugal's best. The fossil cliffs, standing steadfast for approximately 5 million years, offer a mesmerizing view to witness the sun gracefully setting over the vast ocean — a view destined to linger in your memories. The beach is accessible via wooden stairs leading down to the beach (brace yourself for the climb back!),and it is worth keeping an eye on a luxury residential project that is being developed next to Galé beach.
Lisbon's most exclusive dining destination expanded its prestige to the shores with the launch of JNcQUOI Beach Club in the summer of 2023 at Praia do Pego (Carvalhal/Comporta). Crafted by the esteemed Belgian architect Vincent Van Duysen, this beach club nestles "between white sand dunes, green pine forests, and the blue ocean." Authenticity is a priority here, and the restaurant menu presents a vast array of fresh fish and seafood delicacies, such as Pink Prawns Carpaccio, Ceviche featuring the catch of the day, several types of Paella and they even offer a Lobster Hot Dog with Truffled Mayonnaise.
Open year-round, customers of the upscale establishment can enjoy the sunbeds area while sipping one of JNcQUOI´s signature cocktails, adding an extra layer of sophistication to a memorable experience.
One of the highlights of a visit to Comporta is the chance to indulge in a unique shopping experience. At the heart of the village, you will find a dozen of the most charming stores of the Alentejo Coast. One of them is Ambiantia, which seamlessly combines the refined aspects of an interior design studio with the appeal of a curated store. Here, you can explore an elegant selection of “design, lifestyle and home products made in Portugal and across Europe”, with a wide array of items, ranging from furniture and barware to decoration pieces, fabrics and home fragrances.
Ambiantia proudly features renowned brands such as Mariaflora, Missoni, Rizzoli New York, and Floris London. Ambiantia is actually the only store in Portugal where you can buy the fragrances from the prestigious British brand, which was created more than 300 years ago and has members of the Royal Family among its customers. For sure, this is a must-visit stop for shoppers with excellent taste.
Indulging in a chilled glass of champagne on a sunlit day in Comporta is always a great choice, and at Gomes Espumantaria & Jardim, this experience reaches new heights. Here, the spotlight shines on sparkling wines and champagne, side by side with caviar, hardcover art books, and fresh flowers. The Gomes family, who run businesses in the village for over a century, extends their hospitality beyond the Espumantaria, where locals are already familiar with their bakery's fresh breads and their gourmet grocery shop. Open for both brunch and lunch, Gomes Espumantaria & Jardim is one of the favorite spots of sophisticated international visitors in Comporta.