Nestled between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Sado Estuary, Comporta is a beautiful Portuguese village at the base of the Troia Peninsula. It’s renowned for its traditional handicrafts, magnificent beaches and cultivated rice fields where grey herons and storks can be seen.
Things to do in Comporta
Stretching along the length of the town is Praia da Comporta, a wide, sandy beach backed by dunes and a beautiful pine forest. It’s a popular setting for swimming in the summer months and kite surfing when the conditions are right. Alternatively, kick back on a bean bag beneath one of the thatched umbrellas. Once you’ve built up an appetite, there are a handful of restaurants and bars where you can refuel.
Comporta makes an ideal base for exploring the Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, a sprawling wetland that provides a habitat for dolphins, otters and black bats. More than 250 bird species have been spotted in its waterways, with boat cruises one of the most popular ways of getting around. Bicycles can also be rented for exploring its marshes and rice paddies at your leisure.
At the northern tip of the Troia Peninsula is Praia da Costa da Gale, where calm waters are ideal for swimming. Backing the beach are the greens of Troia Golf, a Robert Trent Jones-designed course that is considered one of the most challenging in Portugal. Also nearby are the ruins of the Roman port city of Cetobriga, which are now preserved as an archaeological site.
Getting around Comporta
Comporta is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Lisbon and Humberto Delgado Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Comporta and exploring the Troia Peninsula. Regular ferries connect from Setubal to the Troia Peninsula.