Little-known Portuguese holiday spot known as ‘the Hamptons of Europe’ – with huge beach and flamingo spotting
AN area of Portugal has been compared to everything from the Hamptons to Ibiza.
But the tiny village of Comporta isn’t just for the rich and famous though.
Also known as the beach kept secret of Portugal, the beach is the one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe.
It remains quiet with little infrastructure due to the strict protections in place that don’t allow huge hotels or roads to be built alongside it.
While this means you might face a bit of a walk down, it’s worth it for the unspoiled beach.
The name of being the Hamptons of Portugal is due to it’s relationship to Lisbon like the Hamptons are to New York.
Despite the comparison to the Hamptons and Ibiza, the resort remains laid-back, with many surfers lining the waves.
Along with surfers, another popular activity is horse-riding, with guided tours across the beach.
One popular place to book a day trip is Cavalos na Areia riding school, which even Madonna visited.
She isn’t the only famous face to have visited Comporta, with previous A-listers including George Clooney and Monica Bellucci.
And Times editor Katie Bowman said it was her “favourite place on earth” having visited as a summer holiday destination for the last decade.
Animal-lovers can even spot flamingos, if you head to the nearby Sado Estuary Natural Reserve.
And just behind the beach are huge rolling dunes, home to Portugal’s biggest rice paddies.
You can bike through them too, with e-bike rentals.
Comporta is relatively easy to get to, as its just an hour’s drive from Lisbon.
And don’t expect many crowds – there are just 1,500 locals who live there full time.
What is it like to visit Comporta?
Travel writer Lauren Clark recently visited Comporta – here’s what she thought:
“This coastline off the luscious Alentejo region of Portugal has been slowly but surely garnering more attention over the past decade and a half thanks to a string of A-list visitors, who also include Monica Bellucci, George Clooney, Carla Bruni and Christian Louboutin.
“But despite murmurings it is “the new Ibiza”, it is still, for now at least, a peaceful idyll.
“The stylish but laid-back AlmaLusa is the the first and only hotel in the quaint old fishermen’s village of Comporta itself.
“I take in the serene views over its swimming pool and adjacent rice fields while sipping a glass of chilled vinho verde — green wine, which is a Portuguese delicacy — on its rooftop in the 20C April sunshine.
“Around 20 minutes back up the coast, near Comporta village, I find myself tucking into juicy garlic prawns during golden hour at beachside restaurant Ilha do Arroz.”
Just make sure to hire a car as the off-the-beaten-track nature means you won’t see any buses or trains.
And if you want a stay, expect some fancy resorts too.
The village is full of 4-star and 5-star resorts, including the Quinta Da Comporta.
But there are some more affordable stays if you’re happy to stay in the nearby Setubal, with stays for as little as £55 a night.
If you’re looking at visiting other parts of Portugal then we have you covered.
The city of Fafe is known for having pints for just 96p.
And here’s another seaside resort in Portugal that was named one of the best villages to visit.
Don’t want to go too far? Here’s how you can do Lisbon and Porto in one trip.