The most beautiful beaches in Comporta, Portugal

It's one of the best-kept secrets on the Alentejo coast. Few people know how to get there. Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, just an hour's drive from Lisbon, the beaches of Comporta offer an unspoilt setting, discreet elegance and an atmosphere of freedom that is truly unique.
Whichever beach you choose, there are no buildings or artificial features to mar the landscape. Only a few trendy cafés and fashionable restaurants interfere with the sound of the waves, without ever detracting from the authenticity of the place. All Comporta's beaches have been awarded the Quality, Blue Flag and Accessible Beach labels, which distinguish beaches equipped to welcome people with reduced mobility. Water temperature in summer: 20°. Admittedly a little cool, but the setting is idyllic.

Comporta Beach (Praia do Comporta)

Situated on the edge of the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, Comporta Beach is one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Surrounded by dunes and lush green rice paddies, this long stretch of unspoilt white sand is renowned for its wild landscape and tranquillity. The colour of the sea is magnificent. The famous Sado dolphins can be seen in the distance.

Comporta beach is supervised in summer. It is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. The Comporta Café restaurant serves simple, homemade Portuguese dishes. Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire in summer. Shower facilities are also available.

• Access to the beach: Comporta beach is located at the entrance to the village of Comporta, on the road leading to the Troia peninsula. There is a large shaded car park, but you need to get there early.

Carvalhal Beach (Praia do Carvalhal)

The beach is located just outside the village of Carvalhal. It is frequented by locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere is very family-friendly. This beautiful stretch of white sand wraps around the turquoise sea, providing an idyllic setting for swimming and soaking up the sun. There are great waves, and surfing and bodyboarding can be practised with the "Surf in Comporta" school.

Swimming is supervised and the beach is accessible to people with reduced mobility. Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire. Showers and toilets are also available on site. The Sal Restaurant, Comporta's trendiest beach restaurant, serves top-quality seafood dishes.

• Getting to the beach: coming from Grandola, Melides, Troia or Alcacer do Sal, take the N261 and head towards the village of Carvalhal. The beach is signposted. There is a secure, shaded car park 200 metres from the beach.

Pego Beach (Praia do Pego)

To the south of Praia do Carvalhal, Pego beach is the haunt of the jet-set, as well as anglers. Considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe, it stretches for more than four kilometres. The turquoise blue of the ocean and the white sand dunes provide a striking contrast to the deep green of the pine forest.

Pego beach is supervised in summer. It is also accessible to people with reduced mobility. The JNcQUOI Beach Club restaurant serves excellent fresh local fish and seafood. Sun loungers and parasols are available for hire throughout the summer.

• Access to the beach: head south from the village of Carvalhal (N261). There is a secure, shaded car park 250 m from the beach.