Comporta has become one of the most popular vacation destinations in recent years, with visitors flocking from all over Europe and USA to visit this not-so-secret part of Portugal.
Located just an hour south of Lisbon, alongside miles of sandy beaches, it’s an enclave of creative residents, world-class restaurants and unique independent stores with a laid-back and bohemian flair, reminiscent of its more famous European counterparts such as Ibiza and the Greek Islands.
Despite its luxurious, high-end offerings and globe-trotting glamorous visitors, there’s still plenty of fun things to do in Comporta with kids. If you’re heading to the Atlantic Coast with kids this summer, don’t miss these easy, must-visit spots in Comporta to please both parents and children.
A 7-Day Comporta Itinerary
Day 1: Comporta Village
Spend a day exploring this enticing little neighborhood. Check out Gomes luxury groceries, go for brunch at Be Comporta, lust over the insanely gorgeous interiors stores in the main street and head for dinner on the luxurious terrace at Almo. Don’t miss The Culture House indoor summer market, which has artisan craft stalls, gifts, clothes and homewares. Also worth a visit for parents is the Garcias Winery, just a stone’s throw from the village center, where you can stock up on Portugese ‘green’ wines.
Day 2: Comporta Beach
Once you’ve explored the town it’s time to hit the beach! The whole coastline here is pure unadulterated white sands and turquoise waters to rival that of the Caribbean. Comporta Beach is centered around the legendary Comporta Cafe Beach Club, which gives the whole beachfront a buzzing vibe with a background of laid-back beats playing on the sands. My kids loved watching the lobsters in the restaurant tank (sorry lobsters!) and enjoyed tasting some of the restaurant’s iconic sushi dishes.
Day 3: Troia Peninsula
Comporta Beach is busy, but if you head North the sands are empty all the way from Comporta to Troia harbor, at the very tip of the Troia Peninsula. This long stretch of white sand is often deserted so it’s the best place to escape the crowds. The town of Troia (15km north of Comporta) offers boat rides along the coast for dolphin watching, which delighted my kids to no end.
Day 4: Carvalhal
Just 15 minutes’ drive south from Comporta is Carvalhal, another desirable village with a slightly lower-key feel. Grab a burger at Salburger, stock up on groceries at the tiny village supermarket and book a leisurely late lunch at Quinta da Comporta Wellness Resort.
Day 5: Carvalhal Beach
Carvalhal Beach has slightly better waves for surfing (there are surf schools and board hire nearby) and it’s centered around Sal’s beachfront restaurant and the Sublime Beach Club, which is a perfectly located seafront foodie spot but also handy for takeaway afternoon ice-creams and iced lattes.
Day 6: Grândola
If you’re craving a day away from the beach, head inland to the town of Grândola, 20 minutes south-east of Carvalhal, where there is an architectural contemporary library with a cute cafe/coffee shop called Morena (chia pudding for us; chocolate pancakes for kids), as well as a tiny toy shop Botão Colorido to treat the little ones.
Day 7: Melides
Laid-back cafes and even more beach time can be found here in under-the-radar Melides (20 minutes south of Carvalhal) as well as a nearby trip to the Badoca Safari Park. (Read our Postcards from Melides blog for more about this up-and-coming spot.)
Things to Know about Visiting Comporta with Kids
- As with most European countries on the mainland, mealtimes are late. Restaurants tend to be open for only a few hours over lunchtime, and then again from 7pm onwards, so call ahead to check for food service times.
- The beach clubs are busy in summer, so book a table in advance. They’re open all day, so it can be a good option if you need an early dinner for the kids!
- The larger beaches have sun loungers available to hire but they can be expensive. If you’re happy to sit on the sands, it’s free!
- Kids will love the resident storks which seem to nest in nearly every lamppost in the area – a unique and notable spot of wildlife.
- You’ll need a car to get around. Comporta and Carvalhal villages are both walkable, but to get to their respective beaches is not quick on foot and is much easier by bike or by car.
- While the nearest airport is Lisbon (1 hour away) it’s also only just over 2 hours to get to Faro, if you need to fly into the South or want to take a multi-stop trip to the Algarve.
Book Your Family Vacation to Comporta
Find out more about visiting Lisbon with kids for your arrival or departure day, and when you’re ready to book, browse all our family-friendly vacation rentals in Comporta.
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-rua-direita-carvalhal-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-carvalhal-beach-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-rua-dos-cedros-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-avenida-lux-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/comporta/the-rua-das-casas-de-colmo-residence
- https://www.kidandcoe.com/destinations/melides/the-vale-figueira-residence
