Step back to the 1970s vibe of Saint-Tropez, Ibiza, and Mykonos. Comporta became a haven for 'gypsetteurs'—that perfect mix of gypsy and jet-setter—rivaling the Hamptons and Tangier. Stock up on sardines or caviar at Gomes (Rua do Comércio 2), the go-to convenience store. Next door, savor coffee, fresh juice, and pastéis de nata at The Eucalyptus, with its unpretentious plastic tables echoing Saint-Tropez's Sénéquier. For lunch, dig your toes in the sand at chic Sal on Pego beach for grilled fish with sal (Portuguese for salt), or keep it simple at O Dinis hut on Carvalhal beach. Cap the day with aperitifs at Colmo bar (Largo de São João 3) in Comporta village—lounge on cushioned benches as the sun sets over stork-filled rice fields.
Thatched-roof boutiques rival the Riviera's best. Manumaya (Largo de São João 8) brings Guatemalan treasures like sought-after bedspreads. Babouchette concept store (Becos da Comporta 2), founded by a French expat, stocks hippie-chic jewelry from a Cascais designer, sandals, and Balinese saris. Pick up local wines at the shop next door, run by kiosk owner Daniel Valentim's son (the estate closes weekends). Don't miss the pharmacy for must-have mosquito repellent!
- Fly Paris-Lisbon with Aigle Azur.
- Rent a car; head due south to Comporta in 1h15 via ferry from Setúbal.
- Stay in Tróia as backup—a seaside resort near hotels of all categories.
More info at visitportugal.com/en.
