Pedro DominguesTroia Peninsula, nestled in the district of Setúbal, is a tranquil sanctuary of natural beauty. Its expansive, fine-golden beaches are met by an intense blue sea, creating a captivating scene that stretches to the horizon. While the peninsula boasts luxurious resorts, the beaches remain accessible to all, allowing everyone to savor the allure of the stunning Arrábida Mountain Range in the distance.
Venture to Comporta and Melides, where even more secluded charm awaits, perfect for those seeking serenity and a close connection with nature. The local lagoons serve as peaceful havens for wildlife, attracting hikers and birdwatchers alike.
Choosing among Troia, Comporta, and Melides beaches might prove challenging, but rest assured, each one guarantees unforgettable moments of relaxation and leisure. Set sail on a boat trip to witness the playful bottlenose dolphins of Sado estuary or explore the boundless Alentejo coast on horseback. An array of unforgettable experiences awaits, regardless of your destination.
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Accommodation tips to visit the best beaches in Tróia, Comporta and Melides
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Ponte Pedra | 9.3 | Melides |
| Montum Farm Living | 9.1 | Melides |
| Quinta do Pinheiro | 8.7 | Melides |
| Ying Yang Monte da Lua | 9.7 | Comporta |
| Spatia Comporta | 9.2 | Comporta |
| Troia Design Hotel | 9.0 | Tróia |
| Pestana Troia | 8.1 | Tróia |
| Verde e Mar | 8.4 | Comporta |
| AlmaLusa Comporta | 8.5 | Comporta |
| Sublime Comporta | 9.3 | Comporta |
What are the best beaches in Tróia, Comporta, and Melides?
This article lists the 14 premier beaches in Tróia, Comporta, and Melides. Additionally, I’ll introduce you to two bonus beaches on the coast of Setúbal, both situated across the Sado River.
Remember, there are two main ways to reach Tróia peninsula: 1 - By ferry from Setúbal, which also offers car transport. Learn more here. 2 - By car, via Alcácer do Sal, accessible through the A2 highway.
Map with the best beaches in Tróia, Comporta and Melides
Best Beaches in Tróia
In total, I have five recommendations for the best beaches in Tróia.
- Tróia Beaches – Sea, River, and Bico das Lulas. They are located in the bustling area of Tróia peninsula, close to main luxury accommodations. They’re easily accessible from Setúbal, as the ferry boat docks right at Tróia marina and wooden walkways lead you to the sandy beaches. Sheltered by Arrábida Mountains and Cabo Espichel, these beaches offer calm waters and stunning views across Sado River.
- Tróia Galé Beach, also known as Questa Beach, offers a more secluded experience due to its distance from the ferry… and people accessing by boat. To enjoy this beach, you should consider having a car.
- Atlantic Beach in Tróia. It is known for its clear blue waters and is located near the Soltroia Tourist Complex. Access is through wooden walkways from the paid parking areas. Among the best beaches in Tróia, this is my favorite.
1. Tróia Beaches – Sea, River, Bico das Lulas and Galé
2. Atlantic Beach in Tróia
Best Beaches in Comporta
Moving on to the best beaches in Comporta, I have three more suggestions for you:
- Comporta Beach itself, well-known for horseback rides along the shore. This location is becoming a favorite among Alentejo Coast visitors, situated at the southernmost point of Tróia peninsula and on the boundary of Sado Estuary Natural Reserve. It’s an ideal spot for those who prefer a calm sea but with small waves, and for kite surfing enthusiasts. In the surrounding areas, you’ll find vast rice fields which offer ample opportunities to observe a variety of seabirds.
- Carvalhal and Pego Beaches, situated near each other. They are very similar to Comporta Beach.
1. Comporta Beach
2. Carvalhal and Pego Beaches
Best Beaches in Melides
As for the best beaches in Melides, I have 7 more recommendations for you:
- Gale Beach (Fontainhas), which is entirely different from the previously mentioned and remaining beaches in this article. In Portugal, I only know of one other similar to this one: Falésia Beach, in Albufeira (Algarve). It’s a stunning beach that can be reached through Fontaínhas Camping Park, with access completely free of charge, although it’s necessary to cross the park on foot from the parking lot outside.
- Pinheirinho Beach, which is actually located before the previous one, when you’re heading south from Comporta. It marks the beginning of the fossil cliff of Gale Beach (Fontainhas) and the end of the dune beaches of Comporta and Carvalhal.
- Aberta Nova Beach, one of the most untouched and authentic on this list. It has a support bar and surveillance during the bathing season, but nothing more. The sea starts to have stronger undulations here.
- Melides Beach, another icon of the Alentejo Coast. It’s a stunning stretch of sand that serves as a natural barrier between Melides lagoon and the vast Atlantic Ocean. Here, you also have the opportunity to embark on memorable beach horseback rides or indulge in birdwatching at the tranquil lagoon. For a deeper local culture experience, visit the center of the village of Melides. There, you’ll find fascinating pottery displayed in the village’s museum.
- Santo André Beach, already in the municipality of Santiago do Cacém, but not far from Melides. Here you can enjoy a beach with a more agitated sea facing the ocean, and another one with more peaceful waters facing the lagoon. Santo André Lagoon is classified as a Special Protection Area, with incredible biological biodiversity.
- Monte Velho Beach, also referred to as Porto das Carretas Beach. It stands out for its wide sandy area and the walking routes of Poços dos Caniços and Barbarroxa, which offer an intimate experience with the region’s wetlands and its lagoons. These trails are a perfect invitation for marine bird watching enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to explore the local rich biodiversity.
- And finally, the charming Fonte do Cortiço Beach! In the vicinity, an unforgettable adventure awaits you at Badoca Safari Park, one of the main tourist attractions of Alentejo Coast. At Badoca, it feels like a genuine trip to Africa without leaving Portugal. This park offers a unique experience of a safari-style train ride and charms with bird and reptile shows, even offering an area dedicated to rafting practice.
1. Pinheirinho Beach
2. Galé Beach – Fontaínhas
Note: At the camping park's entrance, you'll need to leave some form of identification with your name on it. However, remember that access to the beach is free! The fossil cliff displays formations approximately 5 million years old.
3. Aberta Nova Beach
4. Melides Beach
5. Santo André Beach
6. Monte Velho Beach
7. Fonte do Cortiço Beach
Extra Beaches
The two additional beaches that I’m mentioning are located on the opposite side of Sado River, in Setúbal. As I’ve previously stated, you can cross over to the other side in a car using the ferries that connect Tróia and the city of Setúbal. These are two breathtaking beaches, backed by the Arrábida mountains. Their distinction from the previously mentioned ones lies in their smaller, more exclusive sandy stretches, as they’re compact coves nestled among the range’s cliffs. From here, you can enjoy spectacular views to Tróia Peninsula.
- Albarquel Beach is just a stone’s throw away from the city of Setúbal. Please note that the road descending to the beach might be closed during bathing season due to fire risks, requiring you to descend by foot. Just like all other beaches in Setúbal, it features a vast pool of icy water!
- And Figueirinha Beach. Although a little further from the city, it is also easily accessible by car. It’s a fantastic spot for children.
1. Albarquel Beach
2. Figueirinha Beach
Secure a Car Rental and Travel Insurance
A car is indispensable for exploring the best beaches in Tróia, Comporta and Melides. If you don’t own a vehicle, I suggest renting one via Discover Cars, a platform that enables you to compare prices easily.
Similarly, it’s prudent to obtain travel insurance for your trip. To be protected against several types of travel hazards, I also recommend that you take out travel insurance for your stay in Portugal, and I recommend you to do it with World Nomads.
More of Central Portugal and Alentejo
A fantastic next beach trip could be to head further south until you reach Sines, then explore the Vicentine Coast all the way to Lagos. Make sure to check out the links below, one of them refers to the Vicentine Coast. Have a great vacation in Portugal!
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