Around
Discover the quiet beauty of Alentejo, where golden fields meet the Atlantic breeze.
Within a few minutes from Apaulinha, landscapes shift from ancient oak forests to endless sand dunes, from sun-drenched vineyards to the wild Atlantic. This region invites exploration; slowly, intuitively, and through all the senses. Between Comporta’s barefoot chic and Melides’ untouched charm, time expands and beauty unfolds in simplicity. Here, the rhythm slows to match the gentle sway of cork trees and the patient roll of coastal waves.The Alentejo coast is a place where architecture dissolves into landscape, where whitewashed villages rest quietly amongst fields of wheat and wildflowers. This is not a destination to be conquered, but rather one to be felt through morning mist over lagoons, through sand between your toes, through the taste of olive oil pressed from centuries-old groves.
Things to See
Melides Lagoon
A serene lagoon framed by umbrella pines, where morning light dances on still water. Perfect for contemplative walks and sunset reflections that paint the sky in shades of rose and amber.
Praia da Aberta Nova
Untamed beauty and soft dunes stretch endlessly along one of Portugal’s most secret beaches. Wild Atlantic winds sculpt the sand into ever-changing patterns of natural art.
Comporta Village
Whitewashed houses with blue shutters line narrow streets, where boutique stores offer curated treasures and the spirit of slow elegance infuses every corner.
Grândola Hills
Winding trails meander through ancient cork oak forests, ideal for e-biking or scenic drives. The landscape here speaks in whispers of rustling leaves and dappled sunlight.
Santiago do Cacém Castle
Medieval stone walls hold centuries of stories, offering panoramic views over the Alentejo coast where history and horizon merge into one breathtaking vista.
Things to Do
Horse Riding on Melides Beach
Gallop along endless shores where hoofprints disappear with the tide, feeling the Atlantic breeze in your hair and the powerful grace of horses moving through surf and sand.
Wine Tasting at Herdade da Comporta
Sample estate wines crafted from sun- soaked grapes, learning the stories of terroir and tradition that flow from vine to glass in this remarkable corner of Portugal.
Yoga or Sound Sessions Under Cork Trees
Find your centre beneath ancient canopies, where filtered sunlight creates natural mandalas and the forest holds space for deep rest and gentle awakening.
Local Markets in Grândola and Carvalhal
Wander through vibrant stalls offering artisanal cheeses, handwoven textiles, and sun-ripened produce. Each vendor shares generations of knowledge and passion.
Boat Trip on the Sado River
Glide through tranquil waters where playful dolphins leap alongside your vessel, their joy infectious as they dance through their protected marine sanctuary.
Where to Eat
The Alentejo coast nourishes both body and soul through cuisine that honours the land and sea. Each restaurant tells a story of place, where ingredients travel mere metres from soil or water to plate, prepared with reverence and creativity.
Sublime Comporta Restaurant
Contemporary cuisine deeply rooted in local produce, where each dish is a meditation on the flavours of Alentejo. Expect artful presentations that honour tradition whilst embracing innovation.
O Melidense
A hidden gem in Melides serving the day’s catch prepared simply, alongside homemade dishes that taste of grandmother’s kitchen. Authenticity lives here, unadorned and perfect.
Cavalariça
Creative dining inside a lovingly restored stable in Comporta. The space is artful and intimate, where rustic beams meet modern sensibility and every meal feels like a discovery.
Da Comporta Café
Beachfront simplicity for barefoot lunches where sand meets table. Fresh salads, grilled fish, and cold wine served with views of endless blue and the gentle soundtrack of waves.
Taberna da Vila
Traditional Alentejo flavours reinterpreted with love in Grândola. Here, recipes passed down through generations find new expression whilst honouring their humble, delicious origins.
The Region
Apaulinha sits at the heart of a landscape where every direction offers discovery. To the west, the Atlantic beckons with wild beaches and dramatic dunes. To the north and south, charming villages preserve centuries of Alentejo culture. Inland, rolling hills covered in cork oak and olive groves stretch towards distant horizons, whilst lagoons and estuaries create sanctuaries for migratory birds and moments of profound stillness.This is a region best explored without haste, allowing each place to reveal itself in its own time. The roads wind gently, inviting pause at unexpected viewpoints. Villages open their hearts slowly, rewarding those who linger over morning coffee or evening wine. Nature here is both dramatic and intimate vast horizons that humble, yet wildflowers and butterflies that invite you to kneel and observe the intricate beauty at your feet.