Portugal’s Most Hidden Hidden Gem: Arrábida National Park
For centuries, Arrábida, a remote natural park and wine region just 50 miles from Comporta, has served as an aristocratic escape for everyone from Queen Maria II of Portugal to Jacqueline Kennedy.
Not just anyone can drive into the park, so you’ll need a special permit during the summer months.
How to get to Comporta from Lisbon?
By Car
1. The first is to go via Vasco da Gama Bridge, Setúbal, Alcácer do Sal and then Comporta. This very pleasant road takes you along the Sado estuary. We recommend you stop in the charming village of Alcácer do Sal, which gracefully stretches along the right bank of the river. A stroll along the wharves and narrow streets and up the stairs that lead to the castle is a charming experience.
2. The second way to get to Comporta from Lisbon is by highway. The trip takes about 1h15m and you must take the A2 or A12. The difference is that you don’t turn in Setubal, but go straight on until the exit in Alcácer do Sal or Grândola. Both are cities in the Alentejo region.
Take the ferry for a magical start to your holiday
The other option is to drive to Setúbal and then take the ferry for Tróia with your vehicle. The 25-minute crossing is magnificent. When you smell the pines and the Atlantic breeze from the deck, you will know that your holiday has begun… And if you keep your eyes open and are lucky, you might even see dolphins! From Tróia, it is just a 15-minute drive to reach Comporta to enjoy a glass of white sangria on its huge white sandy beach.
Where to stay:
QUINTA DA COMPORTA
R. de Alto de Pina 2, 7570-779, Portugal
HOTEL CASA PALMELA
Quinta do Esteval, N10 km 33.5, 2900-725 Setúbal, Portugal
Best Tour & Experiences
Once Upon a Day
Where to Eat
FAROL
R. do Portinho da Arrábida, 2925-378 São Lourenço, Portugal
A seafood restaurant with views of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, has served patrons simple bites of buttery clams and piping-hot pots of shrimp and rice for over 35 years.
A VELA BRANCA
Parque Urbano de Albarquel, EN 10-4, 2900-633 Setúbal, Portugal
A traditional Portuguese restaurant known for its Belmar sardines, shrimp risotto and grilled black pork
MERCADO DO LIVRAMENTO
Av. Luísa Todi 163, 2900-462 Setúbal, Portugal
A market that's been serving Arrábida for more than 145 years.
Sintra
Must See in Sintra
Downtown Sintra
2710-590 Sintra, Portugal
If you arrive in Sintra early in the morning the first thing you should do is treat yourself to a walking tour of the old centre.
Castelo dos Mauros
Palacio Monserrate
National Palace of Peña
Azenhas do Mar
R. Dr. António Brandão de Vasconcelos 40, 2705-098 Colares, Portugal
Quinta da Regaleira
R. Barbosa du Bocage 5, 2710-567 Sintra, Portugal
The romantic palace was designed by Italian architect Luigi Manini in the late 19th century, with a garden resplendent with lakes, fountains, grottoes and follies – and both the house and garden are full of mystic symbology.
Cabo da Roca
Estrada do Cabo da Roca s/n, 2705-001 Colares, Portugal
It feels like you’re standing at the edge of the world at this remote and rugged headland in Sintra – so it’s no surprise that Cabo da Roca was believed to be the edge of the world up until the 14th century. The cape marks the westernmost point of Portugal, and features a notable lighthouse that dates back to 1842.
Praia da Ursa
PARQUE NATURAL DE SINTRA-CASCAIS, 2705 Colares, Portugal
Where to eat in Sintra
Casa Piriquita
R. Padarias 1, 2710-603 Sintra, Portugal
Romaria de Baco
Centro Historico, R. Gil Vicente 2, 2710-568 Sintra, Portugal
Tascantiga
Escadinhas da Fonte da Pipa 2, 2710-557 Sintra, Portugal
Nau Palatina
Calçada de São Pedro 18, 2710-501 Sintra, Portugal
CAISCAS
3 Reasons to Go:
Sandy beaches with a Mediterranean atmosphere on the Atlantic
Surfing on Europe’s westernmost coast
A resort town just minutes from the urban attractions of a European capital
By Train from Lisbon:
Trains from Lisbon to Cascais depart every 20 minutes from Cais do Sodré Station, in the center of the capital. It’s a scenic 40-minute ride along the river and then the sea, but you’ll need some patience before you hop on board: it’s not unusual for the waiting times by the ticket counter and machines to be as much as 20 to 30 minutes.
By car from Lisbon Airport:
The international airport is 36km (22 miles) from Cascais.
ONE DAY IN CASCAIS
Start in Praia da Conceição, which is the closest beach to the train station. You’ll surely find the perfect spot at some point, at one of the other five beaches along the promenade. In fact, it’s recommended that you go all the way to the end of the promenade, to Praia da Azarujinha, and decide which is the best beach for you.
Back in Cascais, west of the train station and Praia da Conceição, is the pretty little beach of Rainha, and the attractive pedestrian streets of the center of Cascais, with lots of places to eat, drink, and shop. The cultural attractions start here, with the different museums of the Museum Quarter, the citadel, and the mansions facing the sea all the way to the rocks and caves of Boca do Inferno.
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