The secrets of Carvalhal in Portugal
Carvalhal is one of the seven villages that make up Herdade da Comporta. It is in the Alentejo region, 10 minutes by car south of Comporta. It is surrounded by splendid rice paddies that change the colours of the landscape according to the seasons – a wonderful sight! The weather is mild year round. This allows you to visit Carvalhal in Portugal during the off-season, when the tourists are absent, and to enjoy the “tranquilidade” of the villages of Comporta. It is a perfect place for a holiday in Portugal.
This small traditional village also has the advantage of lying next to the Sado nature reserve and the beautiful sandy beaches of Carvalhal and Pego. They are renowned for their wild beauty and famous beach restaurants, such as the Sal Restaurante or O’Dinis.
The local community keeps the region alive throughout the year, while in summer it is the destination of an increasing number of foreign visitors. They are attracted by the growing popularity of Comporta and its region. The village of Carvalhal in Portugal has a long main street with one of the most beautiful hotels of the region, as well as antique and home decoration shops and a number of typical cafes and restaurants. The homes of the local residents and tourist accommodation are centred around this street and spread as far as the beaches and the flamboyant rice paddies.
Home rental in Carvalhal
The best solution to take advantage of Carvalhal and its peaceful atmosphere is to rent one of the region’s typical houses. Inspired by the cabins of fishermen, these “casas da Comporta” are built of weathered wood with thatched roofs. They are scattered throughout the countryside, near the rice paddies. These casas are one of the highlights of your stay in Portugal.
Alma de Comporta
Espirito da Comporta offers rentals of traditional Comporta cabins and villas. Located opposite the rice paddies and near the beaches, it is the ideal place to stay in Carvalhal.
The architecture follows the codes of the region’s fishermen’s cabins, decorated in simple and warm style. The services and attentions of the hosts will make your stay unforgettable. Discover here our holiday rentals in Comporta.
Beaches and beach restaurants
Carvalhal Beach / Praia do Carvalhal
This beach is located just at the exit of the village of Carvalhal. It attracts locals and tourists alike. Praia do Carvalhal is bordered by dunes and rice paddies that are home to many species of insects, birds and flowers. Completely integrated in this ecosystem, Carvalhal beach is very pleasant and seems untouched by the passage of time.
It is the place to go for delicious grilled fish, clams and traditional Portuguese dishes. Children can play in the little huts on the sand at the foot of the restaurant.
Sun loungers and beach umbrellas are available for rent throughout the summer. Showers and toilets are also available on site. Do not miss the sunset on this wonderful beach.
Pego Beach / Praia do Pego
Splendid Pego beach stretches over 4 kilometres. This infinite expanse of beach is incredible, offering golden sand, unspoilt vegetation and a surrounding pine forest. You will feel like Robinson Crusoe, lost at the end of the world.
With a bit of luck you may catch sight of the Sado dolphins as they swim by Praia do Pego – a magical moment!
The famous “Sal Restaurante” is the only restaurant on Pego Beach. It is renowned for its grilled fish and refined dishes, exclusive guests and relaxed atmosphere.
Restaurants in the village
Quinta da Comporta Restaurant
The restaurant area of the Quinta da Comporta Hotel enjoys a splendid view of the rice paddies of Carvalhal. Chef Joao Sousa prepares Mediterranean and international cuisine, consisting of fresh, natural and regional produce. Tasty dishes in a beautiful setting!
Rua Alto de Pina, 2 / +351 265 112 390 / info@quintadacomporta.com
Bago Restaurant Bar
The Bago is a typical bar restaurant of Comporta: a simple, casual ambience, with quality seafood and tasty dishes. The cocktails are delicious and refreshing.
Lagoa Travessa 15 / +351 964 243 303
5 Sentidos
This establishment will cater to all your wishes, from breakfast to dinner. You will feel right at home here. The welcome is pleasant and they serve Portuguese and regional dishes.
Av 18 Dezembro 45A / +351 265 497 045
Sal Burger (summer)
The best burgers in Comporta are to be found at Sal Burger. A food-truck is installed in the heart of Carvalhal village, as well as large tables in a ‘flea market’ style. A TV screen is installed on match nights.
R. 18 de Junho, São Pedro da Cova / +351 937 058 514
Activities & shopping
Surfing
Portugal is definitely Europe’s best surfing destination. With a mild climate, the Atlantic Ocean and long wild coasts… The conditions are ideal to ride the waves throughout the year.
The wild coast of Comporta offers magnificent surfing spots that are still rarely visited. There are two schools to accompany you for the practice of this sport:
Surf In Comporta – Carvalhal Beach
Ana and Daniel know perfectly the nearby coasts and the best spots of the region. They have 20 years of surfing experience and have spent over 10 years teaching the sport. This dynamic duo rents all the necessary equipment and offers courses for all ages and all levels. It is an amazing experience to share with your family or among friends.
Praia do Carvalhal / + 351 962 475 961 / surfincomporta@gmail.com
Imagine School – Pego Beach
The Imagine Surf School is a recent surfing school in Carvalhal. The founders wish to share their passion for the land and the sea by offering a more sustainable way to surf and live.
Praia do Pego / +351 927 258 486 / info@imaginesurfschool.com
Relaxation
Spa Oryza offers a selection of therapeutic rituals using natural products, beauty workshops and yoga. It is also equipped with a steam room and a beautiful indoor swimming pool.
Rua Alto de Pina, 2 / +351 265 112 390 / info@quintadacomporta.com
Shopping
In the centre of Carvalhal you will find various quality boutiques that deserve your attention:
Second-hand shops
If you like to take advantage of your holidays and free time to hunt for antiques, here are a few addresses of interest:
Velharias Rua de Alto de Pina
Don’t hesitate to search through this shed full of furniture, piles of tableware, old books and toys. The largest items (tables, benches, carts) are to be found outside on the pavement. It is a place where you can often unearth old glass wine bottles in large sizes and different colours.
Rua de Alto de Pina
Santa Maria Velharias
You will find this boutique in the center of the village. This family business deals in the purchase and sales of antiques, collector’s items and curios.
Avenida 18 de Dezembro, 16
Velharias Júlio Luís Maria
It is a place where families from Lisbon come to hunt for trinkets for their holiday homes or unique gift ideas. The shop built of wooden planks and corrugated iron is located by the side of the road that leads to the beaches. You are sure to find treasures that are waiting to be carried away.
Estrada Nacional, 261
Velharias Sara
This shop is opposite the one owned by Júlio Luís Maria. It is just as enticing. You will find find sets of tableware, small items of furniture and antique objects.
Estrada Nacional, 261
“Home & design” shops
Barracuda
A boutique – showroom that mixes designer objects from the 50s and 60s with local Portuguese creations.
Avenida 18 de Dezembro, 19 / +33 629 927 522
Stork Club
The boutique of designer Jacques Grange and art gallery owner Pierre Passebon offers decorative objects, tableware and magnificent ceramics.
Avenida 18 de Dezembro, 12-14 / +351 265 497 766
Tourist information
The tourism office offers tourist information about the region as well as on accommodation, the visits and the activities available in Carvalhal and its surroundings.
Estrada da Praia / +351 265 490 099 / turismocarvalhal@gmail.com
Comporta experience
Low season in Comporta
We know that Comporta and its surrounding villages are very popular in the summer. Without a doubt it is an excellent destination to spend your vacations with your family or friends. Comporta has an extension of sand and beaches for all tastes and the views are breathtaking. The most well known beaches have parking facilities
Muda, one of the attractions of Comporta
Comporta belongs to the Alentejo and is a village of Portugal that is only 1h15 minutes away from Lisbon. This village, characterised by its blue and white tones and the giant storks’ nests, is sought after by tourists who like to enjoy the silence. With its extensive coastline area, the beaches are diverse: Praia do
The Natural Parks of Portugal
Portugal reveals an exceptional diversity of landscapes between the mountains of the center of the country, an Atlantic facade of more than 800 kilometers and the plains of the south. Thanks to the creation of numerous natural parks and reserves, the country has been able to preserve a varied fauna and flora within protected areas.