Portuguese coastline: the new "European Hamptons"

Source Image: Ekonomista News

It is called: barefoot luxury tourism and has gained more and more popularity among the international crowd. 

Portugal is in the spotlight of international travelers as Porto, Lisbon, and Algarve continuously fascinate more spectators in each city. As the popularity of these cities keeps growing each year, there is a new focus on the map for the Portuguese Coastline, already considered the “European Hamptons”.

As proof of its fashionable status, Portugal's southern-west coastline is the new favorite destination of new trendy 'holidaymakers' and iconic celebrities such as Madonna, Carla Bruni, and Nicolas Sarkozy. And, here’s what makes it so attractive and charismatic for those o looking for a chic and exquisite summer getaway.

Comporta and Costa Vicentina: a hidden Paradise

Here is proof of why this might be the next prestigious touristic gem in the market.

Comporta Beach | Source: Cool Explorers Portugal

Just an hour from Lisbon’s airport, the Comporta Village – in the Alcácer district, at the bottom of the peninsula – is a small town, famously known to be a part of a wider, natural, and untouched reserve. Its beaches have made their way to the top of the 50 World’s Best Beaches list, due to the magnificent 12km coastline of fine yellow sand, the perfect haven for suffers, windsurfers, and horse-riders. Stretching along the beachside, there are traditional restaurants, where travelers can taste freshly caught seafood and enjoy delightful international wines.

Much of the region is a Natural Reserve

In just a 30-minute car ride south, there’s a historical village recognized to be Vasco da Gama’s hometown, known for its undiscovered secret beaches and marvelous Natural Reserve.

Vila Nova de Santo André, Santiago do Cacém | Source: O Setubalense

Santo André, in Santiago do Cacém, is exceptionally versatile in combining the best of both worlds. Besides this picturesque village has an extravagant style of Baroque and Rococo, where travelers can adventure through the Roman ruins, or stand on top of the walls of a sky-scraping medieval castle - There is natural beauty all around!

Just in a 20-minute walk, hiding in Santo André’s “backyard”, there’s an unfettered 15km-wide massive lagoon.

Santo André Lagoon | Source: Viagens à Solta

Walled from the Atlantic Ocean with golden dunes, Santo André Lagoons and Shancha Nature Reserve are dreamy environments for standing-up paddle boards and walk lovers. A nature gem filled with marshes, willow trees, rushees, and more than 200 species of wildlife.

Why go there?

It is all about barefoot luxury tourism! Alongside the coast, there are several up-market luxury hotels in a modern and welcoming environment. The natural ambiance offers an experience of pure relaxation, with overlooking views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Ocean View - Santo André, Santiago do Cacém

It is in Santiago do Cacém, alongside the coast of Santo André beach, that the new Mercan Properties project is expected to open in the second half of 2024. This 4-star hotel development, located 300 meters from the beach, results from rehabilitating an existing building and has a gross construction area of around 2600 m2. With 44 rooms and high-comfort suites with stunning views over the Atlantic, travelers can also enjoy a rooftop pool, a gymnasium, a restaurant, and a bar, to experience the perfect golden-hour sunset!