comporta

Comporta is a coastal village and civil parish in Portugal, situated on the Alentejo coast at the mouth of the Sado River, in the Setúbal District. It is part of the wider area known for its beaches and marshlands along the estuary and is a popular destination for both residents and visitors.

Geography and landscape: The parish encompasses sandy beaches backed by pine forests and rice fields. The Praia da Comporta is a primary beach destination, with nearby beaches including Carvalhal and dune systems that extend along the coast. The area includes habitats protected by the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve, which protects wetland habitats and migratory birds.

History and development: The locality developed as a traditional fishing village and agricultural area, with rice cultivation historically important in the region. In recent decades it has become a magnet for domestic and international tourists, and development has included the private estate known as Herdade da Comporta, along with associated residential and hospitality projects.

Economy and culture: Tourism, fishing, and agriculture remain central to the local economy. The region is also known for the Carrasqueira Palafites, a fishing village of wooden stilts along the river used by fishermen. Transport connections rely on roads from Lisbon and the A2; there is limited rail service nearby.