The Hidden Gem on the Alentejo Coastline: Melides Portugal
Why this untouched seaside town is becoming the place to be
Just 130 km south of Lisbon, Melides sits along a stunning stretch of the Alentejo coastline. Here, powerful Atlantic waves crash against rolling vineyards, ancient cork forests, and lush rice fields. Unlike its well-known neighbor, Comporta, Melides, Portugal, still offers an unhurried charm. Its unpolished authenticity is now drawing creatives, visionaries, and travelers looking for a deeper connection to nature and culture.
A High-End and Exclusive Destination
Despite its quiet reputation, Melides is no stranger to global attention. Visionaries like Christian Louboutin have placed the town on the map—his Vermelho Hotel, a design lover’s dream, is just one example of the exciting new projects emerging here. A collaboration with chef David Abreau, his restaurant Xtian celebrates Portuguese flavors with dishes like porco à alentejana (pork with clams) and bacalhau (cod stew), blending tradition with contemporary flair.
But beyond the buzz, Melides Beach remains an escape for those craving space, nature, and a deep connection to the land. As pioneers in discovering unique and hidden destinations, Nomadikas is bringing its transformative retreat experience to Melides—offering an intimate way to explore this soulful, untouched corner of Portugal.
Architecture meets charm in Melides, where the iconic blue houses complement the stunning design of Vermel Hotel.
Explore And Eat
One of Melides’ charms is its small, walkable nature. You can explore the town center in less than 30 minutes, but taking your time reveals much more. Stroll past whitewashed homes with wrought-iron balconies, a historic church, and a lively market filled with fresh, seasonal produce. If you love to cook, the market offers a variety of local ingredients, with seafood being a highlight. Melides is especially known for its fresh sardines and oysters, offering a true taste of Alentejo, Portugal.
For a laid-back dining experience, visit O Melidense, a quirky restaurant with eclectic décor and a menu featuring local specialties. Don’t miss the migas de porco preto, a regional dish made from rustic bread and the famous black Iberian pork. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal or a deeper dive into the region’s culinary heritage, this spot delivers an authentic taste of Alentejo.
The Place to Stay
Tucked away in the heart of the wild Alentejo, the Nomadikas Retreat at Fonte das Perdizes House is a stunning example of modern architecture blending seamlessly with nature. Designed with clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic, the house embraces the rugged beauty of the region, using a natural color palette and local materials to create a harmonious connection to its surroundings. The site was carefully chosen to not only provide commanding views of the landscape but to integrate with it, preserving the ancient oak trees that play a key role in shaping the building’s unique form. The combination of dark gray concrete and warm pinewood creates a striking contrast against the vibrant Alentejo scenery, offering a serene, grounding atmosphere.
This retreat offers the perfect balance of luxury and nature, making it the ideal place to disconnect and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Alentejo.
A Nature Lover’s Paradise: Explore Melides Wild Lagoon
The Melides Lagoon, a protected area of national interest, is a pristine natural wonder stretching from the town center all the way to Melides Beach. This serene haven, surrounded by pine forests, meadows, and rice fields, offers a tranquil escape into nature, making it a must-visit spot for anyone exploring Melides Beach. For bird enthusiasts, the lagoon is a paradise. The waters attract a diverse range of species, including sandpipers, hoopoes, and the common stonechat, all of which can be spotted as they feed in the area. A visit to the bird observatory in the heart of the lagoon offers the perfect opportunity to observe these captivating creatures in their natural habitat.
To get even closer to the beauty of the lagoon, you can join the team at Surf in Comporta, located just nearby. They provide an array of activities like stand-up paddle-boarding, yoga sessions, and kayak rentals, offering an idyllic way to experience the peaceful waters of the lagoon. During your stay at the Nomadikas Retreat in Portugal, you’ll have the chance to explore the Melides Lagoon and its abundant wildlife, connecting with nature in one of Alentejo Portugal’s most tranquil locations.
The fossilised sand cliffs of Arriba Fossil da Gale at Melides Beach
Head to Melides Beach
Arriba Fossil da Gale is a stunning coastal landscape that feels like the edge of the Earth. These ancient fossilized sand cliffs, with their dramatic layers, create a scene straight out of a Hollywood moon landing. Visiting at sunset, you’ll witness the sky and cliffs come alive in vibrant colors. Not far from here, Melides Beach (Praia de Melides) offers a peaceful escape. This long stretch of sand sits between the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, providing a stunning natural backdrop. Its serene atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind.
After a day by the sea, head to Lagoa o Mar for a refreshing spritz. Enjoy it alongside prawn skewers, with your toes in the sand, as the waves lap at the shore. Across the lagoon, Praia da Vigia invites visitors with its soft, powdery sands nestled at the base of steep cliffs. This tranquil beach is an ideal spot to relax, watch paragliders soaring above, and immerse yourself in the calm beauty of the Alentejo coast.
The Cork Forest in Alentejo
Explore Alentejo on Horseback
Luis Lamas, a skilled veterinarian, offers unforgettable horseback adventures through his company, Passeios a Cavalo. With 25 well-trained horses, he guides riders across the wild Alentejo landscapes. Choose from a scenic beachside trot or a ride through the rolling hills of Serra de Grândola. As you ride, your horse’s hooves release the scent of wild herbs along the trail, immersing you in nature. After your ride, unwind with a visit to one of Luis’s local winery friends. Enjoy a refreshing glass of wine and toast to a day spent exploring the stunning Alentejo countryside. It’s the perfect way to cap off your adventure.
Melides Beach and lagoon – where horseback adventures blend with the wild beauty of Alentejo.
Savor the Flavors of Alentejo
Antonio Leitao and Marta Fernandes are true food lovers, passionate about fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Their cooking classes begin with a visit to an organic farm. There, you’ll pick seasonal fruits and vegetables that will later become the stars of your meal. Back in the kitchen, Antonio guides you through turning your harvest into a gourmet dish. Think trout cured in beetroot juice, served on red lentil crackers with lime crème. Once everything is ready, sit back with a glass of Portuguese wine and enjoy your meal under the sun. If you’re heading out for the day, Antonio and Marta can prepare a delicious packed lunch. It’s perfect for a picnic, whether on the road or at the beach.
Discover Local Wines and Flavors
ust a short drive away, the family-run Herdade do Cebolal winery is managed by fourth and fifth-generation vintners, Isabel and Luis. In their cellar, you can sample minimal-intervention wines. These wines are carefully crafted and packaged using sustainable materials like Alentejo cork and estate-sourced beeswax. Luis also prepares regional snacks, including house-made chorizo and fresh goat’s cheese. These are perfectly paired with their wines. Depending on the season, you might join a wine-blending session or take part in local harvest celebrations. Both grapes and chestnuts are celebrated during these events.
Creative Connections in Melides: Where Art Meets Nature
In Melides, Portugal, creativity thrives, and nowhere showcases this better than Melides Art. Founded by Portuguese entrepreneur Miguel Macedo Basto de Carvalho, this visionary space blends art, design, and community. It functions as a gallery, studio, and boutique hotel, offering a unique environment for artistic exchange. Carvalho, an avid art collector, envisioned Melides Art as a gathering place for painters, sculptors, writers, musicians, and designers to connect and find inspiration in the stunning surroundings. The residency homes themselves are architectural masterpieces, set within a vast 270-hectare pine forest.
Scattered throughout the landscape, visitors will find striking works from Carvalho’s collection, including surreal marble sculptures by Swiss artist Olaf Breuning, a life-sized circus bear by American artist Marnie Weber, and the playful Colourful Monsters by Robert Melee. Guests can explore this creative haven during a monthly open day or book a stay in one of the design-driven bungalows, fully immersed in both art and nature.
Sculptures from Robert Melee at Melides Art Park.