In recent decades, Portugal's coastline has been thoroughly explored by tourists and investors. From the Algarve to Comporta, few spots remain off the media radar. Yet, VisitPortugal highlights a little-known beach near Lisbon, where anonymity is still possible and nature thrives.
As the day ends, the sunlight reveals a coastal landscape largely untouched over the years, showcasing preserved natural elements. It's here that some international public figures choose to stay, away from the usual tourist trails and media spotlight.
Visited by members of the royal family
According to The Times, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have visited this area, described as one of the few tranquil bathing spots in Western Europe.
The location in question is Melides, a parish in the Grândola municipality, known for combining beach and lagoon in a single landscape.
Lagoon and ocean side by side
Melides beach stretches along a dune belt separating the Atlantic Ocean from the lagoon of the same name, covering about 26 hectares. While the sea presents stronger waves and currents, the lagoon offers calm and shallower waters, popular among bathers and birdwatchers.
Preferred destination for big names
Business Insider reports that the area has attracted figures like designer Christian Louboutin, Princess Eugenie, artist Anselm Kiefer, and architect Vincent Van Duysen. Louboutin also owns the boutique hotel Vermelho Melides, enhancing the region's status as a niche destination.
Ancient stories and a sustainable future
Historically, Melides lagoon served as a natural port, though tidal changes have since closed its connection to the sea. Some accounts suggest Fernão Mendes Pinto may have shipwrecked here after an alleged attack by French corsairs, though the story remains uncertain. Recent years have seen cleanup efforts, including by the Brigada do Mar, removing waste from the coastline.
Light infrastructure and natural charm
Access to the beach is via a local road, with walkways over the dunes. Facilities include parking, lifeguards, a bar, and a restaurant. The area boasts a Blue Flag, certifying its environmental and bathing conditions, and a nearby campsite with limited capacity.
Resistance to mass tourism
Melides has pursued a small-scale tourism growth strategy, avoiding the rapid urbanization seen in other coastal regions.
A destination not yet lost
VisitPortugal describes it as a destination with preserved natural features, combining tranquility, ecological diversity, and cultural interest. The dune landscape, distinct habitats, and historical heritage make Melides a growing point of interest, still far from mass tourism.
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