Beach of the Week: Pego Beach, Comporta

Our latest beach highlight comes from nearby Portugal. This up-and-coming hot spot has been touted as a secluded and stylish Ibiza-style escape.

BEACH:Pego Beach (or Praia do Pego, as they say locally)

WHERE: Comporta in Portugal, a hidden gem along the Troia peninsula, just over an hour south of Lisbon. Comporta is slowly beginning to garner the exposure it deserves – much to the dismay of its long-standing loyal visitors.

WHY: Pego Beach, much like its neighbouring Comporta coastline, is a beautiful long stretch of beach – but Sal, the buzzy restaurant nestled in the dunes, sets it apart. Comporta, in general, is an unassuming place and has long been a discreet yet chic escape for a-list celebrities (Christian Louboutin and Madonna to name a couple). There’s nothing super fancy about it; it’s a rice-farming village along the Alentejo coast with simple low-rise architecture. But a combination of its stylish inhabitants and the beautiful fertile land it calls home, make it something rather special. Think swathes of straight golden sands and blue surf, set against vibrant green rice paddies, evergreen-trees and pastel-coloured boutiques. There is a quiet buzz that makes you want to go back for more.

HOW: Drive 120km south of Lisbon (which is a lovely start or finish to your trip) and you’ll find yourself in a chic and secluded spot that you’ll find hard to leave.

H2O TONE: Lapis

SAND TONE: Ice-cream cone

STAY: Sublime Comporta. A resort that lives and breathes its surroundings, and is every bit as stylish. From the dappled pine pathway and straw lamps that emulate the stork’s nests in the trees, to the crisp interiors and local linens. We love this place!