アルカセル・ドゥ・サルの天然記念物・トップ12

Carrasqueira is probably the most traditional of the small villages in Comporta. It is located 1:15 from Lisbon, on the banks of the mouth of the Sado River, opposite Setùbal. It is famous for its port on stilts, with old wooden mooring lines for the local fishing boats. Carrasqueira in Comporta also houses original fishing huts. Carrasqueira’s farmlands and estuary have been exploited by migrant workers who have settled in the traditional fishermen’s huts over the years. They have been preserved and used in this way for decades. They are also known as “Comporta cabanas” and are the inspiration for more recent constructions in the region that combine wood, traditional masonry and thatched roofs. These fishing huts are now protected and are part of Comporta’s historical heritage. The village of Carrasqueira has a large main street where most commercial activities are located. This includes restaurants, bars, cafes and some small general stores and supermarkets.

The Vale de Gaio Dam (formerly Trigo de Morais) is a small paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in general. On its banks, you can find the peace and quiet that characterizes the Alentejo as an excellent eco-tourism destination. Fishing, canoeing, birdwatching or simply walking are obvious and viable options for those who visit us. There is also a guesthouse and picnic areas. Nearby, many rural tourism establishments await your visit. Although it is located in the District of Setubal, Municipality of Alcácer do Sal and Parish of Torrão, this is a gateway to the Central Alentejo, allowing you to easily reach the small whitewashed towns and villages and the golden plains of our Alentejo.

The Carrasqueira Comporta Palafítico Pier is a place known for being an architectural masterpiece and promises to be an excellent choice for any season of the year. This piece was built between the 50s and 60s, with irregular wooden stakes, fragile in appearance. Today it is intended to serve as a pier for fishing boats that dock there, and has a few hundred meters where you can walk. The Palafítico Pier is one of the most visited places in the municipality because it allows you to see the boats up close and some birds from the Sado Estuary area, all while walking around the site. If you like, you can also watch the sunset from this pier.

There are small wooden piers that lead into the lagoon. The fishermen have their boats moored on the piers. It has a certain charm both at low tide and at high tide.

The hiking trail along the Troy Caldera is relaxing and you can observe numerous water birds. Surrounded by dunes, the Troia Caldera reveals a huge salt marsh area at low tide.

Very few cars (but those are mostly speeding !! so be careful). The first bit of the road has a new tarmac, which is great but overall the road has very good pavement. It's mostly flat and there are only a few small towns - bring water and snacks. We parked our car in Grândola where there is plenty of free parking. You can stock up at Aldi or Lidl and hit the road. I recommend doing this trip during the cooler months as you will not find a lot of shade whilst riding there.

A good road with moderate traffic leads through the nature reserve.

Narrow headland