Comporta's Development Challenges: BEACH

Between the Troia Peninsula and Sines there are more than 60 kilometres of sand, white sand, calm and transparent sea that make the Alentejo coast one of the most desirable beach destinations in Europe. Its beauty speaks for itself, and since it has been widely reported in the international media, demand for it has become even higher. The Guardian, the Telegraph, the New York Times, Forbes and many other international publications have already spoken about this seaside corner with so much to explore.

Much of this territory is still wild, almost unexplored and allows the more adventurous to seek out idyllic landscapes that almost look like they're straight out of a postcard. It's still possible to feel like you're on a real wild beach, just you and the nature around you. But it's also increasingly possible to be on a concession beach with a host of perks at your disposal, nice sunbeds, beach bars with drinks and delicious food or... just enjoy a nice sunset with good music and lots of socialising!

At the moment, the Alentejo coast is a destination for all tastes, and one that is increasingly sought after. Whether you're looking for a luxurious and exclusive destination or just want to enjoy a pleasant day at the beach. But there's always a but: there are about 70 kilometres between Tróia and Sines and at the moment there are only 13 beach concessions granted, which translates into only 13 beaches available with lifeguards, beach support and easy access.

It's true that much of the territory that makes up the Alentejo coastline is a nature reserve or is part of protected areas, but it's not that much more damaging for this territory that we want to protect and preserve if new wild paths are made on foot or by motorised vehicles to reach isolated areas, far from the crowds, but also far from the comfort and safety of the concession areas. This is one of the points that the local population, second-home owners and visitors to the Alentejo coast are questioning: why not open new beach concessions, new accesses to beaches with conditions for everyone, never jeopardising sustainable development or the exclusivity of this unique corner of Europe?

Much has been speculated on this subject for some years now, especially since the boom in tourist development began. After a long interval in which the main tourist projects remained stagnant, the resumption and development of Vanguard's projects, with DUNAS and TORRE, the new JNCQUOI Comporta, Herdade do Pinheirinho, SPATIA Melides, will bring reserved beach access and concessions not available to the general public.

Therefore, in order for all those who visit the Alentejo coast to have quality access to concession beaches, it is essential and urgent that the competent authorities get together and develop a long-term strategic plan for new beach concessions in the municipalities of the Alentejo coast, more adapted to the increasingly present ecological awareness and protection of the surrounding environment. This will allow preservation to be combined with quality tourism of a high standard.

Dreaming ... on average we have about 6 kilometres between beaches, if it were possible to double that, with the refinement and quality that we have at the Comporta Café, Sal, Sublime Beach Club and JNcQUOI Beach Club as a benchmark, the Alentejo tourist coast would certainly be even more of a world reference!!!