Casa AHA!

Walk to the Beach at Pego

Like the “gotcha!” its name implies, this beach house for eight offers "step-out-and-grab-it" access to the big waves splashing the sands at Pego and Carvalhal beaches, two of the Comporta region’s finest. A true coastal getaway, the contemporary bungalow is breezy and open, built in the local vernacular, raw and simple, with thatched roofing and straw-clad exteriors, and sandy, beach-like lots that invite barefoot, boardwalk living.

The villa’s interiors are sleek and bright, its four bedrooms featuring ensuite baths crafted of marble, their overhead timbers softly whitewashed, and the furnishings polished and relaxed. The villa’s kitchen, living area and TV room are set on cedarwood flooring with seaside-inspired, easygoing furnishings and artful accents. Outside the kitchen, there’s a shaded dining area with a barbecue and a fireplace for an added cozy touch on cooler days. The pool is surrounded by sunbeds and umbrellas,and there’s a cushioned lounging island for relaxing in the sun.

Around

Located walking distance from both Pego and Carvalhal Beaches, the property is a coastal gem, within earshot of the Atlantic’s crashing waves and an easy stroll to local beach bars and restaurants along the water. The town of Carvalhal is a three-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride from the house, and the town offers ample services and a handful of local restaurants, cafes, and shops. Comporta and Melides are easily reached as well, both buzzier destinations with galleries, designer boutiques, and fancier restaurants and nightlife.

Carvalhal’s beaches are freer and easier than those at Comporta or Melides, with fewer visitors. The small town is one of seven in the the Herdade de Comporta, a zone of rice paddies and the wetlands of the Sado Nature Reserve. Pego Beach is a remote-feeling, four-kilometer stretch of golden sand surrounded by a pine forest. A destination restaurant for those in the know is located on Pego, Sal Restaurant, a family-run domain of grilled fish and freshly caught seafood. Dolphins jump in the waters offshore, and the waves make the entire region a surfing hotspot for pros and beginners alike, well-served by surf schools and local guiding companies.

Carvalhal Beach is situated at the end of the village’s main street. Dune-backed and flanked by rice paddies, the family-friendly beach also has a well-loved traditional waterfront restaurant, and there are beach loungers and umbrellas available for a fee.

Location

Carvalhal, Comporta, Alentejo, Portugal. Nearest airport: Lisbon (1.25 to 1.5 hours)

Best time to visit

April to November