Is São Martinho do Porto good for a family beach holiday?
Yes, São Martinho do Porto is widely considered one of the best and safest beach destinations in Portugal for families with children. Its unique shell-shaped bay protects the beach from the strong Atlantic waves, resulting in very calm and shallow waters ideal for kids to swim and play safely. The town itself has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, especially popular with Portuguese families.
Can you swim comfortably in São Martinho do Porto? Is the water warm?
Yes, you can swim comfortably and safely in the main bay of São Martinho do Porto due to its exceptionally calm waters, protected from the Atlantic swell. However, like most of Portugal's Atlantic coast, the water temperature is quite cool, typically averaging around 16-18°C (61-64°F) even in summer, occasionally reaching 20°C (68°F) on warmer days later in the season. It's refreshing rather than warm, and not suitable for prolonged swimming for those sensitive to cold.
How does São Martinho do Porto compare to Nazaré for beaches?
São Martinho do Porto and Nazaré offer very different beach experiences. São Martinho do Porto is famous for its calm, sheltered bay, making it ideal for safe swimming and family relaxation. Nazaré, while having a main town beach, is world-renowned for its powerful waves (especially at Praia do Norte), attracting surfers and spectators, particularly in autumn and winter. Swimming at Nazaré's main beach is possible in summer but less calm than São Martinho, and Praia do Norte is generally unsafe for casual swimming due to strong currents and waves.
What's the general atmosphere like in São Martinho do Porto? Is it just for families?
São Martinho do Porto has the atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese seaside resort town, particularly popular with Portuguese families who own holiday homes or visit campsites there. It has a buzzing but relaxed holiday vibe in summer, with plenty of cafes and restaurants along the promenade. While exceptionally family-friendly, its beautiful setting, pleasant walks, and good value restaurants also appeal to couples and individuals seeking a more relaxed, authentic Portuguese coastal experience compared to more internationally-focused resorts. Outside of peak summer, it's much quieter.
Are there places to stay right near the beach?
Yes, there is a good selection of accommodation options located very close to the beach and bay in São Martinho do Porto. These include hotels, guesthouses (pensões), apartments, and private rentals (like Airbnb). Many are situated along the main promenade (Avenida Marginal) or on streets immediately behind it, offering easy access to the sand and sea views from some properties.
How crowded does São Martinho do Porto get, especially in summer?
São Martinho do Porto becomes very popular and can get quite crowded during the peak Portuguese summer holiday months, particularly July and August. Accommodation often sells out, and the beach and promenade are busy. Parking also becomes difficult during this period. For a quieter experience, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October) when the weather is still pleasant but the crowds are smaller.
Are there other beaches nearby worth visiting besides the main bay?
Yes, besides the main São Martinho do Porto beach within the bay, you can explore Salir do Porto beach at the southern end of the bay, known for its large sand dune and accessible via a boardwalk. Just north of the bay is Praia da Gralha, a more wild, natural beach popular for paragliding, accessed via a road from the northern cliffs. Further afield is Salgado Beach, located between São Martinho and Nazaré, offering a long stretch of sand in a more natural setting, also popular for surfing and paragliding.
What are the Salir do Porto dunes famous for?
The Duna de Salir do Porto, located at the southern end of the São Martinho bay near the mouth of the Tornada River, is famous for being one of the highest sand dunes in Portugal (around 49m). It's a popular spot, especially for children and families, to climb up and then slide or 'sandboard' down towards the water's edge, which reaches the base at high tide. It's a fun, natural attraction accessible via the boardwalk.
Is it easy to walk around the bay? Are there boardwalks?
Yes, it's very easy and pleasant to walk around the bay. A well-maintained wooden boardwalk (passadiço) extends around a significant portion of the bay, running through the dunes, particularly on the southern side connecting São Martinho do Porto town with Salir do Porto beach and its famous dune. The main town area also has a wide promenade (Avenida Marginal) along the beach lined with cafes and shops.
Is parking a problem near São Martinho do Porto beach?
Parking can be challenging near the beach, especially during the peak summer months (July and August) due to the town's popularity. While there is parking available, finding a spot close to the main beach area can be difficult and may require patience or parking further away and walking. Outside of the high season, parking is generally much easier.
What kind of activities can you do on the beach besides swimming?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, the calm waters of São Martinho do Porto bay are perfect for various water sports like stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), kayaking, and sailing. In summer, there's often a large inflatable water park for children. The long sandy beach is great for walking, playing beach games, and building sandcastles. You can also rent traditional striped beach tents. Nearby, you can hike the cliffs, explore the dunes at Salir do Porto (including sliding down them), or walk/cycle the Ecopista path.
How do the tides change the beach experience?
Tides significantly affect the beach area, particularly near Salir do Porto at the southern end of the bay. At low tide, a much larger expanse of sand is revealed, sometimes creating shallow pools perfect for children. You can also cross the Tornada River on foot more easily at low tide to access the Salir dune. At high tide, the water comes much further up the beach, reaching the base of the Salir dune. High tides combined with storms can occasionally cause water to reach the promenade.
What is Praia da Gralha like compared to the main beach?
Praia da Gralha, located just north of the São Martinho do Porto bay, offers a different experience. It's a more natural and wild beach, facing the open Atlantic, though situated in a wide bay. It has a long sandy stretch backed by high cliffs. It's less crowded and lacks the amenities of the main town beach but is popular for paragliding from the cliffs above. Access is via a road from the north of town, which can be steep, and parking might be limited or informal.
Is São Martinho do Porto sheltered from the wind?
Yes, the bay of São Martinho do Porto offers significant shelter from the prevailing Atlantic winds, especially compared to nearby coastal towns like Nazaré or Peniche. The high headlands surrounding the bay's entrance block much of the wind, contributing to the calm water conditions and making it more pleasant for sunbathing and relaxing on the beach, particularly during the shoulder seasons when coastal winds can be stronger.
What's the best way to get to São Martinho do Porto?
Driving is often the most convenient way to reach São Martinho do Porto, especially if exploring the Silver Coast region, as it's roughly a 1-1.5 hour drive from Lisbon. There are also bus connections; express buses run from Lisbon (Sete Rios terminal) taking about 90 minutes, and local buses connect it to nearby towns like Nazaré (about a 20-minute ride) and Caldas da Rainha. While there is a train station, it serves a slow regional line and isn't practical for connections from major cities like Lisbon or Porto.
