Our region spans from the tip of Tróia peninsula until Santo André lagoon. It is permeated by long stretches of white sandy beaches, idyllic lagoons, enchanting cork oak and monumental stone pine forests. The Alentejo coast is full of wild and secret places – it’s located at the tip of Western Europe – and yet just an hour and a half away from Lisbon.
The Region
Nômade Melides is around 5 km from the village of Melides and 25 km from Comporta. In the middle of the Alentejo coast, our Eco Lodge has the closest beach – the longest virgin sand beach on the continent – a 15-minute drive away (Praia da Aberta Nova). There you can enjoy a beautiful sea, whose strength you can see, feel and smell. Perfect waves for surfing and an amazing beach for long, rejuvenating rides. Also nearby is the Melides Lagoon.
The local gastronomy is a world of flavors and aromas and is guided by the influences of the coast and the interior of Alentejo. From fish and seafood dishes, the result of artisanal fishing activities, to fish and seafood soups and pastas, and stews. In the region, you can also try the traditional Alentejo dishes, ranging from sausages, game dishes, wild boar, pork and lamb, “açordas” and “cozido à portuguesa”. All seasoned with typical Alentejo aromatic herbs: coriander, oregano, mint, pennyroyal, rosemary and basil. Not forgetting the delicious bread, the fruity Alentejo olive oil, honey and the tempting traditional sweets. Do you want to try it? There are several options near Nômade Melides that we can suggest to you, among the seasonal markets, the typical taverns of the area or, if you prefer, a more refined restaurant.
Handicrafts also mark the Alentejo identity. In this region, woodwork, carved iron, ceramics and pottery are the maximum expressions of local traditions. Melides is well known for its pottery and ceramics with a strong tradition dating back to the XV century. Also worth mentioning are felt and silk clothing and accessories.
With a history dating back to the 16th century, Melides has a rich cultural and built heritage. Archaeological findings from different historical periods abound. We recommend the following: Pedra Branca a Dolmen located at Herdade do Montum in Vale Figueira, classified as a heritage of Public Interest; Necropolis of Cistas das Casas Velhas located at Herdade das Casas Velhas in Vale Figueira, also classified as a Property of Public Interest.
We further recommend visiting the following: the old urban core of Melides with its 18th and eighteenth and 19th century buildings with bay windows and iron balconies; the Ruins of Santa Marinha church (14th-15th centuries), where Abutments (“botaréus”) of unusual size are still visible; St. Peter’s Church (17th -18th centuries) with its vaulted ceiling, a mason stone lavatory in the sacristy bearing the cross of the Order of Santiago; Master Chico’s Pottery and the characteristic roman-inspired kiln; the Boavista windmills complex, from which you can enjoy stunning vistas; the fountain of Olhos with a picnic area near the parish spring that supplies water to the village. (source: Turismo de Portugal).
Just a few kilometers away you can walk through the many routes and paths of Serra de Grândola.
For more information, we recommend consulting the websites of the Municipality of Grândola and the Parish Council of Melides.
