Discover Melides: Tourism, Nature, and a Growing Real Estate Market

Melides: Location, Landscape, and Identity

 Melides is a parish in the municipality of Grândola, covering about 155.2 km² with 1,459 inhabitants according to the 2021 census. It is located near the Atlantic coast, separated from the sea only by a lagoon — the Melides Lagoon — which stretches between rice fields, pine forests, and heathlands.
Melides Beach is a long stretch of sand serving as a boundary between the ocean and the lagoon, with good road access, parking, and beach facilities. The beauty of this transition between lagoon and sea makes Melides unique — a balance between freshwater and marine ecosystems.
Beyond the coast, Melides preserves a strong agricultural tradition, with rice cultivation in the lagoon’s fields and cork oaks and eucalyptus trees inland.
In recent years, Melides has been promoted as “the new Comporta” by publications like Condé Nast Traveller, standing out for its emerging tourism and understated sophistication.

Melides and Real Estate

With growing tourism and demand for authentic, tranquil destinations, Melides has also become a point of interest in the Alentejo real estate market. Its protected natural landscape, proximity to the sea, and exclusive atmosphere attract investors, families, and international artists seeking holiday homes, rural retreats, or sustainable tourism projects.
The real estate offering is diverse: from traditional estates and renovated farmhouses to contemporary villas integrated with nature, with views of the lagoon or the Atlantic. Development is careful, maintaining a balance between environmental preservation and land appreciation — a key factor contributing to the area’s growing value.
The presence of charming establishments, such as Hotel Vermelho by Christian Louboutin, reinforces this image of exclusivity and boosts interest in unique properties, for both living and investment. Melides has thus become a destination where real estate matches the serene and sophisticated pace of the area, offering quality of life, profitability, and authenticity in equal measure.

Where to Stay in Melides

Melides offers a variety of options, from boutique resorts to rustic accommodations. Some suggestions:

●      Hotel Vermelho (Vermelho by Christian Louboutin) — a luxury boutique hotel reinforcing Melides’ exclusive profile.

●      Amarello Hotel Praia Santo André — a charming property by the coast, ideal for comfort, sea or lagoon views, and proximity to main attractions.

●      Local accommodations and private homes — many houses, B&Bs, and guesthouses are available in the village center or near the lagoon.

Choosing where to stay depends on whether you prefer to be by the beach, the lagoon, or in the village center for easy access to services.

Essential Services in Melides

●      Parish Council of Melides

●      Pharmacy

●      Medical center / health post

●      Post office

●      Bank

These services ensure that, despite its remote location, Melides has the infrastructure for visitors and residents.

Where to Eat in Melides

 Gastronomy is one of Melides’ greatest attractions, reflecting the Alentejo soul with dishes of fresh fish, seafood, pork, and lagoon rice. The village is also gaining a reputation for contemporary spaces, picturesque cafés, and vegetarian options. Highlights include:

●      O Fadista — traditional restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere, specializing in grilled fish and meat. Ideal for an authentic dinner.

●      Xtian at Vermelho — signature restaurant inside Hotel Vermelho, offering a sophisticated gastronomic experience with regional and international influences.

●      Pizzaria Tosca — artisanal pizzas in a relaxed environment, perfect for families or casual meals.

●      Tia Rosa — traditional restaurant with homemade-style menu and welcoming atmosphere. Excellent for dishes like açorda, migas, or octopus rice.

●      Anguilla Surf Café — great for vegetarian or lighter meals, serving healthy dishes with fresh ingredients, smoothies, bowls, and snacks in a youthful and relaxed setting.

Activities, Nature, and Attractions

●      Melides Beach — relax, swim, or surf/bodyboard.

●      Melides Lagoon — birdwatching, kayaking, or enjoying the peaceful scenery.

●      Trails through rice fields and hills — great for walking or cycling.

●      Birdwatching — a privileged area for observing birds.

●      Local heritage — Church of São Pedro, ruins of the Church of Santa Marinha, and archaeological remains.

●      Local market — fresh fish, vegetables, and artisanal products.

Culture, Nature, and Unique Experiences in Melides

●      Melides Pottery Museum Center — dedicated to the history and art of local traditional pottery. Learn about the evolution of this centuries-old craft, from clay extraction to finished pieces. The museum highlights cultural heritage and crafts still practiced in the region.

●      Horseback Rides on the Beach — a must-do experience, providing intimate contact with nature along the extensive coastline.

●      Fonte dos Olhos — a natural spring surrounded by vegetation and serenity, ideal for rest and contemplation. It is also the starting point of the Vereda de Melides (PR2 GDL), a walking trail crossing typical regional landscapes. Fonte dos Olhos hosts the traditional Festa da Fonte dos Olhos, with music, crafts, and social gatherings.

Conclusion

 Melides is a destination that brings together the best of coastal Alentejo: untouched nature, authentic gastronomy, rustic charm, and sufficient infrastructure for a comfortable stay.
It is also a land of opportunities, where sustainable tourism and quality real estate go hand in hand, attracting those seeking a tranquil retreat or an investment with growth potential.
Whether for a serene getaway, a new holiday home, or a life project, Melides stands on its own. We hope this guide helps you plan a memorable visit — or perhaps imagine your life in this authentic piece of Alentejo.

To learn more about nearby destinations and local development, see our post on Comporta.