Visit São Martinho do Porto and Explore the Amazing Bay
Visit São Martinho do Porto a town belonging to the municipality of Alcobaça.
It is known for its bay endowed with a singular beauty, and for being an excellent holiday destination.
Although we are in the Portuguese Silver Coast, the tourist flow increases dramatically in the months of July and August, making this bay the recreation of many Portuguese and foreign families.
Visit São Martinho: History
History tells us that the first charter was granted in 1257 by Friar Estevão Martins, 12th abbot of the Alcobaça Monastery.
By that time, São Martinho do Porto would be a fishing and shipbuilding port. Its importance was such that until the middle of the 19th century it was the seat of the municipality.
Today there are 3 thousand people living in the parish.
Facing tourism, this charming bay has calm waters, fine white sand, and a sea front that offers restaurants, cafes, ice cream shops, and much more.
The restaurants by the sea offer the best of the region: fresh fish and seafood, with the proximity of the village of Nazare could not be different.
Among the grilled dishes, look for sardines, or with the coming of the month of September, the Crab Festival.
But given that São Martinho do Porto is already an international tourist destination, restaurants follow the trends and it is normal to have international food such as pizza.
After passing through the famous Booking the hotel reservation platform, we found that it is not difficult to find a place to stay, either on the first beach line or inland.
Between hotels, local accommodation or tourism houses in rural spots, the offer is consistent and worth the experience!
After taking care of your stay and meal, it is worth stopping to plan all those moments that we will live outside the calm waters of the bay or the sand …
What to do in São Martinho do Porto?
#1 Visit São Martinho do Porto – The Bay
Start your walk by the port of the village that allows you to see the calm waters and the boats, full of color, swaying with the wind from the west.
Then it continues on the sidewalk, passing by all the restaurants, pastry shops, shops and who knows, if it is a Sunday at the stalls at the old fair.
With your breath recovered, you will pass the fitness machines and the camping site.
The walk should end on the wood walkways that connect the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Alcobaça.
#2 Visit São Martinho do Porto – Lighthouse
Between a short walk and the best view over the bay of São Martinho do Porto, the distance is short and really worth it.
Not for the lighthouse itself, but for the pictures and selfies you can take.
#3 Visit São Martinho do Porto – Head Church
If you are looking for built heritage, the parish church is located in the upper part of the village, and tells the story that was built in the 19th century. XVIII.
Here is what you can see: the church has a longitudinal plane of a single rectangular nave.
The facade is simple with the perfect arched portal, topped by a quadrilobed window. It is finished with a curved wall and the bell tower.
To see the result, you will have to take a few more steps to the location.
As for the interior, the most relevant element is the oil painting with the image of the miracle of São Martinho.
#4 Visit São Martinho do Porto – WalkWays
The walkways are a wooden structure that connects the municipalities of Caldas da Rainha and Alcobaça and that make a zig zag between the dune of Salir do Porto and the bay of the village.
This structure is great for walking or exercising.
We advise you to do the walkways in the morning before the heat hits, or in the late afternoon to be able to admire the sunset
.#5 Visit São Martinho do Porto: Dune
The dune of Salir do Porto (the locals call it Aréola) is at one end of the bay of São Martinho do Porto, but is part of the neighboring municipality of Caldas da Rainha.
Nothing you can’t do with a little walk.
It says that this was once considered the largest dune in Europe…
Here you can climb the dune, and after you have climbed 50 meters in height you will have a completely different view of the village.
Take the opportunity to go down the dune to roll, run or…
#6 Visit São Martinho do Porto: Fountain
If you have plans to visit the Salir do Porto dune, then take the opportunity and walk a little further the entrance of the Atlantic water into the bay.
The waters of Salir come from ancient times, and are the result of geological developments.
Nowadays “Pocinha” and “Alfândega” are in ruins, but it is still a fun walk to take, as well as some pictures to remember later.
