Discover Sao Martinho Do Porto

São Martinho do Porto brings together a sheltered bay and the Atlantic, along with a local history shaped by fishing, architecture and festivals. To help plan your stay, consider the differences: the shape of the beach, the changing coastal scenery through the seasons and events held throughout the year.

Beach, Bay and Atlantic

Praia de São Martinho do Porto is an approximately three-kilometre-long, shell-shaped sandy beach in a sheltered bay. At the entrances to Túnel São Martinho do Porto, the calm waters of the bay and the beach stand in contrast to the turbulent Atlantic waters, which crash violently against the rocks on stormy winter days. Both the sheltered bay and its contrast with the Atlantic are part of the town’s coastal landscape.

Fishing, Cuisine and Sailing

São Martinho do Porto continues to preserve a tradition of artisanal fishing associated with the barco do candil and xavasca boats. In the restaurants, you can try specialities such as lagosta suada and santola recheada. The fishing tradition and restaurant cuisine offer different ways to explore the town’s connection to the sea. Sailing is another option to consider when planning your trip: Clube Náutico de São Martinho do Porto offers courses led by club instructors, preferably in summer. If you would like to plan a course, check the dates in advance.

Local History and Buildings

São Martinho do Porto originated as a settlement associated with the Cistercian Order and was one of the seaports of the Coutos de Alcobaça. Its architectural history spans different periods and uses. Hotel Parque de São Martinho do Porto was built in 1910 as a residence for its first owner, António Rosa. Hotel Palace do Capitão was built between 1917 and 1920 and is one of the earliest and most significant examples of private summer architecture in São Martinho do Porto. On the northern slope of the bay near the pier is also Palácio das Palmeiras, also known as Casa das Palmeiras: a manor house built around the turn of the 20th century.

Farol do Morro de Santo António also tells the story of changes to the coastal landscape: it was moved back several times because of landslides on the slope where it stood. The São Martinho do Porto viewpoint is on the summit of Morro de Santo António and offers a panoramic view of the parish. For getting around town, Ascensor do Outeiro connects Rua Vasco da Gama, also known as Rua dos Cafés, with Rua da Bela Vista and Largo Comendador José Bento da Silva.

Festivals and Trip Planning

Festa da Espiga remains a May tradition; celebrations for São Martinho take place in November. Triatlo de São Martinho do Porto usually takes place in September. Celebrations for Passagem de Ano have also been held for decades. The description of Passagem de Ano 2024 included a fireworks display synchronised with music and launched from several floating platforms in the bay. If a particular festival is a deciding factor for your trip, check the dates and current programme in advance.

São Martinho do Porto railway station is on the Linha do Oeste. The listed facilities include a waiting room, toilets, public information, taxis and bicycle parking. If you plan to travel by train, check the timetable for your travel dates. This will help you coordinate your arrival with the activities that interest you most, such as a stay at the beach, a sailing course during the preferred summer period or a local festival.

Discover more destinations: Montes, Bárrio, Turquel, Alcobaça, Cela.

Go to the main travel overview: Alcobaça.