A calm coastal town on Portugal's Silver Coast with a shell-shaped bay and clear waters. Local fishermen still bring fresh catch to the waterfront restaurants.
São Martinho do Porto sits along a natural shell-shaped bay in central Portugal. You can swim in the calm waters, walk through an old tunnel that cuts through the headland, or climb to the Chapel of Santo António for bay views. The town's restaurants line a beachfront promenade, and you'll find sailing boats bobbing in the protected waters. At the southern end, a 50-meter sand dune rises above Salir do Porto.
The Shell-Shaped Bay
The bay of São Martinho do Porto curves in a scallop shape for 2 kilometers, with a 250-meter opening to the Atlantic Ocean. This natural formation blocks the strong ocean waves, creating calm waters inside. The white sand beach stretches from the Tornada river mouth to the northern end of the bay, where the main town center begins.
Swimming and Beach Activities
You can swim safely in the bay's protected waters, which maintain a gentle wave pattern and gradually deepen - making it particularly good for families with children. A wide paved promenade runs along the entire beach, and you'll find several cafes and restaurants with outdoor seating facing the water.
The Chapel and Town Center
The 18th-century Mother Church contains a large oil painting behind its altar showing São Martinho dividing his cloak. At the Chapel of Santo António, blue and white azulejo tiles depict the geological formation of the bay. Walk up to the chapel's viewpoint for a clear view across the entire bay, the ocean, and the surrounding coastline.
The Tunnel Experience
A pedestrian tunnel cuts through the northern headland. When you walk through it, you'll see two distinct environments: the calm bay waters on one side and the Atlantic waves crashing against the rocky shore on the other. The tunnel connects the main beach to the northern rocky coast.
Salir do Porto and the Dunes
At the southern edge of the bay, you can climb what was once Europe's largest dune in Salir do Porto. The dune rises 50 meters high and extends for 200 meters. Take the wooden boardwalk between São Martinho and Salir do Porto - it runs through the dunes and gives you continuous views of the bay.
Water Sports and Activities
During summer months, you can rent kayaks, sailboats, and windsurfing equipment from shops near the main beach. The bay's protected waters and consistent wind conditions make it a good spot for beginners to learn water sports. Local operators run sailing lessons and kayak tours around the bay.
