Praia de São Martinho do Porto has an approximately three-kilometre-long, shell-shaped sandy beach in a sheltered bay. The contrast with the Atlantic side is particularly revealing when choosing when to travel: at the tunnel entrances, the calm water of the bay and the beach face the turbulent Atlantic waters, which crash violently against the rocks on stormy winter days.

Coast and orientation

The São Martinho do Porto viewpoint is on the summit of Morro de Santo António and offers a sweeping view over the parish. Farol do Morro de Santo António was relocated several times because of landslides on the slope where it stood. 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.

Historic architecture

Among the early and significant examples of private summer architecture is Hotel Palace do Capitão, built between 1917 and 1920. Hotel Parque de São Martinho do Porto was built in 1910 as a residence for its first owner, António Rosa. Palácio das Palmeiras, also known as Casa das Palmeiras, is a manor house on the northern slope of the bay near the quay and was built around the turn of the 20th century. It is privately owned. Chronologically, the palace dates to around 1900, while the other two buildings were constructed in the following decades.

The town’s history extends beyond its coastal architecture: São Martinho do Porto developed as a settlement associated with the Cistercian Order and was one of the seaports of the Coutos de Alcobaça. Traditional fishing by hand also remains part of the local heritage; the barco do candil and xavasca boats are associated with it.

Traditions and seasonal events

Festa da Espiga remains a May tradition in São Martinho do Porto; celebrations for São Martinho take place in November. Triatlo de São Martinho do Porto is usually held in September. Celebrations for Passagem de Ano have taken place for decades. In 2024, the municipality described a fireworks display for this event, synchronised with music and launched from several floating platforms in the bay.

Clube Náutico de São Martinho do Porto offers sailing courses led by club instructors, preferably in summer. If you are travelling for a specific event or course, check the dates and programme for your travel period.

The cuisine also offers some specific options to plan around: in restaurants, you can try dishes such as lagosta suada and santola recheada.

Getting there by train

São Martinho do Porto railway station is on the Linha do Oeste. Its facilities include a waiting room, toilets, public information, taxis and bicycle parking. If you are travelling by train, check the timetable against your travel dates.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Alcobaça.