Praia do Pego continues the same magnificent ribbon of Atlantic sand south of Praia da Comporta, near the village of Carvalhal — but with its own, slightly more secluded character.
The beach holds the Blue Flag and an Accessible Beach distinction, with boardwalk access over the dunes, a car park amid the pines, seasonal lifeguards and sun loungers for hire in summer. The sand runs for kilometres in both directions, so the busy patch around the entrance gives way quickly to empty beach for those willing to walk.
Pego is also where the Comporta coast eats by the sea: the beach restaurant Sal, on the sand here, was voted the world's best beach restaurant by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2015, and remains a destination in its own right for grilled fish and long lunches facing the Atlantic. Out of season the beach returns to walkers, and the dunes and pinewoods behind it are protected from development, keeping the horizon clean.
Highlights
- Blue Flag and Accessible Beach distinctions
- Kilometres of golden sand backed by protected dunes
- Home of Sal, voted world's best beach restaurant in 2015
- Boardwalks, car park, lifeguards and loungers in season
- Quieter than Praia da Comporta beyond the entrance
History & context
Named after the fishing settlement of Pego, the beach stayed wild within the lands of the Herdade da Comporta and the dune belt remains protected. Its restaurant Sal put it on the world map in 2015, when Condé Nast Traveler readers named it the best beach restaurant anywhere.
🗓️ Best time to visit
June to September for full facilities; weekdays and early hours for the quietest sand.
⏱️ Duration
Half a day
♿ Accessibility
Accessible Beach distinction with boardwalks from the car park to the sand.
Frequently asked questions
How is Pego different from Comporta Beach?
Same vast sand and dunes, but Pego sits further south near Carvalhal, tends to be a little quieter, and is known for the Sal beach restaurant.
Is the beach accessible?
Yes — Pego holds an Accessible Beach distinction, with boardwalk access; amphibious chairs are available in season at beaches in the area.
Do I need to book the beach restaurant?
In summer, yes — Sal is famous and tables at lunch go quickly; booking a day or more ahead is wise.