AN area of Portugal has been compared to everything from the Hamptons to Ibiza. But the tiny village of Comporta isn't just for the rich and famous though. Also known as the beach kept secret of Portugal , the beach is the one of the longest stretches of sand in Europe.
It remains quiet with little infrastructure due to the strict protections in place that don't allow huge hotels or roads to be built alongside it. While this means you might face a bit of a walk down, it's worth it for the unspoiled beach. The name of being the Hamptons of Portugal is due to it's relationship to Lisbon like the Hamptons are to New York .
Read more on Portugal Despite the comparison to the Hamptons and Ibiza, the resort remains laid-back, with many surfers lining the waves. Along with surfers, another popular activity is horse-riding, with guided tours across the beach. One popular place to book a day trip is Cavalos na Areia riding school, which even Madonna visited.
She isn't the only famous face to have visited Comporta, with previous A-listers including George Clooney and Monica Bellucci. Most read in Beach holidays And Times editor Katie Bowman said it was her "favourite place on earth " having visited as a summer holiday destination for the last decade. Animal-lovers can even spot flamingos, if you head to the nearby Sado Estuary Natural Reserve.
And just behind the beach are huge rolling dunes, home to Portugal's biggest rice paddies. You can bike through them too, with e-bike rentals. C.