Melides: Coast, Lagoon and Ceramics Tradition

Melides can be explored through a range of themes: its coastal landscape and lagoon sit alongside nature, a long pottery tradition and historic townscapes. Whether you want to focus on the beach, biodiversity, crafts or local history, each offers a different way to discover Melides.

Coast, Lagoon and Landscape

Praia de Melides lies nearby, along a long stretch of sand between the sea and Lagoa de Melides. The journey to the beach also passes through a varied landscape: a four-kilometre access road connects it to Melides and runs through pine forests and rice fields.

Lagoa de Melides covers around 26 hectares and includes small islands covered with hygrophilous, or moisture-loving, vegetation. It provides a habitat for eels, Pardelha fish, mullets, various species of heron, black kites and golden plovers, among others. The lagoon's former role is also part of its history: it was connected to the sea and served as a fishing port until the 18th century.

Melides has two distinct landscape zones. Nutrient-poor heathland, with stands of pine and eucalyptus, dominates the coast. Elsewhere, the Serra predominates, with cork oak montado and some pine woodland, consisting mainly of stone pines. The landscape is therefore not limited to the coast; the vegetation in the rest of the area also shapes its character.

Beach and Nature

Surfing and bodyboarding are possible at Praia de Melides for almost the whole year. The BioMelides route offers a different focus: it is primarily devoted to ecology and landscape and aims to encourage direct contact with biodiversity. Beach watersports and exploring nature and landscapes offer different points of interest to help you plan your trip.

Ceramics and Townscapes

The pottery tradition in Melides dates back at least to the mid-17th century. The Núcleo Museológico da Olaria de Melides e Oficinas de Cerâmica presents the traditional preparation and shaping of clay. At its ceramics workshops, visitors can also watch part of the pottery-making process live and model their own clay vessels. Alongside the history of the craft, the focus is on working with the material and taking part hands-on.

Olaria de Melides is part of the rural architecture and consists of a workshop and a Roman-type kiln. In the old town centre, some buildings dating from the 18th and 19th centuries have wrought-iron balconies. The windmill group at Boavista offers a panoramic view over a wide area. Fonte dos Olhos is a park beside a body of water in the village of Melides. The pottery tradition dates back further than the buildings mentioned here.

Discover more destinations: Santa Margarida da Serra, Grândola, Azinheira Dos Barros

Go to the main travel overview: Grândola.