Melides Beach

Category: Nature > Beach

District: Setúbal > Grândola > Melides

Location

Melides Beach is situated on the vast and scenic Alentejo coast, in the municipality of Grândola, Setúbal district, south of the small village of Melides. This sandy stretch extends for kilometers, offering a setting of expansive natural beauty, where the blue of the Atlantic meets the golden sand of the Vicentina coast, characterized by its amplitude and sense of unimpeded space.

Its setting is markedly natural, with vast pine forests delimiting the inland horizon and a dune cordon accompanying the beach's extension, contributing to an atmosphere of serenity and landscape preservation. The surrounding landscape maintains a wild and untouched character, inviting a tranquil enjoyment of the coastal environment.

Distinct Natural Features

Melides Beach stands out for its extensive stretch of golden, fine sand, bathed by clear waters that are, at times, a deep blue-green. Its size allows for a feeling of isolation and tranquility, even during peak periods, and invites long walks along the shore, where the vastness of the landscape is one of its greatest attributes.

Behind the sandy area, a well-preserved dune system stabilizes the sand and serves as a natural barrier to the dense pine forest that extends inland. This harmonious transition between the beach, dunes, and forest creates a rich and diverse ecosystem, which significantly contributes to the natural and scenic value of the location.

The Lagoon and its Dynamics

One of the most unique and dynamic aspects of Melides Beach is its proximity and interaction with the Melides Lagoon. This coastal lagoon, with calm waters, is located adjacent to the sandy area and, at certain times of the year, depending on hydrological conditions, establishes a direct connection with the ocean. This communication between the lagoon and the sea creates a constantly changing scenario, shaped by the forces of nature and the tides.

The presence of the lagoon adds a layer of diversity to the landscape, with its tranquil shores contrasting with the energy of the ocean. The lagoon's dynamics, opening or closing to the sea, is a fascinating natural phenomenon that underscores the wild and untouched character of this coastal location.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt