São Martinho do Porto

São Martinho do Porto is situated north of the influx of the rivers Alfeizerão and Tornada (geographical coordinates N39º69’92.62”, W 8º97’72.03”), in the bay with the same name, county of Alcobaça. The short distances and quick accesses to the main cities of the region (Alcobaça 20km, Caldas da Rainha 15Km, Nazaré 15Km), but mainly because of its’ great natural beauty and very calm waters make this beach one of the main summer destinations.
The landscape of S. Martinho do Porto is dominated by a perfect shell which is its’ bay that presents a natural and unique beauty. The beach extends along its´amazing bay, bathed by the blue sea. Due to its’ features it is perfect for children and for watersports. Along the avenue, the cosmopolitan center of town, there are many coffe shops with terraces, bars and restaurants.
The bay of S. Martinho do Porto is the last vestige of an antique gulf which until the XVI century extended to Alfeizerão and opened to the ocean through a bar, around 250 meters wide, between the Santana hills, to the south and the lighthouse to the north.
The prevailing climate results of the mediterranean and atlantic influences. The mediterranean influence is felt mainly during the summer, associated to temperatures and high insolation and an almost total absence of precipitation. The atlantic influence is caracterized by frontal surfaces prevalent during winter, which are responsible for the main part of the rain. The annual average of the rain oscillates between 600mm and 900mm. The seasonal distribution of the rain is very heavy, focusing on the damp (October-March) around 75% of precipitation. Winter has mild temperatures and is rainy, opposed to summer which is hot and practically doesn´t rain. The fact that it is protected by the cliffs which separate the bay from the open sea, transform S. Martinho do Porto into a peaceful spot, even when the north winds come. The morning mists are frequente on the beaches of the region, they are light because of the narrow opening of the bay which prevents their progress.
During summer the average temperature of th water is around 19ºC and the sea has no waves. The temperatura can vary between 5ºC and 20ºC during winter and 15ºC and 30ºC during the summer.