Praia de São Martinho do Porto, Sandy beach in São Martinho do Porto, Portugal.
Praia de São Martinho do Porto is a sand beach on a horseshoe-shaped bay along the Portuguese west coast with a narrow opening to the sea. Shallow water extends far into the protected lagoon, where gentle waves reach the golden sand and small boats anchor in the calm inner basin.
Fishermen used the protected bay as an anchorage for centuries before the town developed into a bathing resort in the early 20th century. Construction of hotels and holiday homes along the waterfront promenade during the 1950s marked the shift from fishing village to coastal destination.
Locals call the bay "the shell" because its nearly enclosed shape creates water calm enough for children to wade and swim safely. Weekend mornings often see residents walking along the promenade with coffee while watching fishermen prepare their small boats near the marina.
The best bathing season runs from June through September when water in the shallow basin warms up. A paved path runs along the entire shoreline and allows easy access for strollers and wheelchairs at several points.
The bay opening to the sea is only about 650 feet (200 meters) wide and looks like a natural channel at high tide. This narrow connection filters Atlantic waves and transforms the interior into an almost still body of water with minimal current.
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