Melides

Melides is a parish in the Grândola municipality in the Setúbal District of Portugal. It has an area of 155.2 km2 and had 1,459 inhabitants as of the census of 2021. The agricultural parish borders the Atlantic Ocean and has become a popular area for summer homes.

History
Human occupation of the area dates back to the Neolithic era. The Dolmen of Pedra Branca is a megalithic burial tomb from around 2500 BCE, while the Necrópole de Cistas das Casas Velhas is a Bronze Age necropolis. Both can be visited.

In 1870, Melides became part of the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. In 1895, it returned to being part of the Grândola municipality. It has a well-preserved old village centre with the small traditional church of S. Pedro from the 18th century.

Present day
Melides has been a rice-cultivating area. Forests of eucalyptus, pine and cork are common. Like the neighbouring village of Vila Nova de Santo André, Melides village is known for its fishing and the sale of fresh fish in the small market hall in the centre of the village. The village is believed to date back to the end of the 15th century. Fishing was restricted in the 16th century by siltation, leading the villagers to both adopt agriculture and produce pottery and cork products.

These days, there are an increasing number of summer houses near the beach, around the village and in the surrounding hills, which are mainly occupied during the high season. There is also a luxury resort, with a golf course, as well as two large campsites.