Locally there are lots of great opportunities for some retail therapy. From local market stalls selling handmade goods to modern retail centres there’s plenty of ways you can experience Portugese shopping.
Forum Algarve Shopping Centre – Faro
The forum is the second largest shopping centre in the Algarve taking up over 45,000 square metres. There are over 200 shops for you to explore with plenty of cafes and restaurants and international shops. What makes this shopping experience more unique is that it’s half under cover and half out in the open with the indoor section split over 2 levels. Shopping in Faro is easy from Rocha Brava, a stunning coastal drive around 45 mins East plus there are public transport links available too.
Opening Times: Monday: 10am – 11pm Tuesday: 10am – 11pm Wednesday: 10am – 11pm Thursday: 10am – 11pm Friday: 10am – 12pm Saturday: 10am – 12pm Sunday: 10am – 11pm
Parking cost: Free
Official website: www.forumalgarve.net
Aqua Portimão – Portimão
With underground parking and covering more than 47,000 square metres Aqua in Portimao is another excellent place to explore some shops. You’ll find a great selection available with 21 restaurants and 117 different shops. Being the biggest shopping centre in the Algarve this centre also comes with all the modern amenities you would expect including baby facilities, post office and cash points. An excellent retail centre orientated around an open air central point with a beautiful fountain at its middle.
Opening Times: Monday: 9am – 11pm Tuesday: 9am – 11pm Wednesday: 9am – 11pm Thursday: 9am – 11pm Friday: 9am – 12pm Saturday: 9am – 12pm Sunday: 9am – 11pm
Parking cost: Free
Official website: https://aqua-portimao.klepierre.pt/
Quinta Shopping – Quinta do Lago
A modernistic and sleek looking place with beautiful wide esplanades set in traditional Portuguese style. There are open air terraces to enjoy a cup of coffee from any of the 7 restaurants including an Irish bar and grill. It’s home to some upmarket stores such as Hugo Boss with a wide range of stores selling clothes, shoes and more.
Opening Times: Monday: 9am – 12pm Tuesday: 9am – 12pm Wednesday: 9am – 12pm Thursday: 9am – 12pm Friday: 9am – 12pm Saturday: 9am – 12pm Sunday: 9am – 12pm
Official website: http://www.quintashopping.pt/
Algarve Shopping – Guia
Algarve Shopping in Guia is another popular shopping centre. Smaller than some of the others the place is divided between stores and restaurants on several levels. There’s a large sun terrace, free pushchairs for families and even a crèche available too. As well as 100 or more shops there’s a cinema.
Opening Times: Monday: 8.30am – 11pm Tuesday: 8.30am – 11pm Wednesday: 8.30am – 11pm Thursday: 8.30am – 11pm Friday: 8.30am – 11pm Saturday: 8.30am – 11pm Sunday: 8.30am – 11pm
Parking cost: Free
Official website: https://www.algarveshopping.pt/en/
Mar Shopping and outlet – Loulé
Located in Loulé, MAR Shopping Algarve is part of the first commercial destination in Portugal that combines a Shopping Center, a Designer Outlet and a fully integrated IKEA Store.
Opening Times: Monday: 10am – 11pm Tuesday: 10am – 11pm Wednesday: 10am – 11pm Thursday: 10am – 11pm Friday: 10am – 12pm Saturday: 10am – 12pm Sunday: 10am – 11pm
Parking cost: Free
Official website: https://www.algarveshopping.pt/en/
Book your tour to a shopping here.
Shopping Centres in Lagos
The place to go if you’re looking for locally made goods. There’s lots of choice when it comes to shopping in Lagos including crafts, ceramics, leather and local produce. However you’ll also find some more modern shops such as surf stores, jewellery, fashion and much more. There’s even an English book store. For refreshments Lagos is not lacking in catering with plenty available in terms of restaurants and cafés with an unusual mix of international tastes. Lots more can be found on their website.
Shopping in Loulé
For something more traditional and local the market in Loule is a great place to be. A great opportunity to view local farmers selling their home grown produce and the local fisherman displaying their freshly caught catch. On a Saturday the market grows into the outdoors to include a wider variety of stalls including artisan goods. To compliment your shopping and exploration there are plenty of lovely and well-priced bars and cafes throughout the town which is also worth a walk around too.
Shopping in Albufeira
Just a 35 minute drive from Rocha Brava Albufeira shopping offers a more traditional mix of experiences. In the summer the streets are bustling with market stools selling everything from holiday accessories to clothing and local produce. You’ll find wine shops, post office and much more alongside several mini supermarkets in the area selling Portuguese brands and produce. Remember to explore the side streets for more hidden shops, street vendors, pottery and souvenir shops.
