For many, shopping is a lifestyle and a form of entertainment therapy as well as an opportunity to socialise. In the central Algarve, shopping is another facet of Iconic Living to be enjoyed.
They say good things come in small packages. Quinta Shopping is a small retail center with many high end options. In fact, it is often referred to as the “boutique mall.” Quinta shopping also offers fine dining options, as well as lounges and bars for evening entertainment. Quinta Shopping is located between the resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago (and across the road from Mapro Real Estate) on Estrada da Quinta do Lago.
Of course, there are a number of Portuguese food markets and grocery stores in the Golden Triangle, but for high-quality food items, nothing beats the Apolónia Supermercado. This upscale market has a fresh bakery, an extensive delicatessen, and experienced butchers to help you select the finest meats. An in-store sushi bar prepares sashimi and handrolls while you wait. The produce section is stocked full of beautiful fruit and vegetables grown locally, as well as imported from around the globe.
Whether you sail or drive to the Vilamoura Marina, there is a variety of options in shopping, dining and drinking to be enjoyed. The Vilamoura Marina is considered one of the best in southern Europe. Surrounding these glamorous boats is a commercial area packed full of shopping and entertainment. A wide esplanade is perfect for strolling and window shopping. Stores such as Lanidor, Hugo Boss, Benetton, and Gant have shops here and, Cristiano Ronaldo has opened a CR7 boutique on the marina and there are a number of additional high end boutiques.
The open air Fourm Algarve in Faro was the first major shopping mall in the region, and today remains a key center for retail and entertainment. Numerous brand name shops fill the mall such as Adidas, Sportzone, Swarovski, the Body Shop, Bershka, Cortefiel, Massimo Dutti, Levi’s, Pull & Bear, Sacoor Brothers and Salsa among others. Forum Algarve also has a cinema complex, a hypermarket and very large food court with restaurants serving every type of cuisine imaginable.
Another key retail destination is the Algarve Shopping mall in Guia, with over 150 shops, including favorites FNAC, Zara, Worten, Bershka, Massimo Dutti, Pepe Jeans, Lanidor, Quebra-Mar, Cortefiel and Mango. Castello Lopes operates a nine-screen cinema on the upper floor. Next to that is a large food court with fast food stands as well as dine-in restaurants. In the central Algarve take the EN125 west toward Portimão. Algarve Shopping and related shops are on the EN125 in Guia.
Mar Shopping is the first project in the country that combines a shopping centre, an outlet and an outdoor leisure area with 8,000 sqm, and 3,500 parking spaces. The Designer Outlet is said to be one of the highlights of the commercial complex allowing visitors to shop in an open-air outlet village with over 110 shops to be built in two phases. The Leisure Area is a meeting point where families can relax surrounded by water features and a mountain landscape.
