For guests staying at Taste Tavira, everyday shopping is both convenient and varied. Whether you’re preparing meals in your accommodation or seeking local delicacies, several supermarkets and specialty shops are just a short walk away.

Pingo Doce Tavira – Centro, a well-known Portuguese supermarket chain, is located nearby. It offers a wide selection of fresh produce, bakery items, meats, and ready-made meals. The store is clean, affordable, and features an in-house bakery—perfect for grabbing warm bread and pastries in the morning.

A short stroll further brings you to both Lidl and Aldi, two popular discount supermarkets. Lidl Tavira, located at Largo Santo António Amaro 1, provides a solid selection of international and local products, including fresh fruits, meats, and a variety of Portuguese wines. Aldi, situated on Rua de São Pedro, offers a range of organic produce, pantry staples, and a good bakery section.

For those interested in organic and locally-sourced products, Maria Flaminga is a must-visit. Located behind the Aldi supermarket on the N125, this organic farm shop, run by Isabel Pedras Ribeiro (nicknamed “Maria Flaminga”), offers a variety of fresh, certified organic fruits, vegetables, herbs, and eggs. The shop is set in a charming environment, surrounded by blooming fields and a garden nursery. It’s open from Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. (2025)

For a taste of France in Tavira, La Baguette Française is a delightful artisan French bakery offering freshly baked baguettes, croissants, and pastries. Located near the historic center, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely breakfast or pick up treats to go.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or looking for local treats, Tavira’s supermarkets and specialty shops make it easy to shop like a local and enjoy the flavors of the Algarve.

Locations:

• Pingo Doce Tavira – Centro
  Rua Silva Domingues, 8800-328 Tavira
• Lidl Tavira
  Largo Santo António Amaro 1, 8800-703 Tavira
• Aldi Tavira
  Rua de São Pedro, 8800-255 Tavira
• Maria Flaminga
  Rua de São Pedro 580A, 8800-405 Tavira
• La Baguette Française De Tavira
  Rua dos Mouros 20, 8800-410 Tavira

Shopping in Loulé – Handcrafts, Markets, and Local Fashion

Loulé is one of the Algarve’s most vibrant market towns, rich in tradition and full of shopping opportunities. The Mercado Municipal de Loulé, located in a striking neo-Arabic building, is the town’s main attraction. Here you’ll find fresh produce, meats, cheese, olives, sweets, and local specialties like mel de rosmaninho (rosemary honey). The market also houses stalls with handicrafts and souvenirs.

Every Saturday, the surrounding streets host the Gypsy Market, a sprawling event that draws both locals and tourists for bargains on clothes, leather goods, kitchenware, and fabrics. It’s a great place to practice your haggling skills and pick up something unique.

For more boutique-style shopping, Loulé’s historic center has plenty to offer. Explore the Rua 5 de Outubro for stylish clothing, footwear, and home decor, with an emphasis on Portuguese brands and craftsmanship. Many of these shops blend old and new—some are housed in beautifully preserved buildings with tile façades and wrought-iron balconies.

For a modern shopping experience, visit Mar Shopping Algarve, located between Loulé and Faro. This large complex includes IKEA, a wide range of fashion outlets, restaurants, and an open-air leisure area for kids. It’s ideal for families or a full shopping day with more variety.

Address Highlights:

• Mercado Municipal de Loulé – Praça da República, 8100-270 Loulé
• Gypsy Market (Saturday) – Largo de S. Francisco and surrounding streets
• Mar Shopping Algarve – Av. Algarve, 8135-182 Almancil (between Loulé and Faro)

Olhão is a coastal town known for its strong fishing heritage and its bustling Mercado de Olhão, which sits right by the waterfront. This market is one of the most iconic in the Algarve, with two red-brick buildings full of local products: one dedicated to fresh fish and seafood, the other to fruit, vegetables, meat, and delicacies like fig compote and carob liqueur. On Saturdays, the outdoor market fills up with local farmers and artisans.

Beyond the market, wander through Olhão’s narrow streets and you’ll find small boutiques, ceramic studios, and shops selling cork products, lace, and hand-painted azulejos. It’s a place where shopping feels like discovery—many of the best finds are tucked between traditional townhouses and lively cafés.

For more variety, head just outside town to the Ria Shopping Center. While small compared to Faro’s Forum Algarve, it features essentials like clothing shops, tech stores, and a supermarket—ideal if you’re staying nearby.

Olhão also hosts regular artisan fairs and events in the summer months, where local artists and craftspeople present their work—from jewelry to home décor, much of it inspired by the sea and the nearby Ria Formosa.

Address Highlights:

• Mercado de Olhão – Avenida 5 de Outubro, 8700-307 Olhão
• Ria Shopping – Estrada Nacional 125, 8700-137 Olhão

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, offers a dynamic blend of traditional charm and modern retail. Its historic Old Town (Cidade Velha) invites you to wander through cobbled streets filled with boutiques selling Portuguese ceramics, cork accessories, wool blankets, and handmade jewelry. Here, independent designers and artisans showcase the rich culture of southern Portugal.

The elegant Rua de Santo António is Faro’s main shopping artery, home to fashion boutiques, shoe shops, and stores with Portuguese brands like Parfois or Natura. It’s the perfect place to browse for stylish accessories, light summer clothes, or a new pair of espadrilles.

Don’t miss the Mercado Municipal de Faro, a local institution filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and sweet treats like doce fino algarvio. You’ll also find stalls with spices, olive oils, and other gourmet souvenirs to take home.

For modern shopping, head to Forum Algarve, a spacious open-air shopping center located just outside the city center. It features a wide range of international fashion brands (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka), a large supermarket, cinema, and several restaurants. It’s perfect for a rainy day or for when you’re in need of a larger retail selection.

Address Highlights:

• Mercado Municipal de Faro – Largo do Mercado, 8000-180 Faro
• Forum Algarve – Estr. Nacional 125, Km 103, 8009-020 Faro

Vila Real de Santo António, located on the eastern edge of the Algarve near the Spanish border, offers a unique shopping experience where the blend of Portuguese and Spanish influences is evident in both the architecture and local shops. The town’s proximity to Spain has led to a mix of Iberian styles, making it a great place to explore local markets and boutiques.

One of the most striking features of Vila Real is its distinctive street plan, designed by the famous Portuguese statesman Marquês de Pombal. After the 1755 earthquake, Pombal restructured the town with wide, straight streets in a grid pattern, which still stands today. This layout makes it easy to navigate the town, with key streets like Rua de Fátima lined with a variety of shops, from textile boutiques to local craft stores.

The Mercado Municipal is a must-visit for food lovers, where you can purchase fresh seafood, local cheeses, cured meats, and regional delicacies like chorizo and jamón. The market is an ideal place to find unique gifts or bring home a taste of the Algarve.

Vila Real de Santo António is also known for its wide range of textile shops, offering everything from luxurious bed linens to handwoven fabrics. Rua Dr. Teófilo Braga and the surrounding streets are lined with stores selling Portuguese-made clothing, fabrics, and home decor, offering everything from colorful towels to beautifully crafted quilts and blankets. Many of these shops carry locally produced textiles, giving you a chance to take home something authentic and made with care.

Whether you’re looking for artisanal items or fashion, the town’s shops offer a fantastic selection, and you can always find a blend of Portuguese and Spanish products that reflect the region’s unique cultural mix.

Address Highlight:

• Mercado Municipal – Praça Marquês de Pombal, 8900-106 Vila Real de Santo António

Tavira is a picturesque town that offers a relaxed and authentic shopping experience. Begin your stroll in the morning at the Mercado Municipal, where locals buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish. It’s the perfect place to soak up the atmosphere and pick up regional delicacies like fig jam or local cheese.

Art and design lovers should explore the cobbled streets near the castle, where you’ll find small boutiques and artisan shops. Look for unique spots like Armazém Português, known for its high-quality Portuguese ceramics and decorative pieces, and other small galleries and shops that showcase handmade crafts, textiles, and regional products.

For a touch of contemporary design, keep an eye out for concept stores and independent designers offering locally inspired fashion, natural cosmetics, or eco-friendly accessories. Tavira’s shops blend tradition with tasteful innovation, making it a rewarding town to explore slowly, with discoveries around every corner.

If you’re looking for a more conventional retail experience, head to Tavira Gran Plaza, the town’s main shopping center just a few minutes from the historic center. Here you’ll find popular international and national brands like Zara, H&M, and Worten, as well as restaurants, a cinema, and a spacious food court with kid-friendly options. It’s a convenient stop for clothing, electronics, or a relaxed lunch break during your shopping day.

Don’t forget to visit the riverfront, where seasonal festivals and artisan markets often bring together artists, food producers, and vintage finds—all with the scenic Gilão River as your backdrop.

Boutique Highlight:

Tavira Gran Plaza – Estrada EN125, 8800-400 Tavira – www.taviraplaza.pt

Armazém Português – Rua Dr. António Cabreira 15, 8800-344 Tavira