If you are on holiday in the Algarve and want to prepare your own food, there are fortunately many supermarkets in the Algarve to do your own shopping. Just like in the UK, there are different supermarket chains that you can visit, ranging from large stores to smaller local supermarkets. Some names may sound familiar, but there are also a number of Portuguese chains that are worth trying out to try some more local delicacies and dishes.
Below you will find an overview of some of the most popular supermarkets in the Algarve and what to expect.
7 Supermarkets in the Algarve + information
These are 7 of the most common supermarkets in the Algarve:
1. Continente
Continente is one of the largest supermarket chains in Portugal. They have several branches in the Algarve. The supermarket offers a wide range of products including fresh produce, meat, fish, bread and pastries, breakfast products, dairy products, drinks, household items and much more.
The prices are reasonable and there are often offers and discounts available. Most Continente supermarkets have an in-house butcher and fishmonger. In my experience, the Continente supermarket is cheaper than the Intermarché and Pingo Doce, but slightly more expensive than Lidl or Aldi.
2. Pingo Doce
Pingo Doce is another large supermarket chain in Portugal with several branches in the Algarve. The range includes all the usual groceries such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, bread and pastries, dairy products, breakfast products, snacks and drinks, household items and much more. The prices are slightly higher than those of Continente and comparable to Intermarché. The larger Pingo Doce branches have a cafeteria where you can have a plate of food served at the checkout. This is very popular with locals and visitors because you can get a big lunch for a few euros.
3. Lidl
A name that probably sounds familiar: Lidl is a popular discount supermarket chain with several branches in the Algarve. The range is comparable to that of Continente and Pingo Doce, but the prices are usually lower. Lidl also often has special offers and discounts.
You will also find many products here that can also be found in the UK Lidl’s, but there is no in-house butcher and fishmonger. All meat and fish products are pre-packaged. They do have a bakery similar to the branches in the UK where you can grab freshly baked rolls and sweets with tongs.
4. Aldi
You probably know Aldi, another popular discount supermarket chain with multiple branches in the Algarve. The assortment includes, just like in the UK, fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, dairy products, breakfast products, snacks and drinks, household items and much more. The prices are comparable to those of Lidl. Here too, you will find many products that can also be found in the UK Aldi’s. With a bit of luck, you will also find UK products here.
Just like Lidl, the Algarve does not have an in-house fishmonger and butcher, but it does have a bakery where you can grab bread and sweets with tongs.
5. Intermarche
Intermarché is a French supermarket chain with several branches in the Algarve. The range is comparable to that of Continente and Pingo Doce, but the prices are slightly higher. Intermarché often has special offers and discounts. Sometimes you can also find UK products here.
All large Intermarchés have an in-house butcher, fishmonger and baker. On the outside, most locations also have a petrol station where you can fill up cheaply. The stores are nicely decorated and have self-scanning checkouts in addition to regular checkouts.
6. Apolónia
Apolónia is a high-end supermarket chain with only a handful of locations in the Algarve. This spacious supermarket focuses on high-quality products and has a wide range of fresh produce, meat, fish, bread and pastries, breakfast products, dairy products, drinks, household items and much more.
Prices are higher than other supermarkets, but the quality is considered better.
7. Spar
The Spar is also represented in the Algarve and is a smaller supermarket chain with several branches in the Algarve. They are usually located in the center of towns and are seen here as a ‘neighborhood supermarket’.
The range is not very big and the prices are very high. I only go to the Spar if I need one thing, because this supermarket is the closest to me.
Questions and answers about supermarkets in the Algarve
The cheapest supermarket chains are Lidl and Aldi. Just like in the Netherlands, the prices of these discount chains are the lowest.
Intermarché is in my opinion the best supermarket in the Algarve. Not only are the prices for own brands excellent, most locations have an in-house butcher, fishmonger, café and florist. You will also find ATMs, a petrol station and covered parking. There is always enough staff so the queues at the checkout are short.
Self always leaves it alone in the Spar. Prices are sky high and the selection is very limited.
Supermarkets in the Algarve by popular destination
Supermarkets around Albufeira
If you are staying in Albufeira and want to do some shopping, there are several supermarkets you can go to. There are three large Continente stores nearby, one near the Albufeira Marina, another near the Salgados Golf Course and a third at the entrance to Albufeira from the motorway.
There are also several Pingo Doce stores in the area, including a large one near the Albufeira train station. For those staying in the old town, there are also a few local supermarkets you can go to, such as Spar. There is also a Lidl adn an Aldi.
📗 Read my tips for visiting Albufeira here
Supermarkets around Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and has several supermarkets where you can do your shopping. There is a large Continente store in the Forum Algarve shopping centre, which is easily accessible by bus or car.
There is also a Pingo Doce store in the centre of Faro, close to the old town and the harbour. In addition, there are several local supermarkets in the city, such as the Super Sol supermarket and the Mercado Municipal de Faro market hall.
📗 Read my tips for visiting Faro here
Supermarkets rondom Lagos
Lagos is a popular Algarve resort and has several supermarkets to stock up on. There is a large Pingo Doce store in the town centre, close to the marina.
There is also a Continente store near Lagos bus station, which is easily accessible by public transport. There is also a Lidl and an Aldi.
📗 Read my tips for visiting Lagos here
Supermarkets around Portimão
Portimão is another popular Algarve resort and has several supermarkets where you can stock up on groceries. There is a large Continente store in the Aqua Portimão shopping centre, which is easily accessible by bus or car.
There are also several Pingo Doce stores in the area, including a large store in the centre of Portimão. For those staying near Praia da Rocha, there are also local supermarkets such as the Meu Super supermarket and the Mercado Municipal de Portimão market hall.
📗 Read my tips for visiting Portimão here
Supermarkets around Tavira
Tavira is a charming town in the eastern Algarve and has several supermarkets where you can do your shopping. There is a large Pingo Doce store in the centre of town, close to the Roman Bridge and Tavira Castle.
There is also a Continente store just outside the town, on the N125. In addition, there are a few local supermarkets in the town, such as the Minipreço supermarket and the Mercado Municipal de Tavira market hall.
📗 Read my tips for visiting Tavira here
More of our local tips for your Portugal adventure
⭐ Check out our favourite sights in the Algarve on this page
⛵ Check out this overview of all activities you can do in the Algarve
🚗 This is the best car rental company in the Algarve
📌 Discover the top towns and cities to visit in the Algarve here
🏖 These are our favourite beaches in the Algarve
🛎 Get inspired with our local tips for accommodations in the Algarve