The best markets in the Algarve + map and useful information

1. Loulé’s covered market hall & Saturday market

Loulé Market ( Mercado Municipal de Loulé ) is located in the historic centre of the city and is open Mon-Sat all year round. This beautiful building, over 100 years old, is the beating heart of the city, where locals and tourists alike stroll among the stalls and stands.

This market in Loulé is open from Monday to Saturday from 07:00 to 15:00 and you will find local produce, organic food and fresh fish. What makes this market even more attractive is that everything is covered, so even on gloomy days this is a great destination in the Algarve.

On Saturdays the market expands into the surrounding streets and, in addition to food, you will also find clothing and handmade products.

2. The two covered market halls of Olhão

The market in Olhão consists of two striking round buildings along the quay. One hall is exclusively for freshly caught fish, the other for vegetables, fruit, meats and other products.

Even if you’re not looking for groceries, this market is worth a visit, if only to see how the locals do their shopping.

The market in Olhão is open from Monday to Saturday from 07:00 – 14:00.

On Saturdays the market is larger and there are stalls around the market halls from 08:30 – 13:00 where local farmers sell their products directly at attractive prices.

3. The two markets of Quarteira

Quarteira has two markets. The daily fish and fresh market along the quay and the ‘Gipsy Market’.

The fish market is located in the white building with blue trim next to Praia da Rosa Branca. This is where the city’s residents buy their fresh fish, but in the adjacent areas they also buy fruit and vegetables.

The fish market is open from Monday to Saturday from 08:00 – 14:00.

The Gipsy Market is a weekly flea market just outside the city centre. Every Wednesday from 08:00 to 14:00 you can go here for bracelets, sunglasses, extra large beach towels, bags and shirts. The authenticity of the branded clothing sold is debatable, but the prices are fine.

4. Santo Amaro Municipal Market, Lagos

The Mercado Municipal de Santo Amaro is a covered market hall in Lagos where the real locals come to do their shopping. This one is a bit smaller than the Mercado Municipal de Lagos , but in my opinion it is a bit more focused on tourists and therefore a bit more expensive.

This market hall is open every day except Sundays from 07:00 – 13:00 and you will find fish stalls, fruit and vegetables and a number of artisanal products such as handmade clothing, rugs and real honey.