The Algarve is Portugal's southernmost district, renowned for its dramatic golden limestone cliffs, over 150 pristine beaches, and more than 300 days of sunshine per year. Stretching 155 kilometres along the Atlantic coast, this sun-drenched region blends spectacular natural scenery with charming whitewashed villages, Moorish heritage, world-class golf, and a vibrant seafood cuisine.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Medronho (Arbutus Brandy)
A traditional firewater distilled from the fruit of the arbutus tree (strawberry tree) in the Monchique hills — the Algarve's most distinctive spirit
Price: €8–€20 per bottle
Where: Monchique distilleries, Loulé market, supermarkets
Morgadinhos de Amêndoa (Almond Marzipan Fruits)
Beautifully crafted marzipan confections shaped as fruits, vegetables and animals — the iconic Algarve sweet made from local almonds
Price: €5–€15 per box
Where: Pastelaria Só Frutos (Loulé), markets, souvenir shops
Doce de Figo (Fig Jam and Sweets)
Handmade dried fig sweets and fig jam from the Algarve's famous figueiras — sweet, dense and uniquely southern Portuguese
Price: €4–€10
Where: Loulé market, Olhão market, farm shops
Mel do Algarve (Algarve Honey)
Distinctive aromatic honey from bees feeding on rosemary, lavender and citrus blossoms across the Algarve countryside
Price: €5–€12 per jar
Where: Markets, farm shops and roadside stalls
Piri-Piri Sauce
Bottled piri-piri chilli sauce in various heat levels — the essential condiment of the Algarve kitchen
Price: €4–€8 per bottle
Where: Supermarkets, delis, Lagos market
Cataplana Copper Pot
The iconic hinged copper cooking vessel used to make the Algarve's signature seafood stew — a beautiful and functional souvenir
Price: €25–€80 depending on size
Where: Loulé market, Lagos souvenir shops, Portimão market
Azulejo Tiles
Hand-painted traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles depicting coastal and Moorish-inspired designs
Price: €3–€15 per tile; €30–€80 for framed sets
Where: Souvenir shops in Lagos, Faro, Silves; Loulé market
Cork Products
The Algarve sits in the heart of Portugal's cork oak country — bags, wallets, placemats and hats made from sustainably harvested cork
Price: €5–€60
Where: Cork shops throughout Lagos and Faro; market stalls
Handmade Lace and Embroidery
Traditional lace and embroidered textiles made in villages around Loulé — tablecloths, napkins and decorative pieces
Price: €10–€50
Where: Loulé market, Tavira craft shops
Leather Sandals
Handcrafted leather sandals made to measure by artisan cobblers in Lagos old town — a Lagos institution for decades
Price: €30–€60 per pair
Where: Artisan sandal workshops in Lagos old town (Rua 25 de Abril area)
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Mercado de Loulé
The finest covered market in the Algarve, housed in a neo-Moorish 1908 building. Fresh fish, fruit, cheese, honey, dried figs and local handicrafts. Saturday is the biggest day with craft stalls extending onto the surrounding streets.
Where: Praça da República, 8100 Loulé
Hours: Mon–Fri 7AM–2PM; Sat 7AM–3PM
Olhão Market Halls
The most authentic fish market in the Algarve — twin waterfront 1912 market buildings selling outstanding fresh fish, shellfish and produce to local restaurants and households.
Where: Avenida 5 de Outubro, 8700 Olhão
Hours: Mon–Sat 7AM–2PM
Mercado de Lagos
Central covered market in Lagos serving the local community with fresh meat, fish, cheese, fruit and vegetables. Good for picking up picnic supplies for beach days.
Where: Rua das Portas de Portugal, 8600 Lagos
Hours: Mon–Sat 8AM–2PM
Portimão Saturday Market
Weekly market along the Arade River with local produce, clothing, crafts and household goods serving the Portimão community.
Where: Riverside, Portimão
Hours: Sat 7AM–1PM
Quarteira Wednesday Market
One of the largest weekly markets in the Algarve, set on the Quarteira seafront with hundreds of stalls selling everything from clothing to crafts, olives and produce. Draws visitors from across the region.
Where: Quarteira seafront, 8125 Quarteira
Hours: Wed 7AM–2PM
Shopping districts
Neighbourhoods known for retail.
Lagos Old Town (Rua 25 de Abril)
The pedestrianised main shopping street of Lagos old town is lined with independent boutiques, artisan sandal makers, jewellery shops, cork accessory stores and galleries
Best for: Handcrafted gifts, leather sandals, cork products, jewellery
Faro City Centre (Rua de Santo António)
Faro's main pedestrianised shopping street has Portuguese chain stores, independent boutiques and a good variety of everyday shopping options
Best for: Everyday shopping, Portuguese fashion brands, gifts
Albufeira Old Town
Dense concentration of souvenir shops, jewellery stores and tourist-focused boutiques around the old town and beach access tunnel
Best for: Souvenirs, beach clothing, jewellery
Vilamoura Marina Promenade
The marina boardwalk has upscale clothing boutiques, jewellery shops and nautical gear stores catering to the yacht-owning and golf resort crowd
Best for: Luxury fashion, nautical accessories, jewellery
Malls & modern shopping
Air-conditioned, international brands, and food courts.
Algarve Shopping (Portimão)
The Algarve's largest shopping mall in Portimão, with over 130 stores including international fashion brands, electronics, supermarket and food court. Closest equivalent to a British shopping centre.
Hours: 10AM–11PM daily
Forum Algarve (Faro)
Faro's major shopping centre adjacent to the city, with a wide range of Portuguese and international fashion brands, cinema and restaurants.
Hours: 10AM–11PM daily
Estoi Palace Village (near Faro)
An outdoor shopping village in a converted estate near Faro with lifestyle brands and restaurants.
Hours: 10AM–10PM (seasonal)
Bargaining tips
Negotiate like a local.
Bargaining is not customary in shops or restaurants in the Algarve — fixed prices apply
At open-air craft markets (especially the Loulé Saturday market), gentle negotiation may be accepted if buying multiple items
Never try to bargain in supermarkets, malls or established shops — it is considered inappropriate
The best deals on local produce are at the end of market day (1–2PM) when vendors reduce prices to clear stock
Customs & restrictions
What you can and can't take home.
Restrictions: Cannot export items more than 100 years old without a permit. No restrictions on taking local food products within the EU.
Tax Refund: VAT refund (reembolso de IVA) available for non-EU residents on purchases over €61.35 from participating shops; ask for a Tax-Free form at the point of purchase
Duty Free: EU travellers: no duty-free allowances within the EU. Non-EU departures from Faro Airport: 1 litre spirits, 2 litres wine, 200 cigarettes
Shipping: DHL, FedEx and CTT (Portuguese Post) offer international shipping from all Algarve towns for larger purchases like cataplana pots or tile sets