Visiting markets in the Algarve gives you that feeling of being among the locals and discovering their products that are different from ‘home’. Especially the local products such as honey, olives, oranges, fig bread and avocados are of those typical delicacies. The merchandise is often still made in a traditional way.
The gypsies who live here in large numbers also know how to sell all kinds of trinkets and clothing for often a fraction of the price we are used to.
In particular, the market in Algoz is a very large market and is a draw for the entire region. This is where a farmers’ market, floral market and gypsy market come together. From far and wide, the farmers still come here to buy their chickens and drink a beer with friends at the food stalls.
Algarve Markets: By Town
Eastern Algarve
Monte Gordo: 4th Saturday of the month from 10am.
Olhão: Takes place every day with a larger market (including a gypsy market) on Saturday mornings.
Tavira: 3rd Saturday of the month (9 am – 1 pm)
Vila Real de Santo António: 2nd Saturday of the month from 10am & Every 3rd Sunday of the month (8 am – 1 pm)
Vila Nova de Cacela: Every 3rd Sunday of the month
Central Algarve
Algoz: Gypsy and Farmers market : 2 nd Monday of the month 8 am – 1 pm
Albufeira: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month (9 am – 2 pm)
Alte: 3rd Thursday of the month (8 am – 2 pm)
Armação de Pêra: Monday to Saturday (7 am – 1 pm)
Carvoeiro: Monday to Saturday (8:30 am – 2 pm)
Faro: 2nd Sunday of the month (8 am – 4 pm)
Sao Bras de Aportel: fleamarket 3rd Sunday of the month (8am – 2 pm)
Lagoa: 2nd Sunday (8 am – 1 pm)
Ferragudo: 2nd Sunday (8 am – 2 pm)
Loulé: Gypsy market and farmers market every Saturday of the month
Quarteira: Gypsy market every Wednesday (8 am – 3 pm)
Silves: 3rd Monday of every month (8 am – 1 pm)
Western Algarve
Aljezur: 3rd Monday of every month (8 am – 2 pm)
Alvor: 2nd Tuesday of the month (9 am – 2 pm)
Lagos: Weekly Saturday Farmers Market (8 am – 2 pm) with a more general market on the 1st Saturday of the month. Markets also take place on the 1st Sunday of the month. There’s also a farmer’s market at the marina on Wednesday afternoons called Viv’o Mercado.
Monchique: 2nd Friday of the month (8 am – 2 pm)
Portimão: 1st Monday of each month (8 am – 2 pm) & the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.
Sagres: 1st Friday of the month (9 am – 2 pm)
What To Buy At The Markets
Fish & Seafood
Fish and seafood are a big part of the Portuguese diet, and most of the markets have an excellent selection of fish – better than what many visitors are used to anyway. Olhão is home to the best fish market in the Algarve but many others, like Portimão, don’t lag far behind.
Fruit and Vegetables
Almost all of the markets have an excellent selection of fruit and vegetables, most of which is grown locally or at least in Portugal. There is also a huge choice in dried beans, nuts and fruit to take home if you like. Especially the figbread with almond and alfarobba is exellent.
Look out for sweet potatoes (batata doce) for Aljezur, something which the Algarve is famous for. You’ll also spot some interesting seasonal fruits like dióspiros (the Hachiya persimmon), which is absolutely delicious and tastes like honey.
Clothes, bedsheets and underwear and more
There are textiles to be found in Portugal. There are also a number of shoe stalls with sports shoes that resemble the well-known brands. However, there are also a number of vendors who offer beautiful handmade shoes and belts. And last but not least; Cork, the national natural leather, used in the most beautiful bags and accessories.
A visit to a market will make your holiday in the Algarve complete and if you are still looking for souvenirs to give as a gift for friends and family, you can find the most unique gifts here at an attractive price.