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The best independent guide to the Algarve
Algarve-Tourist.com
The best independent guide to the Algarve
Albufeira Supermarkets: The Best Grocery Stores for Self-Catering Tourists
For self-catering tourists in Albufeira, understanding the difference between local convenience stores and major supermarkets is the most effective way to manage a holiday budget.
Visitors staying in the main hotel zones of the Old Town or The Strip are surrounded by small "Mini-Mercados." These retailers operate on a convenience model with higher margins. While useful for immediate necessities, the prices for basic items such as water, alcohol, and fresh produce are significantly higher than national averages.
To access standard Portuguese pricing, tourists must travel to the commercial hubs on the outskirts of the town. These areas house the major national chains where prices are often 30% to 50% lower than the beach-front shops. For a family doing a weekly shop, the savings from visiting these larger stores will comfortably cover the cost of the short taxi or Uber ride required to reach them.
This guide categorizes the available options to help you select the most appropriate store for your specific logistical and dietary requirements.
Note: This guide excludes the smaller "Express" or convenience stores found in the Old Town and Strip. It lists only the major large-format retailers where you can access the best prices for full provisioning.
Overview of the Supermarkets in Albufeira
Continente Modelo – This is the largest retailer in Portugal. In Albufeira, Continente operates large-format stores that function as "one-stop" destinations. They stock a comprehensive range of groceries alongside non-food items such as beach gear, electronics, and clothing. This is the most efficient option for a complete "arrival shop" where household items are needed in addition to food. The main Continente Modelo is located within the Albufeira Shopping center, which is within walking distance of the Old Town.
Pingo Doce - Pingo Doce distinguishes itself with a focus on perishable goods. It typically offers superior fresh fish and butcher counters compared to other chains. Most medium-to-large locations feature an in-house bakery and a cafeteria that serves low-cost hot meals. It is the preferred choice for shoppers prioritizing fresh ingredients for cooking over pre-packaged goods. The main branch is situated within walking distance of both The Strip and the New Town area.
Lidl and Aldi (The Discounters) - These German chains operate on a high-efficiency model. They offer a limited selection of products (fewer brands per item) but consistently provide the lowest prices on the market. They are the optimal choice for purchasing high volumes of basic items, including water, beer, wines, and dry goods. They also feature rotating "middle aisle" stock that often includes seasonal summer equipment. Aldi operates two stores on opposite sides of Albufeira (Caliços and Vale Paraíso), while the main Lidl is located next to the western Aldi in Caliços.
Intermarché - Intermarché stores operate as franchises, which allows individual managers to adapt stock based on local demand. In the Algarve, they specifically cater to Northern European tourists and expatriates. Consequently, these stores are the most reliable source for imported British, French, and German products that are unavailable in other Portuguese chains. While Intermarché sells the cheapest fuel in Albufeira, it is located in the northern outskirts (Vale Pedras), making it the least accessible store for those without a vehicle.
Apolónia (The Premium Retailer) - Apolónia occupies the luxury segment of the market. It focuses on high-end gourmet products, an extensive wine selection, and specialized dietary foods. While it carries a higher price point, it is the primary destination for gluten-free, vegan, and organic products that are difficult to source elsewhere. It serves visitors looking for specific luxury items rather than budget staples. Apolónia is located in Galé, to the west of Albufeira. Although it requires a longer trip, the journey is worthwhile for those seeking high-end specialties.
Map of Albufeira Supermarkets
The following interactive map details the specific locations of the major supermarket chains across Albufeira. Use this visual guide to identify the supermarket closest to your accommodation and determine which store best fits your requirements and budget. (Note: zoom in to see all of the markers)
Supermarkets: 1) Continente Modelo 2) Pingo Doce 3) Lidl 4) Aldi 5) Aldi 6) Intermarché 7) Apolónia
Convenience Stores: 8) Pingo Doce 9) Intermarché Contact 10) Intermarché Contact 11) Spar 12) Spar 13) Spar
Detailed Store Guide
The following section provides a practical breakdown of the primary supermarket locations in Albufeira.
Continente Modelo (Albufeira Terrace)
Best for: The Complete "Arrival Shop" & Household Goods
Located within the Albufeira Terrace Shopping Center (often still referred to by locals as "Albufeira Shopping"), this store is the logistical engine of the town. It operates as a hypermarket, meaning it combines a full grocery supermarket with a department store. If you have just arrived and need to equip your villa with not just food, but also beach umbrellas, inflatables, a replacement phone charger, or cleaning supplies, this is the most efficient single location to visit.
This store is split across two levels connected by travelators (flat escalators).
• Ground Floor (Food): This is the main market hall featuring the bakery, fresh fish counter, butcher, and all food aisles.
• Basement (Non-Food): This lower level is dedicated to home goods. It stocks a massive range of camping gear, beach towels, clothing, and small electronics.
• Health & Beauty (Wells): The store includes a "Wells" section. This is a dedicated pharmacy stocking sunblock, mosquito repellent, baby formula, and over-the-counter health products.
• Parking: A major advantage in summer is the underground car park. Unlike the open-air lots at other supermarkets, you can park in the shade here, keeping your car cool. The shopping center houses a food court on the top floor (featuring KFC, Burger King, and local options).
Pingo Doce (Bela Vista)
Best for: Fresh Fish & inexpensive lunch in the Restaurant
While it rivals Continente in floor space, the Pingo Doce at Bela Vista operates with a completely different philosophy. It is designed around the "Market" concept, prioritizing fresh ingredients over non-food aisles. You will not find clothes or camping gear here; instead, you will find the town’s busiest fresh food counters.
• The "Comida Fresca" Restaurant: This is the store's standout feature. Unlike a typical supermarket café that sells only sandwiches, this Pingo Doce features a full-service cafeteria/restaurant. They serve hot, chef-prepared meals (including soups, grilled fish, and roast meats) for a fraction of the price of a standard restaurant. It is a legitimate dining spot where locals go for a quick, affordable lunch or dinner.
• The Fishmonger: The fish counter here is widely considered superior to the hypermarkets. They receive daily deliveries of local Algarve catch (look for the "Pesca Local" tags) and the staff are trained to scale and fillet your fish exactly how you want it for your BBQ.
Insight: For self-catering tourists, the "Take-Away" counter is a massive time-saver. You can buy a whole grilled chicken (Frango Assado) with sides of rice and chips by weight. It is often cheaper and faster than waiting at the dedicated piri-piri chicken shops in town.
Intermarché (Vale Pedras)
Best for: International Brands and Cheap Fuel
This is the newest and most modern supermarket in Albufeira. It acts as a flagship store for the region, replacing the older Montechoro location. Because Intermarché operates as a franchise, the owner has specifically curated the inventory to serve the large expat and tourist community. If you are missing a specific taste from home, this is where you will find it.
• The "Import" Specialist: Unlike Continente, which focuses on Portuguese brands, this store dedicates significant shelf space to imports. You will reliably find British tea bags, bacon, and cheddar; German sausages and condiments; and a wide range of French cheeses and wines.
• The "Fresh" Focus: Approximately 60% of the store’s floor space is dedicated to fresh produce. This includes a traditional butcher (Talho) who will prepare cuts to order, and a fishmonger that rivals Pingo Doce.
• Cheapest Fuel in Town: The car park features a "Low-Cost" fuel station. The price per litre for diesel and petrol here is often €0.10 to €0.15 cheaper than the branded stations (Galp/BP) on the highway. If you have a rental car, fill up here before returning it.
Lidl
Best for: Discounted prices
Located on the western side of the Avenida dos Descobrimentos, Lidl operates differently from standard Portuguese supermarkets like Continente. It follows a "Hard Discount" model, meaning it stocks a limited range of products (approx. 2,000 items vs. 20,000 at a hypermarket). Crucially, 90% of the stock is Lidl’s own brand. You will not find 15 types of ketchup here; you will find one very good one at an unbeatable price. This high-efficiency model allows them to consistently offer the lowest grocery bill in Albufeira.
• The "Middle Aisle" (Non-Food): In the summer months, the center aisle of this store transforms into a beach supply depot. You can purchase windbreaks, large parasols, snorkelling gear, and inflatable rafts here for approximately 50% of the price charged by the souvenir shops on the Strip or Old Town beach.
• The Self-Service Bakery: This is the store’s most popular feature. It offers a "bake-off" system where fresh bread, croissants, and Pastel de Nata are baked on-site throughout the day. It is a common strategy to buy their breakfast pastries here (often under €0.50 each) rather than paying €2.00+ at a hotel café.
• High-Volume Basics: Lidl minimizes brand variety to maximize value. You will not find ten brands of mayonnaise, but you will find one high-quality option at the lowest price in town. It is the best place to buy heavy, fast-moving goods like 5L water bottles and local beer (Sagres or their own brand, Argus).
Aldi
Best for: Discounted High-Volume Basics & Speed
Like its competitor Lidl, Aldi operates on a "Hard Discount" philosophy. The goal is to make the shopping trip as fast and cheap as possible. The stores stock a "limited assortment" of products, meaning you will find one or two high-quality options for an item (usually their own private brand) rather than twenty different national brands. This strategy allows them to keep prices significantly lower than the major supermarkets like Continente or Pingo Doce.
Aldi operates two stores in the Albufeira area. Aldi Vale Paraíso near the Old Bullring (Praça de Touros) is the largest Aldi in Portugal. Aldi Caliços is to the west of the town, close to the Main Bus Terminal and Lidl.
What to Expect Inside
• The "Oven Fresh" Bakery: Both locations feature a large self-service bakery section. You can grab fresh bread rolls (papo-secos), croissants, and pastries throughout the day. It also features a self-service bread slicer, perfect for preparing toast for your villa breakfast.
• The Juice Machine: A signature feature of Portuguese Aldi stores is the self-service orange juice machine.
• Weekly "Special Buys": The middle aisles feature rotating stock that changes every week. In summer, this is a prime spot to pick up affordable beach toys, inflatables, and grilling equipment.
Apolónia (Galé)
Best for: Gourmet Foods, Dietary Requirements & Luxury Provisions
Apolónia is widely recognized as the finest supermarket in the Algarve. While chains like Continente focus on mass-market volume, Apolónia focuses exclusively on high-end quality. Shopping here is a calm and sophisticated experience. The aisles are spacious, the store is immaculately clean, and the staff provide a level of service that is unmatched by any other retailer.
The "Premium" Difference:
• The Butcher & Fishmonger: This is the primary reason food lovers visit Apolónia. The butcher counter does not just sell standard meat; they stock specific premium cuts like Black Angus, Wagyu beef, and rack of lamb that you cannot find in standard supermarkets. The fish counter offers top-tier seafood often reserved for the region's best restaurants.
• International & Dietary Range: If you are looking for a specific taste from home, you will likely find it here. They stock thousands of international products (British teas, French cheeses, Asian sauces). Furthermore, it is the safest destination for travelers with dietary restrictions, offering the region's most comprehensive selection of gluten-free, lactose-free, and vegan products.
• Chef-Prepared Meals & Sushi: The "Take-Away" counter here is exceptional. The store employs professional chefs to prepare fresh meals daily. You can buy restaurant-quality dishes to heat at your villa, from traditional Portuguese stews to freshly rolled sushi prepared on-site every hour.
• The Wine Cellar: The wine section is curated by sommeliers. While it stocks affordable local options, it also features a temperature-controlled area for rare vintages, champagnes, and premium spirits.
• Delivery: If you do not have a car, or simply want to relax, they offer a home delivery service. This is free for orders over €125 and is perfect for stocking a villa with heavy items like water and wine upon arrival.
Shopping Advice
Sunday Trading
Unlike in Spain or Germany, Portuguese supermarkets have liberal opening hours.
• All Major Chains: Open on Sundays, usually with full operating hours (e.g., 08:30 – 21:00).
• Public Holidays: Most large supermarkets remain open on public holidays, though they may run reduced hours (closing at 19:00 or 20:00).
The "Alcohol & Water" Strategy
The single biggest unnecessary cost for self-catering tourists is buying heavy liquids at convenience stores.
• The Price Gap: A 5-liter bottle of water at a Strip mini-market can cost €2.50. At Lidl or Continente, it costs roughly €0.85. A bottle of Green Wine (Vinho Verde) is often €7.00+ in town, but €2.50 in the supermarket.
• The Strategy: Even if you do not have a car, it is financially logical to take an Uber to Lidl or Aldi on your first day. Purchase all heavy items-water, beer, wine, olive oil, and cleaning supplies-in one bulk transaction. The savings on alcohol alone will typically cover the cost of the Uber fare immediately.
Payment Methods:
• Visa & Mastercard: Universally accepted at all chains (Continente, Pingo Doce, Lidl, Aldi, Apolónia).
• American Express: Do not rely on Amex. It is almost never accepted at Pingo Doce, Lidl, or Aldi due to high merchant fees. While Apolónia and some larger Continente stores may accept it, the failure rate is high. Always carry a backup Visa/Mastercard or cash.
• Multibanco: You will see locals using "Multibanco" cards. These are domestic debit cards. International debit cards function on the same terminals without issue.
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