Shopping
There's something magical about markets, especially the one's abroad. Yes, there really are bargains to be had, if you look carefully, but it's more than that. It's the atmosphere, the buzz, the holiday feeling, the colours, the smells... you know what I mean. The Algarve is the ideal place to have a wander and a look around markets as most towns and villages have their own. However, the following two 'tourist' markets are recommended by us and are big and beautiful enough to be well worth a visit.
WEDNESDAY - Quarteira
SATURDAY - Loule
Quarteira has everything. There are stalls selling souvenirs, shoes, clothes, watches, bags, fake designer this and that... shopping heaven. Quarteira is adjacent to Vilamoura and is half-an-hour's drive or less from Praia da Oura. You can park in a street just off the seafront and walk through to the main street to find streams of people heading towards the market. Loule is also a very good market and a nice place to visit.
Gypsy markets are held throughout the Algarve and this is a guide to when they are held and where.
Please be aware that they don't always follow this pattern ( There are some special day fairsin certain months at certain towns) and so you should always check before travelling- after all this is Portugal !!