Shopping & Markets

There are a number of small shops in Vale do Lobo, either at the Praça overlooking the sea, at the golf club/resort reception, or at the resort entrance. The nearest supermarket is by the entrance to the resort. However, the most popular local supermarket, Apolonia, is in Almancil, at the western end of town. Almancil is also home to the nearest chemist. Alternatively you could visit Forum Algarve, which is on the outskirts of Faro, and has over 120 shops, 20 restuarants and a hypermarket. It is well worth a visit. For those staying longer than a few days, a larger supermarket, Modelo, is on the outskirts of Loule, a market town 10km north of Almancil. In addition, the neighbouring resort, Quinta do Lago, has extensive boutique shopping and further golf, leisure facilities, bars and restaurants.

Shops & Boutiques, Quinta do Lago

The best and nearest market is in Quarteria on Wednesday morning. This market is excellent for cotton, linen, and leather goods. Loule also has a Saturday market of a similar nature, and a daily market serving fish and vegetables in the centre of the town.

Eating Out

There are so many restaurants, that it is difficult to recommend or to go desperately wrong! Our advice is not to choose restaurants solely on outside appearance, as some may look a little scruffy, but inside they will be totally different, and in most, the food quite superb!

Our favourite is Pequeno Mundo - A converted farmhouse between Almancil and Vale do Lobo, situated in the middle of nowhere. This restaurant is superb with plenty of atmosphere and whilst not cheap, provides reasonable value for the high quality menu. You will need to book several days in advance for a table due to its popularity.

Casa do Golfe, Mr Freddies, Alambique, Caso dos Pinheiros , Chez Antoinne and Ken Lo's can all be reommended. Somewhat cheaper, but still providing reasonable quality are Casa Pituxa and Caprice. If you visit Caprice on a Wednesday, take a golf ball to exchange for a bottle of port, and you will also hear the traditional Fado.
Pizza at Fantasia Pizza is very good. Based in the Buganvilia Plaza, just on the outskirts of Quinta do Lago. There are also a number of new restaurants which have opened in the new shopping centre at Quinta, which look well worth investigating, although you should expect these to be rather expensive.

There are a number of local free magazines which have restaurant directories, information and telephone numbers for booking.

Click here for an online Algarve restaurant guide.

Further Afield

Further afield, Villamoura and Albufeira have the largest nightlife with lots of bars and restaurants all offering reasonably priced meals and drinks.

Several waterparks exist along the Algarve coast, the nearest of which is at Quartiera, less than 15 minutes away by car. This can make a pleasant, if somewhat wet, day out with the kids!

Oh - and did we mention the golf?

Local Contact Details and Website Links