Gypsy markets, flea markets and farmers markets abound in the Algarve and depending on which one you go to, you can buy anything from a horse to a pair of shoes, from fresh fish to jewellery. Bargaining is the order of the day and is expected.
Many markets have food stalls and a delicious fartura (Portuguese donut) is a very popular snack to munch on whilst shopping. You may also find stalls with small churrasqueiras (BBQ grills) cooking chicken, pork belly strips and octopus, for breakfast or lunch.
If you are considering moving to the Algarve it is good to know that almost every town and village has a market and here is a handy list of some of them.
| Monday | ||
| Algoz | Second Monday of the month. 8am – 1pm | |
| Aljezur | Third Monday of every month 8am – 2pm | |
| Portimão | First Monday of each month 8am – 2pm | |
| São B. de Messines | Fourth Monday of every month | |
| Silves | Third Monday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| Vila do Bispo | Every Monday from 9am – 1pm | |
| Tuesday | ||
| Albufeira | First and Third Tuesday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Alvor | Second Tuesday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Wednesday | ||
| Quarteira | Gypsy market every Wednesday 8am – 3pm | |
| Quarteira | Every Wednesday Farmers market 9am – 1pm | |
| Raposeira | First Wednesday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Vila do Bispo | Every Wednesday Farmers market 9am – 1pm | |
| Thursday | ||
| Alte | Third Thursday of the month 8am – 2pm | |
| Boliqueime | Last Thursday of the month 8am – 2pm | |
| Boliqueime | First Thursday of the month 8am – 2pm | |
| Vaqueiros | Every Second Thursday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Vila do Bispo | First Thursday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
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| Friday | ||
| Alcantarilha | First Friday of the Month 9am – 2pm | |
| Guia | Third Friday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Monchique | Second Friday of the month 8am – 2pm | |
| Sagres | First Friday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Vila do Bispo | First Friday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Saturday | ||
| Alvor | First Saturday of the month 8am – 6pm | |
| Azinhal | Last Saturday of the month 8am – 2pm | |
| Benafim | First Saturday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Castro Marim | Second Saturday of the month | |
| Lagos | Weekly Farmers Market 8am – 2pm | |
| Lagos | General market first Saturday of the month | |
| Loulé | Gypsy market and farmers market every Saturday of the month | |
| Monte Gordo | Fourth Saturday of the month from 10am | |
| Paderne | First Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm | |
| São Bras de Alportel | General market every Saturday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| São Marcos da Serra | First Saturday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Tavira | Third Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm | |
| Tunes | Fourth Saturday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| Vila Real d. S. António | Second Saturday of the month from 10am | |
| Vila do Bispo | Farmers market 9am – 1pm | |
| Sunday | ||
| Almancil | Second Sunday 8am – 1pm | |
| Almancil | General market first and fourth Sunday of the month from 10am | |
| Almancil | Flea market first and third Sunday of the month 7.30am – 2pm | |
| Azinhal | First Sunday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| Cabeça Gorda | First Sunday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Barão de São João | Large Flea market every fourth Sunday of the month | |
| Espiche | Every third Sunday of the month | |
| Estoi | Large market every second Sunday of the month 8am – 3pm | |
| Faro | Second Sunday of the month 8am – 4pm | |
| Ferragudo | Second Sunday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| Lagoa | Second Sunday 8am – 1pm | |
| Lagos | First Sunday of the month | |
| Moncarapacho | Large market first Sunday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| Portimão | First and third Sunday of each month | |
| Pereiro | Fourth Sunday of the month 9am – 2pm | |
| Tavira - Santa Catarina | Flea market every fourth Sunday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
| Vila Real d. S. António | Every third Sunday of the month 8am – 1pm | |
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Apart from the above, most villages and towns have a small indoor market for fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish. These are usually in or near the Junta de Freguesia (parish council). You can also get the latest copy of the Algarve Resident, published every Thursday, for up to date information of markets and car boot sales.