5 Best Places to Go Shopping in Faro
Faro’s Best Places to Shop
Faro’s shopping scene is modest yet surprisingly interesting. The relatively small city has a bustling commercial heart as well as a couple of great out-of-town malls. You’ll find both unique local boutiques and big international brands in spades.
As the capital of the Algarve, Faro is certainly the star shopping destination in the area, though that doesn’t put it in the same league as Lisbon, Barcelona and other top shopping spots around the Iberian Peninsula. However, you won’t lack for options when it comes to finding souvenirs and the choices listed below will provide good distractions if you want a break from the beach.
1. Forum Algarve
Stylish shopping on Faro’s outskirts
Ideal para: Compras
Forum Algarve is a pretty shopping mall towards the north-western outskirts of Faro. It’s built around a very pleasant central square that looks like something a lot more historical than it is – after all, the mall only opened in 2001.
The square is surrounded by a 2-storey complex containing about 120 stores, 20 restaurants and a cinema. Noteworthy shops include Spanish and Portuguese brands like Parfois, Massimo Dutti and Bershka. You’ll also find plenty of international names, especially among the restaurants.
Localização: EN 125 Km 103, 8009-020 Faro, Portugal
Abre: Sunday–Thursday from 10 am to 11 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 12 am
Telefone: +351 289 889 300
Forum Algarve
2. Rua de Santo António
Big brands and boutique shopping in the beautiful Old Town
Ideal para: Compras, História, Foto, Alimentação
Rua de Santo António is a beautiful shopping hub located in the heart of Faro’s Old Town. The intricately tiled pedestrian street is already worth visiting for beautiful photos, but the shops add an extra reason to explore.
Star shops to check out along the narrow lane, among a few big-name brands, include Relojoaria Farense for watches, Palloram for fashion, and Artesanato Arco de Sto Antonio for assorted gifts and souvenirs. There are many restaurants and cafés along the historical western end of the street, but it widens out into a modern road further east.
Localização: R. de Santo António, Faro, Portugal
Rua de Santo António
3. Mercado Municipal de Faro
Experience an authentic Portuguese local market
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação
Mercado Municipal de Faro, the main market in the city, is one of the best places to get in touch with Faro’s local people. This covered market has a huge range of local products, mainly fresh fish and seafood, fruit and vegetables. Wander around the hustle and bustle of the locals and shop for fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables.
It’s a friendly place, so take the opportunity to engage in conversation with the local vendors – you’re guaranteed to hear some good stories. Mercado Municipal de Faro also has stores and public services, as well as a few restaurants where you can enjoy regional cuisine.
Localização: Largo Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro 52, 8000-233 Faro, Portugal
Abre: Daily from 7 am to 11 pm (market stands close at 3 pm)
Telefone: +351 289 897 250
Mercado Municipal de Faro
4. Antonio Manuel
Splash out at Faro’s own luxury department store
Ideal para: Compras, Luxo
Antonio Manuel is the Harrods of Faro – a high-class department store showcasing top international fashion labels. The concept store on Rua de Santo Antonio even has a substantial heritage like the world’s more famous examples of its kind, having first opened in 1957.
You can expect to find names like Hugo Boss, Michael Kors and Armani here, among many others. With everything from hats to shoes and everything in between available, both men and women could put together a unique evening outfit at Antonio Manuel.
Localização: R. de Santo António 46, 8000-283 Faro, Portugal
Abre: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 1.30 pm and from 3 pm to 7 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 1.30 pm and from 3 pm to 6.30 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +351 289 822 474
Antonio Manuel
5. MAR Shopping Algarve
The big discounts are worth a 15-minute drive out of town
Ideal para: Famílias, Compras
MAR Shopping Algarve is a large outlet mall about 13 km northwest of Faro, on the way to Vilamoura and Albufeira. Its main anchor store is IKEA, but you’ll also find a large selection of mid-range fashion labels and stores, such as Calvin Klein, H&M and Lacoste. It’s also home to one of the largest Primark stores in Portugal.
Alongside 85 stores, the 8,000-square-metre indoor mall also contains around 25 restaurants, a large food court, a supervised play area for kids and a cinema.
Localização: Avenida Algarve 5, IKEA Industrial Complex, 8135-182 Almancil, Portugal
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 8 pm
Telefone: +351 289 247 842
MAR Shopping Algarve
Este artigo inclui opiniões da equipe editorial dos Go Guides. A Hoteis.com remunera os autores dos textos publicados neste site, o que pode incluir custos de viagens e outras despesas.