Shop Til You Drop

The Algarve is a great place for shopping. One of the best shopping malls is Aqua, in the heart of Portimão. Aqua is partially open-air and has around 120 shops across three floors. Free underground parking at the centre is a real asset. Open daily from 9am until midnight the shopping centre is best known locally for being the first place in the Algarve with an H&M clothes store and a Primark. But you’ll also find many other international and locally branded stores including a large toy shop,  many shoe shops and a large supermarket. A good place for a coffee and toastie is the McCafé, next door to its larger sister, McDonald’s. There are also places to have a hot meal or grab a beer. There’s even a small bowling alley in the children’s amusement area!

Finding Aqua can be a bit challenging but once you find it and get your bearing’s, you’ll be able to find your way around Portimão like a local. If in doubt, turn left onto the N125 at Lagoa and keep going, over the big bridge (closing the windows as you do to prevent the interesting smell as you reach the other side of the bridge!) and turn off when you see the Monchique and Hospital direction signs. Don’t head for Monchique but instead head into Portimão with the hospital on your right. Instead of taking the underpass take the sliproad and at the top of the slope take the first exit from the roundabout. Then follow the signs!