What to shop for when in Lagos and the Algarve.

You will find a full selection of shops in the Algarve from traditional markets to modern hypermarkets. The local handicrafts are good, demonstrating traditional skills in copper and brass. Leather is good value and clothes and textiles are usually cheaper than in other parts of Europe. Baskets are an Algarve speciality as are cork and rugs / carpets.

Food and wine are always good to buy and take back home with you. There are many sweetmeats and pastries and local almonds are used a lot. The southern Portugese wines tend to be red like those from Alentejo.

Lagos has a large outdoor market on the first Saturday of the month and there are special fairs in August, October and November. There are food markets at other times and the fish market is worth a visit.