Quarteira
Once a quiet fishing village, Quarteira has grown into a summer vacation hot spot. Its clean beachfront, tasty seafood restaurants, and family-friendly water park—as well as its proximity to golf courses, Ria Formosa Natural Park (Parque Natural da Ria Formosa, and Faro’s atmospheric old town—attract visitors from Portugal and beyond.
The basics
Quarteira makes an excellent base for visitors to the Algarve, offering a more laid-back atmosphere and more affordable accommodation than some of the region’s bigger and busier resorts. Holidays here tend to center around the golden-sand Quarteira Beach, though the cliff-backed Falesia Beach is also within easy reach. Many Segway tours set off from neighboring Vilamoura and follow routes along the waterfront, while some boat tours—typically departing from Vilamoura Marina—sail by Quarteira Beach.
Things to know before you go
- Quarteira is a must for families and budget-conscious travelers looking to save on accommodation and dining-out costs.
- There are public toilets at Quarteira Beach.
- Cafés and restaurants can be found on the palm-lined Avenida Infante de Sagres, which borders the beach.
How to get there
The nearest airport is in Faro. Travelers who touch down there will have to make their way to Faro bus station to catch a bus to Quarteira. Driving directly from the airport is much quicker; it takes about 25 minutes, and transfers can be booked in advance.
Trip ideas
When to get there
Quarteira is hottest and busiest between mid-June and mid-September. For a more relaxed experience, plan a visit for the shoulder season in May, late September, or early October—when crowds are thinner and the sun still shines.
Quarteira Fish Market
Seafood lovers should make a beeline for the Quarteira Fish Market (Mercado Do Peixe). Situated at the west end of the beach, this market sees fishmongers selling wild, locally-caught seafood—from sea bream to octopus to shrimp. The market usually closes by lunchtime, so get there early to ensure you get the best catch.
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