Supermarkets in Portugal
Supermarkets (supermercados) in Portugal are pretty similar to their counterparts in the rest of Europe. Indeed some of the chains are pan-European.
The largest supermarket chains include Continente, Intermarché (French-owned), Pingo Doce and Lidl (German-owned). Continente and Pingo Doce are the two largest Portuguese-owned supermarkets. Pingo Doce has over 400 stores across the country.
El Corte Inglés is a Spanish-owned department store that usually has a supermarket as part of its stores.
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| Intermarché Super |
What to look out for?
Portuguese supermarkets stock a great selection of fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products, wine, beer, and of course, bacalhau, salted cod.
Store Opening Hours
Opening hours are usually around 8 am to 8 pm, though some larger stores stay open later, especially in the summer. Not all supermarkets are open on Sunday though the larger chains such as Pingo Doce should be. It is best to check the opening hours using a search on Google maps. Indeed, CESP – the Union of Commerce, Offices and Services Workers in Portugal (Sindicato dos Trabalhadores do Comércio, Escritórios e Serviços de Portugal) is lobbying to change regulations so supermarkets close on public holidays and Sundays.
Supermarkets on the Algarve may also stock a range of foods and drinks catering to a large number of French, German and British ex-pats. The Albufeira Retail Park just outside Albufeira even has a branch of the UK Iceland chain.
Most supermarkets in Portugal will also stock a range of foodstuffs suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
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| Supermarket sign on the Algarve |
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| Bacalhau on sale at a supermarket in Portugal |
Many larger supermarkets tend to be out of town and people often drive there to shop. The crowded downtown areas of both Lisbon and Porto are still home to traditional shops and mini mercados (convenience stores), however.
The SPAR and Mini Preço (Express) chains bridge the gap of small supermarkets and convenience stores and can be found in the crowded areas of both Ribeira in Porto and Alfama in Lisbon.
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| Supermarkets are a great place to stock up on cheap drinks |
You can also find some of the freshest fish at the delicatessen in Portugal's supermarkets.
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| Fish stall at a supermarket in Lisbon |
Shopping in Portugal
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