Quarteira is an ideal holiday destination for many tourists. The unique feature of the town is the beautiful promenade filled with palm trees. Here the people enjoy a walk or bicycle trip whilst overlooking the sea. The sand of the beaches are soft and golden. The beach of Quarteira brings you all the way to the luxurious town of Vale do Lobo. This former fishing village still specializes in excellent seafood. Find out all the secret tips on Quarteira.
Quarteira – Highlights
Top attractions in Quarteira:
• The Promenade of Palm Trees
• Soft Golden Beaches
• Bicycle Tours
• Seafood Heaven
General Information
Quarteira is a small town with a population of about 20.000 people. It is located in central Algarve in between the cities of Faro and Albufeira. This former fishing village became one of the first tourist destinations in the Algarve. Quarteira is popular for its rock free golden beaches and its beautiful boulevard called the Avenida Infante de Sagres.
Quarteira – What to See
Beaches
The beach of Quarteira is perfect for all sun seekers and families with children. The sea is calm and the rock free sand is ideal to lay and walk on. You enter the beach from the boulevard of palm trees that is very popular for leisurely strolls and bicycle trips.
At the East end of the boulevard you find beach bar called A Gaivota Beach Bar and here the boulevard ends. From here on you can continue your walk via the sand all the way to the prestigious resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
At the West end of the boulevard you find the fish restaurant Rosa Branca and from there on you can continue your walk to the fruit and fish markets.
Market
In Quarteira beach you will find a fruit market and fish market held in traditional white buildings. The fruit market is decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles.
At the markets, only locally produced fruits, vegetables and fresh fish are sold and at fair prices. It is beautiful to see the the fish that was caught in the morning by the fishermen on display. The market supplies the many restaurants in the surrounding area with fresh fish and seafood and is renowned to be one of the best in the Algarve.
Shopping and dining
When in Quarteira, act like a Quarteiran. On Wednesday bargain for your perfect souvenir at the weekly gypsy market. Afterwards have lunch in the backstreets of the town and enjoy the tasty but inexpensive food. Enrich your seafood knowledge beyond the usual favorites and try clams drenched in garlic and olive oil, octopus with tomato salad and crabs bigger than your plate. Meat lovers indulge your taste buds with grilled chicken piri piri and pork.
Vale do Lobo
Vale do Lobo is a first-class holiday destination, popular among tourists of the upper-class. Vale do Lobo is part of the Golden Triangle that consists of the most stunning and expensive villas of the Algarve. The beach of Vale do Lobo is garnished by magnificent red rock formations. The walking distance from Quarteira beach to Vale do Lobo beach is only 5 kilometers. The main entrance of the beach of Vale do Lobo is a beautiful square with a fountain. Around it you find exquisite restaurants and beach bars such as Breeze and Sandbanks for the perfect view, music and dining experience.
Golf
Are you a fan of playing golf? Then Quarteira is an excellent choice to reside! It is situated in the heart of the best golf courses in the world. In fact, Portugal has been awarded with the title of best golf destination in the world for several years in a row. The major concentration of golf courses can be found in the Quarteira area, near Vilamoura. Here you will find the most renowned, challenging and varied golf courses. Try for example one of the oldest courses in the Algarve: the Oceânico Old Course in Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo Ocean that allows you to step from the course right onto the beach or everyone’s all-time: the South Course in Quinta do Lago.
Location
Quarteira is located between Faro and Albufeira, near the sea. The distance from Faro airport is 22 kilometers.
Secret Tips
Along the boulevard of Quarteira you will find the largest street workout park of Portugal. Out in the open there are several fitness machines that are used by young and old. Staying fit and healthy is very important to the inhabitants of Quarteira. You will see people exercising and working out throughout the day and evening.
There is even a yearly competition held where young athletes test their strength and endurance.
