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Created with much more than shopping in mind, Forum Algarve is the biggest mall of its kind in the region, attracting visitors and residents alike. Over 200 shops, boutiques and department stores, as well as an enormous hypermarket and family entertainment centre are imaginatively incorporated into an architectural design inspired by Faro’s historic city centre.

The exterior of this shopping complex is striking in its colour scheme, following the geometric pattern of traditional Algarve architecture. The mall boasts more than 130 stores, 45 fashion boutiques, a hypermarket and food hall.

The elegant mall with its open-air terraces and wide esplanades is situated within the exclusive Quinta do Lago estate. Well-known fashion houses showcase their latest ready-to-wear designs. Top-range jewellery, cosmetic and perfume stockists also have a presence.

On Saturday mornings this market bursts with the freshest harvest from the ocean and the hinterland. Delicate sprigs of herbs and spices hang over pots of honey and jam. Cakes made from fig and almond compete for space with loops of smoked sausage, fresh fish glisten and everywhere it seems are blooms of bright flowers.

Modest in size when compared with other malls in the region, Portimão nevertheless tempts shoppers with a choice of 62 stores selling everything from microwaves to shoe horns, bikinis to mountain bikes.

Shoppers in the know travel here from right across the length and breadth of the region. Foreign produce such as fresh Argentinean beef, macaroni pasta and spicy tandoori curry powder feature. The cosmopolitan wine selection includes bottles from California, Chile and Australia.

Easily the best-loved fish market in the region, straight off the boat. Animated bartering takes place at dawn on the quayside. The throng is usually greatest around the famous Quarteira prawns.

If one thoroughfare deserves the epithet “artisan’s street”, it’s this unassuming road near Loulé Castle. The artists tout mini works of art in copper, leather, wood and iron. The handicrafts are as authentic as you’ll ever get and superb value for money.

The blue and white façade of the building is unmistakable, and the pottery produced here is equally striking. Rows of women gossip merrily amongst themselves while deftly applying a final lick of paint to the latest batch of crockery.

Situated right on the esplanade overlooking the lagoons, this is a fantastic place to shop for fresh fish, fruit and vegetables and flowers. A riot of noise and colour takes place daily under two purpose-built pavilions. On Saturdays it is enlivened by extra stalls selling anything from basketware and smoked sausage to honey and lace.