The wait is finally over! Spanish supermarket giant Mercadona has officially arrived in the Algarve, opening its first store in the region today (October 15) at Nova Vila Retail Park in Portimão.
The much-anticipated opening marks another milestone in the company’s expansion across Portugal, bringing its popular range of products to Algarve shoppers for the first time.
Located within the retail park’s Rua dos Custódios, the new supermarket represents an investment of more than €6.5 million and has created 100 jobs, all with permanent contracts from day one.
With a sales area of 1,900sqm, the store offers Mercadona’s familiar selection of fresh produce, meat, fish, delicatessen products, bakery goods, cosmetics, household essentials and pet supplies.
Shoppers can also take advantage of the chain’s popular ready-to-eat section, offering a variety of freshly prepared meals to take away or enjoy in a dedicated dining area inside the store.
Parking should not be a problem, with 839 spaces shared with Nova Vila Retail Park, including two electric vehicle charging spaces. There is also designated parking for bicycles and scooters.
The opening also brings a charitable initiative to the region. Mercadona has signed an agreement with the Algarve Food Bank to donate food products daily that are no longer suitable for sale but remain safe for consumption, helping to reduce food waste while supporting people in need.
Faro store opening next month
And there’s more good news for Mercadona fans in the Algarve.
The supermarket chain has confirmed that its second store in the region will open in Faro on November 12, at Rua Tito Olívio, nº437.
The Portimão opening brings Mercadona’s Portuguese network to 77 supermarkets.
The company plans to open a total of 12 new stores across Portugal in 2026, having already opened seven before Portimão: in Lisbon, Viseu, Covilhã, Abrunheira (Sintra), Alhos Vedros (Moita), Beja and Vila Real.
For Algarve residents who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Spanish retailer – and, in some cases, travelling across the border to shop at Mercadona in Ayamonte, Spain – the opening in Portimão marks the end of a long wait and the beginning of a new shopping option in the region.
Inês Lopes
Newspaper editor at The Portugal Resident