A former fishing village turned coastal resort in the Algarve, with a 2km palm-lined promenade, sandy beach and active fish market where locals buy fresh catch daily.
Quarteira sits along Portugal's Algarve coast, where local fishermen still bring in their morning catch to the daily fish market. You can walk the 2-kilometer palm-lined promenade, swim at the Blue Flag beach, cool off at Aquashow water park with its 20+ slides, or take a 30-minute stroll to Vilamoura's marina. The town's central location and affordable prices make it a practical base for exploring the Algarve region.
The Beach and Promenade of Quarteira
A 2-kilometer stretch of golden sand runs along Quarteira's coastline, with six sections separated by stone jetties. The Avenida Infante de Sagres promenade runs parallel to the beach, where palm trees shade 12 fitness stations. You'll see locals using the exercise equipment throughout the day, while street performers and musicians gather along the walkway during summer evenings. The beach maintains Blue Flag status for cleanliness and safety, with ramps and wooden walkways making it accessible for wheelchair users.
Fresh Fish and Local Markets
Visit the fish market between 8 AM and 3 PM Monday through Saturday to see the morning's catch from Quarteira's fishing fleet. Many local restaurants buy their seafood here, which explains the quality of the grilled sardines, sea bass, and octopus dishes you'll find in town. The neighboring fruit market sells produce from local farms, and every Wednesday, vendors set up an open-air market on the edge of town selling clothing, crafts, and souvenirs.
Getting Around the Region
You can reach Quarteira from Faro Airport in 20 kilometers, with regular bus connections to nearby towns. By car, Faro is 25 minutes away, and Albufeira takes about 30 minutes. Buses run every 30 minutes to Vilamoura, Vale do Lobo, and Loulé. The beach path connects to Vilamoura's marina - a pleasant 30-minute walk.
Aquashow Water Park
Between May and September, you can visit Aquashow Park, the Algarve's largest water park. It includes 20 water slides, a 400-square-meter wave pool, and a tropical pool with waterfalls. The park also runs daily educational shows about birds of prey and reptiles.
Town Development
The 1960s brought changes to Quarteira as 10-story apartments replaced many of the original fishing village buildings along the seafront. While this altered the town's appearance, it helped keep accommodation prices lower than in neighboring resorts. Recent updates include new pavement on the promenade, renovated building facades, and additional public spaces with benches and shaded areas.
