Quarteira is a town located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, just a few kilometres from Vilamoura. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly for its beaches, which stretch along the coast for several kilometres.
One of the main attractions of Quarteira is its beach, which is a long stretch of soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is well-equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and showers, and there are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby.
Quarteira also has a traditional fishing village, which is still active today. Visitors can see the fishermen unloading their catch in the morning and buying fresh fish and seafood at the local market.
In addition to its beach and fishing village, Quarteira has a variety of other attractions. Close to town has a water park, Aquashow Park, which features a range of water rides and attractions, including a wave pool, a lazy river, and several water slides.
The town is also home to several restaurants, bars, and shops, particularly along the seafront. Visitors can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine, as well as international dishes.
Overall, Quarteira is a popular tourist destination that offers a mix of beach, culture, and entertainment, making it a great place to visit for families and couples alike.
What to see in Quarteira
Quarteira is a charming town in the Algarve region of Portugal that offers plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the top sights and attractions to visit in Quarteira:
- Quarteira Beach: This is the main beach in Quarteira, and it stretches for several kilometres along the coast. It is a great place to relax, sunbathe, and swim in the sea.
- Fish Market: The fish market is located in the centre of Quarteira and is one of the most popular attractions. It offers a wide variety of fresh fish and seafood, and you can watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch.
- Avenida Infante de Sagres: This is the main street in Quarteira and is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is a great place to stroll and soak up the local atmosphere.
- Nossa Senhora da Conceição Church: This is a beautiful church located in the centre of Quarteira. It dates back to the 18th century and features an impressive facade and interior decoration.
- Aqua Show Park: This water park is located just outside Quarteira and offers a range of water slides, pools, and attractions for all ages.
- Vilamoura Marina: The marina is located nearby and is a great place to take a stroll and enjoy the views. There are also several playgrounds for children, and you can take a boat trip or go dolphin watching.
These are just a few of the many sights and attractions to visit in Quarteira. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the beach, a fun-filled day at a water park, or a cultural experience, Quarteira has something to offer.
Where to eat in Quarteira
Quarteira offers a great variety of dining options, from traditional Portuguese restaurants to international cuisine. Here are some recommendations on where to eat in Quarteira:
- Restaurante O Cortiço: This is a traditional Portuguese restaurant that offers a range of seafood dishes, as well as meat and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is cosy and the service is friendly.
- Pizzaria Ristorante Capri: This Italian restaurant offers a wide range of pizzas, kinds of pasta, and salads. The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable.
- Barca Velha: This restaurant is located on the beachfront and offers a stunning view of the sea. The menu includes a range of seafood dishes and the service is excellent.
- A Marisqueira: This is a popular seafood restaurant that offers fresh fish and shellfish. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
- Pezinhos N’areia: This restaurant is located on the beach and offers a range of seafood and meat dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is friendly.
- The Cheeky Pup: This restaurant offers international cuisine, including burgers, wraps, and salads. It is a great option if you are looking for a break from Portuguese cuisine.
These are just a few of the many great dining options in Quarteira. Whether you are looking for traditional Portuguese cuisine, fresh seafood, or international dishes, Quarteira has something to offer.
Where to stay
Quarteira is a popular tourist destination and offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some recommendations on where to stay in Quarteira:
- Dom José Beach Hotel: This hotel is located on the beachfront and offers stunning views of the ocean. The rooms are spacious and modern, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
- Aquashow Park Hotel: This hotel is located near Aquashow Water Park close to Quateira and offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, and fitness centre. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff is welcoming and friendly.
- Hotel Zodiaco: This hotel is located near the beach and offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace. The rooms are comfortable and the staff is helpful and attentive.
- Hotel Quarteirasol: This hotel is located near the beach and offers a range of amenities, including a swimming pool and a rooftop terrace. The rooms are modern and comfortable, and the staff is welcoming and friendly.
- Atlantida Sol Apartamentos Turisticos: This aparthotel is located near the beach and offers spacious apartments with fully equipped kitchens. The staff is friendly and the facilities are well-maintained.
These are just a few of the many great accommodation options in Quarteira. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel, a budget-friendly option, or a self-catering apartment, Quarteira has something to offer.
Tours from Quarteira
Quarteira is a coastal town in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant atmosphere. There are several interesting places to visit in the surrounding area, including:
- Vilamoura: Just a short distance from Quarteira, Vilamoura is a popular resort town known for its marina, golf courses, and nightlife.
- Loulé: A historic town located a few kilometres inland from Quarteira, Loulé is known for its traditional market, medieval castle, and charming old town.
- Albufeira: A popular destination for tourists, Albufeira is known for its lively nightlife, beaches, and water sports.
Faro: The capital of the Algarve region, Faro is a historic city with a charming old town and interesting museums. - Ria Formosa Natural Park: This protected wetland area is located near Faro and is home to a variety of bird species, as well as scenic hiking and cycling trails.
- Sagres: Located on the western tip of the Algarve, Sagres is known for its stunning cliffs, historic fortresses, and surfing beaches.
These are just a few of the many possible tours from Quarteira. Depending on your interests and preferences, there are many other places to explore in this beautiful region of Portugal.
Shopping
Quarteira is a popular destination for shopping, with a variety of stores and markets offering everything from souvenirs and local crafts to high-end fashion and electronics. Here are some of the top shopping destinations in Quarteira:
- Quarteira Market: The market takes place every Wednesday and is located on the eastern side of Quarteira. Here you can find a variety of goods, including fresh produce, clothing, shoes, and souvenirs.
- Forum Algarve: Located just a few minutes from Quarteira, Forum Algarve is a modern shopping centre with over 100 stores, including fashion, electronics, and home goods.
- Algarve Shopping: Located in Guia, about 20 minutes from Quarteira, Algarve Shopping is one of the largest shopping centres in the region, with over 100 stores, a cinema, and a food court.
- Gipsy Market: Held every Wednesday in nearby Loulé, the Gypsy Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Here you can find a wide range of goods, including clothing, jewellery, pottery, and leather goods.
- Quarteira Boardwalk: Along the beachfront promenade, you’ll find a variety of vendors selling souvenirs, beachwear, and local crafts.
These are just a few of the many shopping destinations in Quarteira and the surrounding area. Whether you’re looking for local souvenirs or high-end fashion, you’re sure to find something that suits your style and budget.
Weather in Quarteira
Quarteira is located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal and enjoys a warm and sunny Mediterranean climate. Here’s what you can expect in terms of weather in Quarteira:
- Summer (June to August): Quarteira experiences hot and dry weather during the summer months, with temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The sun shines for an average of 12 hours per day, and the sea temperature is warm and pleasant for swimming.
- Autumn (September to November): Autumn in Quarteira is warm and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The nights can be cooler, and there may be occasional rain showers.
- Winter (December to February): Quarteira experiences mild and sunny winters, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F). Although it is the rainy season, there are still many sunny days.
- Spring (March to May): Spring is a beautiful time to visit Quarteira, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C (64°F to 72°F) and plenty of sunshine. The landscape is green and lush, and wildflowers are in bloom.
Overall, Quarteira is a great destination for year-round sunshine and warm weather. Be sure to pack sunscreen and a hat, even in the cooler months, as the sun can be strong in southern Portugal.
Holidays with children
Quarteira is a great destination for families with children. Located in the Algarve region of Portugal, Quarteira offers a variety of activities that are perfect for kids of all ages.
Here are some things you can do with your children in Quarteira:
- Visit the beach: Quarteira has a beautiful beach that is perfect for families. The water is clean and shallow, making it safe for children to swim. You can also rent umbrellas and sun loungers, or bring your own beach gear.
- Aquashow Park: Aquashow Park is a water park that offers a variety of water slides, pools, and attractions. It is a great place to cool off on a hot day and have fun with the family.
- Karting Almancil: If your kids love go-karting, then Karting Almancil is the place to go. It has a track for all ages and skill levels, so everyone can have fun.
- Family Golf Park: If you want to introduce your children to golf, then Family Golf Park is a great place to start. It has a mini-golf course that is fun for all ages.
- Boat tour: Take a boat tour of the coast of Quarteira and explore the beautiful scenery. You can see dolphins, caves, and beaches that are only accessible by boat.
- Vilamoura Marina: The Vilamoura Marina is a beautiful place to walk around and explore. There are many shops and restaurants, and you can also take a boat tour or go fishing.
Overall, Quarteira is a great destination for families with children. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained, and the beautiful beaches and scenery are sure to make for a memorable vacation.
How to get to Quarteira
Quarteira is located in the Algarve region of Portugal, and there are several ways to get there:
- By plane: The nearest airport to Quarteira is Faro Airport, which is located about 22 miles (35 km) east of Quarteira. There are many airlines that fly to Faro from various destinations in Europe, and you can then take a taxi, bus, or rent a car to get to Quarteira.
- By car: Quarteira is located on the N125 road, which runs along the Algarve coast. If you are driving from the north, you can take the A2 motorway from Lisbon or the A22 motorway from Spain, and then exit onto the N125. If you are driving from the west, you can take the A22 from Lagos and then exit onto the N125.
- By bus: There are several bus companies that operate services to Quarteira from various destinations in Portugal and Spain, including EVA, Rede Expressos, and ALSA. The bus station in Quarteira is located near the town centre.
- By train: The nearest train station to Quarteira is in Loulé, which is located about 4 miles (6 km) inland. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to Quarteira.
Overall, there are several convenient options for getting to Quarteira, depending on your location and preferences. Whether you prefer to fly, drive, take the bus, or train, you can find a way to reach this beautiful destination in the Algarve region of Portugal.
