What Expats Need to Know About Supermarkets in Portugal
Relocating to Portugal isn’t just about sunshine and property—it’s also about learning how to enjoy daily life. And one of the first things you’ll need to figure out is grocery shopping in Portugal.
Whether you’re settling into a coastal villa in the Algarve, a countryside retreat in the Alentejo, or a renovated apartment in Lisbon or Porto, knowing where and how to shop makes everyday life easier.
At Immo Lusitania, we guide clients beyond the property hunt. We’re your partner in building a smooth, real-life transition—including insider tips on everything from supermarkets to local markets.
Let’s explore the most popular grocery store chains in Portugal, what makes them unique, and where expats love to shop.
🟢 Pingo Doce
Portugal’s Most Familiar Neighborhood Supermarket
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🧺 Well-stocked mid-size stores across the country
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🍅 Excellent for fresh produce, fish, bakery, and essentials
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💶 Frequent discounts and loyalty card perks
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🍽️ Ready-made meal counters for busy shoppers
Perfect for: Day-to-day shopping and easy access in towns and cities
Insider tip: Their ready meals are among the best quality you’ll find in a supermarket.
🔴 Continente / Modelo Continente
The Big Player in Portuguese Retail
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🏪 Huge selection: groceries, tech, clothing, appliances
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📦 Strong private-label brands and online shopping option
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🛍️ Loyalty program with regular campaigns
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🏙️ “Modelo” is a smaller format for quick shops
Perfect for: Families, bulk shopping, and one-stop convenience
Note: Their online delivery service is one of the most widely available in Portugal.
🟡 SPAR
Convenient, Local, and Small-Scale
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🏘️ Located in villages, resorts, or roadside stops
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🧁 Great for top-up grocery runs or emergencies
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🧼 Often tailored to local tastes, open long hours
Perfect for: Convenience and rural locations
🔵 Lidl
Affordable Quality with Weekly Surprises
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🥐 Excellent bakery section
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🥑 Expanding organic and health food sections
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🧺 Weekly “theme” specials (French Week, Italian Week, etc.)
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💶 Competitive prices for daily essentials
Perfect for: Budget-minded shoppers and quality everyday goods
Pro tip: Lidl’s value for fresh fruit and vegetables is hard to beat.
⚪ Aldi
Minimalist Layout, Organic Values
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🍅 Focus on bio/organic and eco-friendly items
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🛍️ Simple, quick, easy to navigate
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💸 Good for pantry basics, fresh items, and non-food bargains
Perfect for: Quick shoppers, couples, and health-conscious buyers
🟠 Mercadona
Spain’s Grocery Star Now in Portugal
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🍤 Famous for seafood, frozen meals, and house-brand products
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🧴 Private labels like Hacendado (food) and Deliplus (cosmetics)
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🛍️ Clean stores, friendly service, strong logistics
Perfect for: Fans of Spanish flavors, good-value essentials, and efficient shopping
💚 Apolónia (Algarve Only)
Premium Expat Favorite in the South
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🧀 Stocked with international brands from the UK, Germany, and more
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🍾 Excellent wine, cheese, and organic selection
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🛒 Offers gluten-free, lactose-free, and gourmet options
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🗣️ English-speaking staff and signage
Perfect for: Expats, digital nomads, and gourmet shoppers in the Algarve
Where to find it: Almancil, Galé (Albufeira), and Lagoa
🧭 How Immo Lusitania Supports Everyday Living
We’re not just about finding you a property—we help you build a new life in Portugal. Whether you’re relocating permanently, buying a holiday home, or retiring here, knowing how things work locally makes all the difference.
With Immo Lusitania, you’ll receive:
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🏡 Access to family-friendly, coastal, or countryside properties
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🧾 Guidance on local living—from grocery shopping in Portugal to schools and healthcare
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🔑 Full support with legal, tax, and visa steps
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🛠️ Project management for renovations in Algarve and Alentejo
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📍 Customized property tours and personal follow-up
Our founder Ferdi and the team speak English, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Finnish, and Swedish—and have helped dozens of international families transition with ease.
🛍️ Ready to Explore Life in Portugal Beyond the Property?
Let’s talk about the real lifestyle you’re looking for—and how we can make it happen.
📲 Reach Ferdi via WhatsApp or book a call via Calendly
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Immo Lusitania is not affiliated with any supermarket chain mentioned. We help clients relocate to and invest in Portugal with full guidance and support.
