Although supermarkets may seem similar, each has its own strengths. Some are known for fresh bakeries and ready-made meals, others for low prices, international products or premium groceries. Many also offer loyalty cards, home delivery and dedicated organic or international food sections.
We’ve focused on the country’s main supermarket chains, although you’ll also come across smaller supermarkets such as Minipreço, Coviran, Amanhecer, Spar and local independent stores.
Two of Portugal’s biggest supermarkets, Continente and Pingo Doce, are Portuguese brands. You’ll also find French chains Auchan and Intermarché, German favourites Lidl and Aldi, and Spain’s Mercadona, which has expanded rapidly across the country and is opening its first Algarve stores this autumn.
If you’re living in or visiting the Algarve, you’ll also come across two supermarkets that are unique to the region: Apolónia, known for its premium and international selection, and Iceland, a favourite among many expats for its frozen food and British products.
Here’s what each supermarket is best known for.
Continente is the supermarket you’ll probably end up visiting sooner or later. As Portugal’s largest supermarket chain, it’s a good all-round choice whether you’re doing a big weekly shop or just picking up a few essentials. Larger stores also stock everything from kitchenware and electronics to clothing and garden items.
If you’re looking for Portuguese products, you’ll find plenty here, alongside a good range of international brands. Most stores have a fresh bakery, butcher, fish and deli counters, while many larger branches also have a Continente Café where you can stop for a coffee or a quick lunch.
If you’re planning to shop there regularly, it’s worth signing up for the free Cartão Continente loyalty card. It offers regular discounts and vouchers and can also be used with partner brands including Wells, Galp and ZU pet stores.
Best for:
- Weekly grocery shopping
- Portuguese products
- Large selection
- Homeware and household items
Pingo Doce is one of those supermarkets you’ll find almost everywhere in Portugal, from busy city centres to residential neighbourhoods. It’s especially popular for its fresh bakery and takeaway food counter. Depending on the store, you’ll find grilled chicken, soups, salads, hot meals, desserts and even sushi, making it an easy option if you don’t feel like cooking. Many branches also have a Pingo Doce Café, where you can grab breakfast, lunch or just a coffee at affordable prices.
The free Poupa Mais (Save More) card offers personalised discounts and can also be used to save money at BP petrol stations.
Best for:
- Fresh bread and pastries
- Ready meals
- Everyday shopping
- Cafés
Although Mercadona only arrived in Portugal a few years ago, it has quickly built a loyal following. Many shoppers visit specifically for its own-brand products, which have developed a reputation for offering good quality at reasonable prices.
The supermarket also has an impressive ready-meal section, with everything from salads and pasta dishes to sushi, pizzas and roast chicken. Its cosmetics are another reason many people make the trip.
Unlike most supermarket chains, Mercadona doesn’t have a loyalty card. Instead, it focuses on keeping prices consistent throughout the year.
Best for:
- Own-brand products
- Ready meals
- Cosmetics
- Easy shopping
Lidl has become one of the most popular supermarkets in Portugal, particularly for shoppers looking for good value without compromising on quality. One of its biggest attractions is the in-store bakery, where fresh bread, pastries and sweet treats are baked throughout the day.
You’ll also notice the famous “middle aisle”, filled with changing Special Buys ranging from kitchen gadgets and gardening tools to clothing and children’s toys. If you download the free Lidl Plus app, you’ll receive digital coupons, personalised discounts and occasional free products.
Best for:
- Fresh bakery
- Weekly Special Buys
- Seasonal products
- Lidl Plus discounts
Aldi is another German discount supermarket that’s steadily growing across Portugal. Its stores are usually smaller than Continente or Auchan, making them quick and easy to shop in, especially if you only need a few essentials.
Like Lidl, Aldi has a fresh bakery and a strong range of own-brand products, alongside fresh fruit, vegetables and everyday groceries. The supermarket regularly introduces themed food promotions, giving shoppers the chance to try products from different countries.
Best for:
- Everyday essentials
- Budget-friendly shopping
- Fresh bakery
- Own-brand products
If you like doing all your shopping in one place, Auchan is a great option. Its larger hypermarkets combine groceries with electronics, clothing, homeware and even pet supplies, while smaller MyAuchan stores are ideal for picking up everyday essentials.
Auchan is particularly well known for its fresh fish counter, organic food section and wide selection of international products. Many of its larger stores also include a café, making it easy to stop for a coffee or a quick meal while shopping.
The free Auchan Card gives access to regular promotions and personalised offers for frequent shoppers.
Best for:
- Organic products
- International foods
- Fresh fish and seafood
- Homeware and electronics
You’ll often come across Intermarché in smaller towns and villages, where it has built a loyal customer base over the years. Many stores are independently operated, so the size and product range can vary from one location to another.
The chain is particularly popular for its fresh fish and meat counters, as well as its selection of Portuguese and French products. Some larger stores also have a café, making them a convenient place to stop during a shopping trip.
The Intermarché Card is free to join and regularly offers discounts on selected products.
Best for:
- Smaller towns
- Fresh fish and meat
- Portuguese and French products
- Everyday shopping
If you’re looking for products that are difficult to find elsewhere, Apolónia is well worth a visit. Founded in the Algarve, the supermarket has become a favourite among many expats and international visitors thanks to its impressive selection of imported foods, speciality ingredients and premium groceries.
At Apolónia, you will find gourmet cheeses, fine wines, quality meats and products from countries including the UK, the United States and across Europe. Prices are generally higher than in other supermarkets, but many shoppers visit Apolónia for items they simply can’t find anywhere else and for its great café.
Best for:
- International products and imported brands
- Premium groceries
- Gluten-free, vegan and specialised health food brand
- Shopping in the Algarve
Originally from the UK, British supermarket The Food Co. is best known for its frozen food, but you’ll find much more than that in its Portuguese stores. It’s especially popular with British residents and visitors looking for familiar brands and products from home.
Alongside frozen meals, vegetables and desserts, the supermarket also stocks everyday groceries, snacks, Waitrose products, and a selection of imported British favourites that can be difficult to find elsewhere in Portugal.
Best for:
- Frozen food
- British products
- Imported groceries
- Shopping in the Algarve
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