Aside from the usual bars, and discos (Albufeira or Praia da Rocha being the disco capitals of the Algarve), traditional forms of Portuguese entertainment tend to revolve around town “feiras” (fairs) and “festas” (festivals) which for the most part are linked to a public holiday, often a saint's day. During these occasions, processions through the streets take place (often religious) and are frequently backed up by craft fairs and musical events.

Shopping  

Perhaps Portugal 's most internationally famous product is port wine. Excellent varieties of port are available at many outlets in the Algarve and it is also one of the products that is most easily affordable to the visitor. Portuguese olives are also a delicious speciality as is olive oil, honey (of which there are many different types originating from many different Algarvian locations) and chouriço, which is a delicious type of spicy sausage (a little like pepperoni).

Aside from edible items, the Algarve is noted for its production of lace-work (traditionally a cottage industry centred in the coastal fishing communities) particularly in the eastern Algarve . Ceramics are also a traditional product of Portugal and the Algarvian workshops produce quite exquisite azulejos (classic Portuguese blue and white illustrated tiles) and will often design to order. 

Further, high quality leather work is produced at Almodôvar and Loulé. 

Leaving aside the cottage industries and things traditionally Portuguese, there are main shopping areas in all the major towns, especially Portimão and Faro. Most of the larger towns have hypermarkets on the outskirts, the Lidl, Modelo and Continente being the most prolific. 

In addition, over recent years new purpose built shopping villages have appeared in the Algarve , e.g., Forum Algarve on the edge of Faro, the exclusive Quinta Shopping Centre on the doorsteps to Quinta do Lago, Almancil and Algarve Shopping at Guia. At these places you can find just about everything, CDs, electrical goods, fashion clothing, furniture, garden supplies etc., etc., as well as a range of fast food outlets and snack bars.