Quarteira from fisher village to touristic center

Coast & Country Homes, Lda

With three kilometers of beautiful sandy beaches which are awarded annually with the environmental quality symbol “the blue flag”, Quarteira privileges of its geographical position facing the sea with the unique climate, mild temperatures all year round influenced by the currents of the Mediterranean. Since the 1960s it became the most popular holiday destination for the Portuguese, because of its long sandy beach and good and easy access.

This small village with strong fishing traditions grew quickly and became a town in 1993.

The promenade in front of the beaches stretches along for about two kilometers and creates a cosmopolitan environment with many cafés, restaurants, shops and bars.

 

Gastronomy, Traditions and Entertainment

Quarteira is visited annually by thousands of people for its rich cuisine.

It is said here you eat the best fish in the world, being caught by local fishermen in the traditional way, which provides high quality.

Fish and shellfish are the most important ingredients, marked by the casseroles, grilled fish, octopus rice, seafood bread soup, pasta with fish, xarém (“corn porridge” with seafood), among many others. The menu is rich and diverse.

 

The Fisherman's festival in honor of the men of the sea, takes place in late May. Here you can sample a wide variety of snacks, based on seafood products and still enjoy a demonstration of ancestral fishing: “A arte da lavada”.

 

In June, thousands of people enjoy the event of “Marchas Populares” which takes place on the promenade on the beach. Another major attraction that brings a huge amount of tourists to the city is the weekly farmers and Gypsies’ market on Wednesdays.

Vilamoura, the largest private resort in Europe belongs to Quarteira and features the largest and most important marina in Portugal, a casino, international shops and restaurants, five excellent gold courses and beautiful beaches.

The potential of the parish gain reputation considering the dozens of hotels, most five-star, the guest houses, tourist apartments and a camping park, with has the capacity to triple or even quadruple the number of inhabitants in the summer.

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