Your guide to Quarteria
Tucked along Portugal’s sun-soaked Algarve coast, Quarteira is a vibrant town that’s full of golden beaches, rich culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. Known for its palm-lined promenade, bustling markets, and proximity to Vilamoura, Quarteira is an ideal destination for families and couples. In this guide, we’ll explore the best things to do in Quarteria, the year-round weather, and the top restaurants in the area.
Things to do in Quarteria
Quarteira and its surrounding areas offer an impressive mix of activities. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun at the beach, explore history, or enjoy some family-friendly sun — Quarteria has it. You’ll also benefit from how close the town is to Vilamoura, which further expands your opportunities for things to do.
Aquashow park
Aquashow Park is one of the Algarve’s top attractions, especially for families seeking fun and thrills. The park boasts high-speed water slides for adrenaline seekers, gentler slides for young children, a wave pool, and spa areas for relaxation. Animal shows and dedicated kids’ zones make it a full-day adventure destination where every family member can find something to enjoy.
Price: May/June/September: 0-5 (Free), 6-10 & 65+ (€24), 11-64 (€33). July/August: 0-5 (Free), 6-10 & 65+ (€26), 11-64 (€36).
Location: Volta do Parque, n.º 1, Aquashow Park, 8125-313 Quarteira.
Visit the beaches
Quarteira is home to some of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, each with its own amazing differences. With Quarteira beach, Praia do Almargem, and Praia de Loulé Velho all close by, you have a few great options to choose from. Let’s have a closer look:
- Quarteira Beach: Praia da Quarteira is a Blue Flag beach and the town’s main beach. You’ll spot this beach a mile away with its amazing palm trees. Not far from the beach, just on the mainland, you’ll find places to eat like Resaurante Japonês (open 12:00-23:00 / Tuesday to Sunday) and Restaurante A Gaivota (open 12:00-20:30 / Tuesday to Saturday & 12:00-20:00 / Sunday).
- Praia do Almargem: A quieter option, Praia do Almargem offers a more natural setting with cliffs and dunes in the backdrop of the beach. Excellent if you’re seeking a peaceful sunbathing experience or a scenic walk along the shore. There’s also a fantastic beachside restaurant here called BJ’s Oceanside (open 10:00-21:00 / Monday to Sunday).
- Praia de Loulé Velho: As you move further and further from the centre of town, the beaches become quieter and remote. This beach is perfect for a relaxing swim and great if you’re looking to escape the busier town beaches. You’ll still have access to a nearby beach restaurant called Temperus, which is open 10:00-18:00, Monday to Sunday.
Quarteira local market
For an authentic taste of Portuguese life, the Quarteira Local Market is unmatched. Known for its fresh seafood, the market is fantastic if you want to hunt for the catch of the day! From prawns to clams and the freshest fish, this is the perfect place to sample regional delicacies or pick up ingredients for a meal that you might be cooking back where you’re staying.
Location: Largo do Mercado 3, 8125-167 Quarteira, Portugal.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 08:00-14:00
Vilamoura Marina
Although not directly in Quarteria, we couldn’t avoid including Vilamoura Marine in this list as it’s so close. Vilamoura Marina is a hub of leisure and luxury. It’s one of Europe’s largest marinas offering 825 berths that can accommodate vessels of up to 60 metres, featuring an array of yachts, shops, and restaurants. You could take a sightseeing cruise, join dolphin-watching tours, or just enjoy the Vilamoura Marina nightlife. Ultimately, the marine offers something for everyone.
Location: Avenida Rocha Baixinha Escritórios, Marina de Vilamoura S/N, 8125-409 Quarteira, Portugal.
Family golf park
If you’re visiting the area with children, then perhaps Family Golf Park would be a great activity for you. With a combination of fun and history in a Roman-themed mini-golf setting, it features two 18-hole mini golf courses and a restaurant/bar. The imaginative design and variety of challenges make this park an attraction in itself. It’s fun for all the family!
- Via Lusitânia: This course takes you through Portugal’s Roman history. Along the way, stone plaques tell stories of the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the battles to seize the Algarve, the bravery of the Lusitanian soldier Viriathus, and even the introduction of coins for trade. It’s a blend of mini-golf and a history lesson.
- Via Appia: The second course dives into the broader Roman Empire. You’ll come across plaques with tales of Romulus and Remus, Julius Caesar, Emperor Augustus, and the importance of the Via Appia.
Price: 0-5 (Free), 6-12 (€14.50), 12+ (€18.50). You can pay an extra €1 per person to play two courses.
Location: Rua dos Marmeleiros 5, Vilamoura, 8125-507 Quarteira, Portugal
Roman site of Cerro da Vila
For a taste of history, the Roman Site of Cerro da Vila offers a fascinating glimpse into the Algarve’s ancient past, spanning nearly 5,000 years of human history.
The site centres on the remains of a Roman maritime villa (c. 1st–5th AD), complete with intricate mosaics, luxurious fountains (domus), public and private baths, fish sauce factories, and funerary monuments. Its location also highlights the existence of a fluvial port, once serving as an important Roman trading post in the Algarve.
Visitors can see graves unearthed in the Vinha do Casão cemetery (12th–10th BC), dating back to the Bronze Age, as well as objects from the Islamic period (8th–12th AD). History lovers will appreciate the well-preserved ruins that bring Roman life to the present day.
Location: Av. Cerro da Vila, 8125-507 Quarteira, Portugal.
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 09:30-12:30 & 14:00-18:00
Boat tours & cruises
Exploring Quarteira by sea is a must. Options include half-day cruises, dolphin-watching tours, and trips to the famous Benagil Cave, which has an incredible sea cave structure with a hidden beach inside. Many boat excursions offer onboard BBQs or family-friendly activities like snorkelling or dolphin-spotting.
Whether you’re interested in sightseeing, swimming, or simply relaxing with a drink at sunset, there’s a boat tour for every preference. You can book these tours and most visitor centres in Quarteria and Vilamoura, and sometimes the boat companies will have a stall on the beach.
Fishing boat trips
For a more hands-on experience, fishing boat trips provide guided reef fishing excursions suitable for beginners and experienced anglers. You’ll enjoy Portugal’s rich marine life while soaking in the calm sea air and scenic coastline.
Depending on the trip, you might try reef fishing for species like sea bream, grouper, and mackerel, or head out on a big game fishing excursion in search of tuna or swordfish further offshore. Beyond the fishing, you’ll also get to see exceptional views of the Algarve coastline!
Seasonal events & festivals
Quarteira’s cultural calendar is full of lively events that reflect local traditions and celebrations. You’ve got the New Year’s Eve Party, the famous Fisherman’s Festival (Festa do Pescador), and Marchas dos Santos Populares:
- New Year’s Eve Party: Quarteira hosts one of the Algarve’s most vibrant New Year celebrations. Fireworks along the promenade, live music, and open-air festivities create a festive atmosphere for locals and tourists.
- Fisherman’s Festival (Festa do Pescador): Celebrated in the summer (the closest weekend to May 31), this festival honours Quarteira’s fishing heritage. Expect fresh seafood tastings, traditional music, street performances, and boat parades.
- Marchas dos Santos Populares: Held in June, this festival celebrates local saints with parades, colourful costumes, music, and dancing in the streets. Visitors can witness the community’s rich traditions and join in the fun.
Weather in Quarteira
We all know that the Algarve has fantastic weather pretty much all year round. But maybe you want to visit during certain parts of the year and would like to know the average temperature around these months. Or perhaps you’re attending an event, and it’d be beneficial to know what the weather will be like. Well, that’s what we’re here to help with.
Overall, Quarteira enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm summers, mild winters, and abundant sunshine throughout the year. Here’s a quick overview by season:
- Spring (March – May):
- Daytime: 18–23°C (64–73°F)
- Nights: 10–15°C (50–59°F)
- Sunshine: 7–9 hours/day
- Rain: Occasional showers
- Summer (June – August):
- Daytime: 27–32°C (81–90°F)
- Nights: 18–22°C (64–72°F)
- Sunshine: 11–12 hours/day
- Rain: Rare
- Autumn (September – November):
- Daytime: 18–30°C (64–86°F), cooling gradually
- Nights: 13–20°C (55–68°F)
- Sunshine: 6–10 hours/day
- Rain: Slight increase, especially in November
- Winter (December – February):
- Daytime: 15–18°C (59–64°F)
- Nights: 8–12°C (46–54°F)
- Sunshine: 5–7 hours/day
- Rain: Higher frequency, mainly December & January
Best restaurants in Quarteira
With Quarteira’s culinary scene, you’ll get fresh seafood, regional Portuguese specialities, and also some international cuisine in some areas. It’s perfect for all types of occasions, like a romantic dinner, a relaxing lunch, or even a beachfront meal.
Restaurante O Marisco
Renowned for its fresh seafood, O Marisco, which opened in 1997, serves prawns, mussels, and fish straight from the market. Its focus on traditional Portuguese flavours means you get a genuine Algarve dining experience. Perfect for a seafood dinner by the sea, watching the Yachts come in and out of Vilamoura Marina.
A taste of the menu: Arroz De Marisco (Portuguese Seafood Rice) and Espetada Dep Tamboril E Camarão (Monkfish & Shrimp Skewers).
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00-23:00 & Monday: 19:00-23:00.
Location: Marina de Vilamoura Edf. Marina Garden, Lj B, 8125-403 Quarteira, Portugal.
Jacinto
Jacinto specialises in grilled and steamed fish, highlighting some of the region’s best seafood. The dishes are prepared to a masterful standard with intense flavours and fresh produce. If you love seafood, then this restaurant is definitely for you.
A taste of the menu: Monkfish Rice, Lobster, and Red Mullet
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00-15:00 & 19:00-22:30.
Location: Avenida Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro Edf. Costa Mar, LT2 LJ2, 8125-134 Quarteira, Portugal.
Jorge do Peixe
Born from a family of local fishermen, Jorge Silva brings the tradition of the Algarve’s coast straight to the table, with the freshest daily catches. Each dish can also be paired with wines from a curated wine cellar. A true restaurant for coastal cuisine.
A taste of the menu: Raia Alhada à Pescador (Garlic Ray Fisherman Style) & Ovas de Choco Fritas à Pescador (Fried Cuttlefish Spawn Fisherman Style)
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 12:00-15:00 & 19:00-22:30.
Location: R. Dom Dinis A, 8125-507 Quarteira, Portugal.
Retinto – Rodizio & Wine
For something different, Retinto offers Brazilian-style dining with endless cuts of grilled meats paired with a selection of wine and tapas-style starters. For a set fee of around €30, you can get a range of incredible all-you-can-eat meat. It’s located just by Vilamoura Marina — ideal for a post-dinner drink.
A taste of the menu: Prawn Curry with Pineapple, Smoked Sausage Croquette, Argentinian Rump Steak.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 18:30-23:30.
Location: Rua da botelha, Urb. Delta da Marina, Vilamoura, 8125-448 Quarteira, Portugal.
Cais Wine & Tapas Bar
Wine & Tapas. What a great combo! Cais is a cosy European-Portuguese restaurant serving an amazing selection of tapas dishes alongside its carefully selected wine line-up. With its outdoor seating surrounded by greenery and rustic wooden tables, paired with warm lighting inside and out, it creates a perfectly relaxed atmosphere for unwinding with great food and wine.
A taste of the menu: Seafood Rice, Octopus with Olive Oil, Mixed Cataplana
Opening times: Wednesday to Monday: 12:00-15:00 & 19:30-22:00.
Location: R. Vasco da Gama 7, 8125-256 Quarteira, Portugal.
Gaivota Beach Bar
Perched at the very end of Quarteira’s promenade, Gaivota Beach Bar is a true hidden gem with breathtaking ocean views. The setting is perfect for everything from a romantic dinner to a casual snack or simply a cool drink by the sea, with the kitchen open all day. Why not pair your meal with a glass of Algarve wine, a jug of sangria, or a refreshing cocktail?
A taste of the menu: Grilled Salmon with Grated Goat Cheese, Tiger Prawns, Gaivota’s Special Salad (Chicken, Mango, Orange, Cashew Nuts, Beetroot, Carrot and a Mild Curry Sauce).
Opening times: Tuesday to Sunday: 12:00-20:30.
Location: R. do Poço Romano 7, 8125-201 Quarteira, Portugal.
Cafe del Arte
Tucked away under a canopy of mature vines, offering a setting like no other in Quarteira. The menu changes with the seasons, featuring homemade tapas such as garlic prawns, tomato bruschetta, stuffed mushrooms, and chicken wings, alongside a small selection of mains like steak.
With occasional live music and a homely atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxed evening with great food and wine. As it’s a small restaurant, we recommend that you book as early as possible to make sure you get a table for your meal out.
A taste of the menu: Duck Leg Confit with Orange Sauce, Caprese Salad, Golden Bream Fillets a Meuniere.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday: 10:00-00:00
Location: R. do Brasil, Vilamoura, 8125-479 Quarteira, Portugal.
Book a luxury stay on Quarteira’s doorstep
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