The Best English-Speaking Bookstores in The Algarve

Sunny days pair well with a good book.
Sunny days pair well with a good book. | © Pixabay
Nina Santos

Fancy a good read while visiting the Algarve? Fortunately, the Algarve is known for attracting plenty of entrepreneurial English speakers and among these are some book-lovers. Here are a few bookstores to visit when you need a literary dose of the English language.

1. Julie's Bookshop

Bookstore, Store

In Albufeira, right around the corner from the Igreja Matriz, is Julie’s Bookshop which sells second-hand books in English, in addition to those in German, Dutch, and French. While in town, it’s worth stopping by and browsing the titles; there’s something for every reader, including an area dedicated to children, and prices begin as low as a couple of euros. This local favorite has been buying and selling books since 1986 and is open every day except Sundays.

Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 4 PM; Saturdays: 10 AM – 1 PM

2. The Owl Story Bookstore

Bookstore, Store

Another bookshop that’s standing strong in the midst of this screen-centric world is The Owl Story. Follow them on Facebook to learn when new shipments arrive and keep up with their news. Locals in Lagos love stopping by The Owl Story bookstore for their English reading material.

Monday – Friday: 10 AM – 5:30 PM; Saturdays: 10 AM – 2 PM

3. Algarve Book Cellar

Shop

What is there to do in Algarve on a cool, rainy day? Curl up with a book.
© Pixabay
Whenever you want to read, starting with ABC is always a good bet. This quaint shop is located near one of the Algarve’s more popular beach resorts, and like the other shops on this list, the Algarve Book Cellar specializes in selling great second-hand copies. Call in advance to find out their opening hours before visiting.

5. Livraria Bertrand

Bookstore, Store

No book-lover should leave Portugal without stopping by the country’s oldest book chain (the original store in Lisbon is also the oldest bookstore in continuous operation worldwide). While the store is a true Portuguese livraria (bookshop) there is a section dedicated to copies in English.

FNAC

Last but not least is FNAC, which is always a good last resort, as well as a great one-stop-shop when needing to stock up on a variety of items, from books to electronics. This shop can be found in multiple locations but the Albufeira and Faro shopping centers are the two most popular in the Algarve.

Lugar da Tavagueira, Guia – Loja A 006/105, Algarve Shopping, 8200-417 Albufeira +351 707 313 435

Estrada Nacional 125, Km 103 – Loja 0.7, Forum Algarve, 8000-126 Faro +351 707 313 435

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