Mercadona arrives in the Algarve in 2026 and will create 200 jobs

Mercadona will arrive in the Algarve in the last quarter of next year with the opening of two supermarkets in Portimão and Faro , creating 200 jobs . It is already recruiting .

Just a few days before marking the 65 stores opened in Portugal, in 12 of the country's 18 districts, the Spanish supermarket chain already has a date for its expansion further south: it will arrive in the Algarve in the last quarter of next year, with the opening of a store in Nova Vila Retail Park, in Portimão, and in Vale da Amoreira, in Faro, seven years after the opening of the first store in the country, in Canidelo (Vila Nova de Gaia), in July 2019.

"Our arrival in the Algarve region has been highly requested for several years and represents an important milestone in our internationalization journey. It will bring the natural challenges of an area that combines seasonality and year-round lifestyle, which our teams were eager to embrace. Furthermore, many of our current customers in Portugal see the Algarve as a link to Mercadona, having become familiar with us through the tours they've taken to Ayamonte for many years," comments Inês Santos, Director of Institutional Relations at Mercadona in Portugal.

Beja and Algarve in 2026

The chain's arrival in the Algarve region comes in the same year that it is expected to expand to Beja , the second Alentejo city to receive the brand, two years after its arrival in Évora. The southern expansion is known after the launch of the Almeirim logistics block, in which the company invested 290 million euros, supporting operations in the south and throughout the country.

The investment that will be made in the expansion to the Algarve is not known, but this year the company has planned an investment of more than 157 million euros, bringing the more than 1.1 billion euros already channeled to the country — its first internationalization market — where it already employs around 7,000 people.

The retailer also has store openings planned for this year. On October 9th, the third store will open in Matosinhos (on Rua de São Gens); on October 16th, in Frielas (Loures) and Palmela ; in November , the first two stores will open in Lisbon , located in Alta de Lisboa and Quinta do Lambert, and in Porto ( Amial) , completing the total of 10 stores planned for this year.

Recruitment for the Algarve starts now

Although openings in the Algarve are scheduled for the end of 2026, the chain is already recruiting for the 200 open positions in Portimão and Faro, for roles ranging from supermarket operator to maintenance assistant.

All new employees undergo a training period —which will begin in January 2026, in stores in Portugal—and are offered a permanent contract and compensation from day one. During this training period, all expenses are covered by the company—food, transportation, lodging, and also trips home every two weeks for all employees, the company explains.

This year, the company announced an 8.5% increase in base salary, to €1,247 gross per month , plus a daily meal allowance and allowance for Sundays, holidays, and night work. By meeting individual and company goals, employees also receive an Annual Bonus, which, starting in the first full calendar year, is equivalent to one extra salary and, starting in four years of service, is equivalent to two extra salaries.