Apolónia Supermercados

Supermercado Apolónia was founded on 23 March 1983, when Avelino and Célia Apolónia opened a 100 square metre minimarket in Almancil. Avelino had spent two decades living in Canada and brought back an eye for quality imported food that was not yet available in the region. The business grew into a supermarket chain with further stores in Galé, Albufeira (2008) and Lagoa (2015), and today employs more than 400 people. The second generation, brothers Paulo and Eduardo Apolónia, now run the company alongside their father, and have expanded the brand with cafés, an in-house logistics hub and an online store offering home delivery across the Algarve (free for orders over EUR 125, with daily delivery between 9am and 7pm) and free collection in store. The stores stock a broad range of local and international products, from everyday groceries to gourmet specialities, wines and prepared meals, and each has dedicated fresh produce, butcher, delicatessen and wine sections. Apolónia also runs occasional in-store tasting events, such as a June tasting of cheeses, wines, seasonal fruit and premium meats held simultaneously at the Galé and Lagoa stores. The company has been recognised with the Algarve Tourist Board's Dedication to the Tourism Industry Silver Medal (2006), the Prémio Mercúrio in the Food Trade category (2009) and the Prémio PME Excelência award (2009 and 2011). The Almancil store, the original location at Avenida 5 de Outubro 271, is open daily from 08:00 to 21:00 (café until 19:00); the Galé and Lagoa stores keep similar hours, with Lagoa opening from 09:00.