Almada Forum

Shopping heaven. Depending on your perspective, also hell.

With over 250 stores, Almada Forum is the largest shopping center south of the Tejo River and the third largest in the whole country. Naturally, it includes H&M and such, along with the usual Portuguese retail chains. This is because shopping centers in Portugal are monopolistically built by Sonae, only to be leased out in parcels to their own companies. The idea behind it is to keep the money within the Azevedo family: from supermarkets to bookstores, whether it's fashion or mobile phones — in the end, it’s all one family, whose board members are known as active EU lobbyists.

So, don’t be surprised when the concrete block is awarded as the most ecologically friendly shopping center in Europe after its opening: Sonae is Portugal’s largest taxpayer. If you’d like to contribute a bit to the family fortune, take a look around. Especially in the fashion department, you might find good alternatives to the offerings typically found elsewhere, there are lovely decoration stores, and a supermarket with a truly good wine section.