A practical guide for anyone staying in a villa or hosting a party in the Algarve.
The short answer
For a small top-up, supermarkets and petrol stations sell bags of ice — but in July and August they sell out early and the ice is usually the hollow kind that melts fast. For a party, a boat day or anything over 10 kg, it's worth booking ice delivery to your villa.
Your options for buying ice in the Algarve
1. Supermarkets and petrol stations
Handy for a single 2 kg bag. Downsides: patchy stock at the height of summer, hollow cubes and carrying it home in a hot car.
2. The villa's own ice maker
Some rentals have one, but they only make a little ice per hour — fine for an afternoon G&T, not for a party of 30.
3. Ice delivery to your door
5 kg bags of hard, restaurant-grade ice delivered at an agreed time. The best option for parties, big dinners, events and boat trips. Check our Algarve delivery areas.
How much ice to order for a villa
Allow roughly 1 kg per person for an afternoon by the pool, more on very hot days or for long parties. For weddings and bigger events, ask us for a quote.
Tips to make your ice last
- If the villa has no freezer, schedule delivery close to party time.
- Keep cool boxes full and in the shade.
- Leave bags sealed until you need them.
- Use crushed ice first — it melts fastest.
Staying in Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo or Vilamoura?
We deliver there too — see ice delivery in Loulé, Almancil, Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo and Vilamoura and Quarteira.