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Nova Vila Retail Park:
A Fresh Chapter for Portimão’s Shopping Scene
Rising from the ashes of the old retail park, Nova Vila brings modern design, local flair, and new energy to the Algarve’s west coast. household goods, and those famous weekly “middle aisle” bargains.
May 2025 marked the long-awaited opening of Nova Vila Retail Park in Portimão. The development follows years of planning and preparation. In 2018, the Belgian real estate investment fund Mitiska REIM acquired the site, but progress was initially slow due to public consultations, environmental impact assessments, licensing, and the careful design of a sustainable, well-integrated project.
History & What Happened
The area now home to Nova Vila has a long and somewhat troubled commercial history. The original Portimão Retail Park opened in 2006, offering shopping, dining, and convenient parking for residents and visitors across the Algarve. However, in September 2012, the complex was destroyed by fire.
Following the blaze, the site was cleared but remained derelict for several years. Although cleanup works took place in 2014, redevelopment proposals stalled, leaving the land vacant. Its prominent location along major routes made it an attractive opportunity for revitalisation — one that has finally been realised with Nova Vila.
Stores Currently Open at Nova Vila
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Leroy Merlin – DIY and building materials
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Hôma – Home decoration
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Rádio Popular – Electronics
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Action – Discount store chain
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JYSK – Home furnishings
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Tiendanimal – Pet supplies
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Centroxogo – Toys
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Seaside – Footwear
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Fábrica dos Óculos – Opticians
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KiK – Children’s clothing
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen – Accessories and gifts
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Burger King – Burgers
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Delta – Coffee
The New Development
The new project represents a significant investment, estimated at over €20 million. Covering approximately 8–10 hectares, the retail park offers around 23,000 m² of gross leasable area (GLA) and 832 free parking spaces.
Nova Vila includes 17 retail units, anchored by two large stores: one is the well-known Leroy Merlin DIY and building materials outlet, and the second — currently vacant — is expected to be occupied by Mercadona, the Spanish supermarket chain. Other amenities include a Burger King and a petrol station, now under construction.
Architecturally, the development blends modern efficiency with Algarve charm — white façades, shaded walkways, open courtyards, and landscaping with native plants such as orange trees. Even details like traditional-style chimneys in the food court nod to local design heritage.