Loulé

Loulé is the market town of the central Algarve, a short way inland from the coast. Its medieval castle, its busy market and its carnival give it a life of its own, away from the beaches, and its old town is one of the most characterful in the region.

History and identity

The town has Moorish origins and grew up around its castle, which was taken by the Portuguese in the thirteenth century. Its market has been held for centuries, and Loulé remains the commercial centre of the surrounding countryside.

What to see and do

• The castle and the remains of the old walls.
• The old town, with its narrow streets and white houses.
• The market, one of the liveliest in the Algarve.
• The churches and small museums of the town.

Gastronomy and traditions

Loulé is known for its Saturday market, its carnival — one of the biggest in Portugal — and for the crafts and sweets of the Algarve. The town’s restaurants serve the fish and seafood of the nearby coast.

Visiting Loulé

Loulé is in the central Algarve, about 15 kilometres inland from Faro and the coast, reached by road. For the market, castle and local events, check the official website before your visit.

Visitor information: cm-loule.pt.

Image credit: Loulé, Portugal, by Glen Bowman, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.