Loule: The Algarve's Market Town

Loulé is the Algarve’s liveliest market town, just inland from the coast. It has a Moorish-style market hall, a busy Saturday market, the remains of its castle walls and one of Portugal’s oldest Carnival parades. It’s a great way to see a more traditional side of the region.

Quick answer: Loulé is about 20 minutes from Faro and Vilamoura. Visit on a Saturday morning, when the market hall and the street market are both in full swing. See the castle walls, the craft workshops and the main church, then drive into the hills to Querença and Salir. See places to stay in Loulé.

Things to do

• The municipal market: a striking red-domed, Moorish-revival building packed with fish, fruit, cheese, honey and sweets.
• The Saturday market: a big outdoor market selling clothes, crafts, plants and food.
• The castle: walk along the remaining walls and visit the small museum.
• Crafts: copper, leather and basket workshops in the old town.
• Carnival: one of the oldest Carnival parades in Portugal, in February or March. See the festivals calendar.

Nearby

• Querença and Salir: hilltop villages in the barrocal. See the best Algarve villages.
• Vilamoura and Quinta do Lago: see Vilamoura.
• Faro: see Faro.

Tips

• Saturday: come early, as parking fills up.
• Combine with the beaches of Quarteira or Vale do Lobo in the afternoon.

More: where to stay in the Algarve and the Algarve on a budget.

See also: the best Algarve markets.

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