- Loulé is the central Algarve's main market town and administrative
centre. It is a bustling mix of old alleyways, ancient churches, castle remains,
and modern pedestrianised streets.
- For 6 days of the week it is a quiet town, but on Saturdays it plays host
to the famous gipsy market, which attracts visitors from all over the area.
- The town is located just 18km north of Faro, and there is a regular local
bus service.
- Despite the crowds, Saturday is the best day to visit - to see a slice of
Algarve life, with all its sights, smells and sounds.
- If driving get there by 9am, to be able to find a parking space.
Loulé attractions:
- The gipsy market on Saturdays, plus the covered fruit and vegetable market
which takes place Mon-Sat, in a red onion-domed building with Moorish keyhole-style
windows.
- Castle remains which house the archeological museum. Entry to the museum
gives you acces to the castle walls. Climb up the stairs for a good view of the
old town.
- Explore the small streets around the Igreja Matriz church, just south west
of the centre. Here you will find a grid of whitewashed cobbled lanes, housing
numerous handicraft shops where you can often see the craftsmen at work. Lacemaking
and copper work are traditional local crafts.
- Nossa Senhora da Piedade, set on a hill just outside the centre of town,
is Loulé's newest church, a mix of rocket ship and beehive styles!
- 16km north of the town is the Serra do Caldeirão, a series of gentle
rolling hills which separate the Algarve from the Alentejo. Take a car to discover
some of the small villages dotted around the hills, such as Salir, Querença and Alte.
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