Discover Loulé, a hidden gem full of history and a colorful market in the Algarve. These are the best things to do in Loulé and tips for fun day trips.
About Loulé
Loulé is a hidden gem in the heart of the Algarve, amid rolling hills and an abundance of orange groves. The charming town offers an interesting mix of history, local crafts, and conviviality.
Emerged in the second century under Moorish influences, the city has retained its special charm. With narrow streets and historic architecture, Loulé is a wonderful place to explore.
Why is visiting Loulé such a good idea? Loulé offers not only a cultural journey through time but is also a bustling hub, thanks to its lively market where you can buy delicious local products and special handmade souvenirs
Whether you are intrigued by history, just want to get lost in the charming streets, or are looking for an authentic local experience, Loulé has something for everyone.
The best things to do in Loulé
With its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, Loulé is a great destination if you are looking for a nice place in the Algarve off the beaten path. In this blog, I’ll take you on a virtual trip to Loulé, and tell you all about the best things to do and fun places to visit as a day trip. This way, you can make the most of your stay in Loulé. Let’s get started!
Mercado Municipal de Loulé
Perhaps the most beautiful and in any case the most famous place in Loulé is the market, also known as Mercado Municipal de Loulé. In this indoor market hall, you will find an abundance of fresh produce, local crafts, and traditional delicacies. As you stroll through the stalls, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere and sample delicious local produce.
On Saturday, the market will be expanded with additional stalls around the market building. You will also have several buskers then, making the atmosphere even more fun.
Castelo de Loulé
One of the most striking structures in Loulé is Castelo de Loulé, a magnificent historical monument. This ancient fortress, originally established during the Moorish rule in the second century, was rebuilt in the seventeenth century. Three large towers still stand today and you can visit different rooms, such as the kitchen.
Climb the ancient walls of this fortress for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The castle also houses the Museu Municipal de Loulé, where you can learn more about the history of this area. Admission to the castle and the museum is only €1.62.
Banhos Islâmicos de Loulé
Would you like to see more of the Moorish era in Loulé? Then visit the Banhos Islâmicos de Loulé, or the Islamic baths of Loulé. It is a small archaeological museum with the remains of extraordinary thermal baths, dating back to the 12th century. A fun place to learn more about the sophisticated water system that characterized the Moorish civilization. The Islamic baths are free to visit.
Igreja Matriz de São Clemente
The Igreja Matriz de São Clemente is an impressive church in the heart of Loulé. With its striking white facade and tall tower, it is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Upon entering, you can enjoy the serenity and a richly decorated altarpiece. You can also admire a chapel chapel full of beautifully painted Portuguese tiles.
Extra tip: behind the church is a beautiful park: Jardim dos Amuados. This is a wonderful place to rest and enjoy a view of the city.
Wander through the historic center
Wandering through the old center of Loulé is an attraction in itself. Some streets are so narrow that cars barely fit through them. Often, you will find yourself staring at a beautiful facade full of colors and Portuguese tiles. In addition, you will discover one cute little store filled with local crafts after another.
Several cozy restaurants and cafes are also hidden in the old town. I ended up at Bar Colheita Fresca on a rainy Friday, where I had a delicious Portuguese meal for very little money. Highly recommended!
Convento do Espírito Santo
While wandering through Loulé, I accidentally ended up at Convento do Espírito Santo. This is a former monastery that is now a cultural center and this makes it a very nice combination! You can still see the monastery in the architecture, but it is also brimming with creativity. It regularly hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Loulé Criativo
If you have visited the market, you will see that incredibly beautiful things are made in Loulé, and the city is keen to highlight their creativity. They are doing this with Loulé Criativo, an initiative to put Loulé on the map as the cultural center of Portugal.
Not only can you buy beautiful handmade items, but you can also get hands-on during a workshop. For example, you can learn to paint tiles, take a cooking course, or make products from woven palm leaves. So that’s how you can make your own handmade souvenir from Portugal, fun isn’t it?
Read more about this special project on the Loulé Criativo website.
Discover the Mina de Sal-Gema de Loulé
Did you know that there is also a salt mine hidden in Loulé? This mine dates back to the ninth century and you can visit it on a guided tour. You will gain insight into the traditional methods of salt mining, with the original equipment still in place. A highlight is the underground chamber filled with salt crystals that sparkle like precious gems.
Fun day trips from Loulé
If you like the atmosphere in Loulé, you can use the city as a base to visit more beautiful places in the Algarve. These are great places to visit as a day trip from Loulé.
Rocha da Pena
Do you feel like getting out into nature and taking a nice walk? Rocha da Pena is a large rock about a half-hour drive north of Loulé.
You can do a nice circular walk here of about 6.5 kilometers (in my opinion one of the most beautiful hiking trails in the Algarve) where you also climb the rock. From the top, you have a panoramic view of the beautiful green interior of the Algarve and can even see the sea shimmering in the distance.
Faro
Faro is the capital of the Algarve and is just a 20-minute drive from Loulé. It has a well-preserved old town with historic architecture, including the cathedral and the Arco da Vila. The walled city invites walks through narrow streets and past picturesque squares. In addition, you can go on a fun boat trip to Parque Natural da Ria Formosa for a look at the region’s biodiversity.
Winery Quinta da Tôr
Would you like to learn more about the delicious Portuguese wines? There are several leading wineries in the Algarve, and Quinta da Tôr is one of the best in the region. Located in the picturesque hinterland of the Algarve, Quinta da Tôr offers an atmospheric setting amid vineyards and rolling hills.
You can take a guided tour here and it starts with a look at the vineyards, where you will discover the different grapes. You will then visit the wineries and gain insight into the winemaking process, from harvesting to aging the wines. Of course, the tasting is the highlight of the tour, where you can experience Quinta da Tôr’s award-winning wines. Yum yum!
Quarteira & Vilamoura
A short distance from Loulé are the coastal towns of Quarteira and Vilamoura. Vilamoura is home to a luxury marina known for its glamorous atmosphere and exclusive stores. It is fun to take a walk along the harbor and admire the impressive yachts.
Adjacent Quarteira is home to a beautiful expansive sandy beach. Here you can relax in the soft sand or enjoy fresh seafood and traditional dishes in one of the restaurants overlooking the sea.
Where to stay in Loulé
Want something different in the Algarve than the well-known seaside resorts? Loulé is also a nice base to discover more beautiful places in the Algarve, especially the lesser-known interior. Therefore, this makes it a nice place to stay for a few days. These are nice accommodations to stay in Loulé.
- Loulé Coreto Guesthouse – cozy guesthouse with nicely decorated rooms just a few minutes walk from the famous market.
- Loule Jardim Hotel (3⭐) – the most beautiful hotel in Loulé with a rooftop pool.
- Casa Beny 1897 Guesthouse – beautiful guesthouse in a historic building and matching furnishings.
Check out Booking.com for more tips, availability, and prices.
Book a trip to the Algarve
As you have read, Loulé has many beautiful sights to offer that are suitable for all types of travelers. What are you waiting for? Visit Loulé during your vacation in the Algarve! Book your trip now.
✈️ Plane tickets – Faro Airport is the international airport of the Algarve and the best place to start your road trip. Check Skyscanner to find the best deals on plane tickets. From the airport, it’s only a 20-minute drive to Loulé.
🚘 Rental car – If you’d like to visit more beautiful places in the Algarve, it’s useful to rent a car. Check Discover Cars to find the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Invest in travel insurance, it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
🏄🏼 Tours & activities – There are lots of fun tours and guided trips in the Algarve. Check Get Your Guide for all the options.
Read more about Portugal & the Algarve
Are you looking for more tips for a trip to Portugal? Check out these travel guides for inspiration.
In addition, you can find many tips and information about traveling to Portugal on this website. I spend about 2 months a year in this beautiful country, and I’ve visited many beautiful places. You might like to read these articles as well:
- 20 Best things to do in Albufeira Portugal
- The perfect Algarve itinerary for a 1 or 2 week road trip
- 5 Easy ways to travel from Lisbon to the Algarve
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