Loulé travel guide (2025)

Loulé is one of the Algarve’s most authentic inland towns. It’s the perfect destination for a cultural day trip away from the coast. You will find a charming old centre, a Moorish-style market, and streets filled with local life. Explore historic churches, castle walls, and artisan shops. If you are here in August, don’t miss Noite Branca, the town’s famous white-themed summer festival. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit to Loulé, from sights and hidden corners to local food, day trips, and tips.

In this article about Loulé you will find:

• Handpicked local tips you won’t find anywhere else
• Best beaches and natural attractions​
• Top historical sites and cultural landmarks​
• Top recommendations for hotels, dining, and excursions

Why visit Loulé

• Authentic Portuguese charm – Loulé offers a glimpse into the Algarve’s traditional way of life, with whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and a laid-back local vibe.
• Historic centre and castle – wander through the old town, explore the medieval castle walls, and step into centuries of history at the municipal museum.
• Bustling market culture – the iconic Mercado de Loulé is a feast for the senses, filled with local produce, seafood, spices, and crafts, especially lively on Saturday mornings.
• Vibrant festivals – from the colourful Carnival to the all-white summer celebration of Noite Branca, Loulé’s events are some of the most exciting in the Algarve.
• Gateway to nature and villages – hike the Fonte Benémola trail or explore nearby hilltop villages like Querença and Alte for a peaceful countryside escape.

Ready to explore Loulé? Watch the video below to see what makes this inland gem worth the trip.

 

What to see in Loulé

Mercado de Loulé (market)

One of the most interesting places in Loulé is Mercado de Loulé, also known as the municipal market. This is where locals buy their groceries. The building of the market is quite unique: it has an oriental architecture and stems from 1908. It has been renovated between 2004 and 2007.

Make sure you also go inside the market hall. Here you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, handicrafts, herbs, spices and much more. The best day and time to visit the market is on Saturday morning. There are a lot more stalls on that day, as well as an outside market. However, it can get quite busy. Try to be there early, because fresh products are sold quickly.

Town hall

After visiting the market hall, walk down the Praça da República. This is the large street in front of the market. From there you can admire the town hall (19th century) and an old town gate on its right side.

Castle of Loulé (and municipal museum)

About a 4 minute walk from the market hall, you can find the medieval Castle of Loulé. In the Middle Ages, the building was used as the residence of the town’s governor. Several Portuguese kings also lodged in the castle while visiting the town. Nowadays, the castle also houses the municipal museum of Loulé, which displays historical artefacts. All exhibits are explained in both Portuguese and English. In the castle you can also see a library room and a reproduction of the medieval kitchen. From the tower of the castle you can enjoy a beautiful view over Loulé. The entrance to the castle can be a bit hard to find, but the castle is definitely worth a quick visit. Entrance is € 1,62.

Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

Near the castle you can find the small but lovely chapel of Our Lady of Conception (in Portuguese: Nossa Senhora da Conceição). It was built in the 17th century in honour of the patron saint of Portugal. Inside, you can see beautiful glazed blue tiles covering the walls, showing scenes of the life of Mary. The altarpiece consists of gilt carved wood, showing several statues of the family of Our Lady. The chapel is absolutely stunning from the inside. Definitely worth a visit. Moreover, entrance is free.

Church of St. Clemente

The oldest church of Loulé is the church of St. Clemente (in Portuguese: Igreja Matriz de São Clemente). The church is situated in the old town, about 300 metres from the castle. It is a Gothic building from the second half of the 13th century. The church was built on the site of an old mosque. The bell tower of the church replaced the minaret of the mosque. From the outside you can see the Gothic portal, which is simple but beautiful. Inside the church you can find a really nice organ. It is a typical and peaceful old church.

Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Piedade

From all over Loulé you can see a unique building, which is the shrine of Nossa Senhora da Piedade (in Portuguese: Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Piedade). The building looks very modern and kind of looks like a spaceship. However, inside it is a religious place and thus very quiet inside. The shrine of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is situated on top of a hill. You can see pilgrims walk up the path towards the shrine, but it is quite a hard walk. It is easier to drive up the path. From the shrine you have an amazing view over the town of Loulé and the surrounding area.

Parque Municipal de Loulé

In the centre of Loulé you can find a nice park, called the Parque Municipal de Loulé. The park is clean and peaceful. It is a great place to walk through and enjoy the day. There are plenty of benches, so you can relax. Near the entrance to the park you can find a monument dedicated to Duarte Pacheco. He was an engineer and statesman from Loulé in the 20th century.

Trilho da Fonte Benémola (walking trail)

About 10 kilometres north of Loulé, you can find the walking trail of Fonte Benémola. There are actually two circular trails: a longer one (9 kilometres) and a shorter one (4 kilometres). Both are very nice walks and quite easy to do. You will see interesting flora and fauna on the way. Make sure to wear good shoes and bring some water. The area is also great for a picnic. If you like walking in nature, you will love this area.

Gypsy market

Every Saturday morning there is a gypsy market on the western side of Loulé. You can buy handbags, clothes, shoes, jewellery and much more on the market. If you like to get a bargain, visiting this gypsy market will satisfy you.

Church of São Lourenço (Almancil)

In the nearby village of Almancil you can find one of the most beautiful churches in the area, called the church of São Lourenço (in Portuguese: Igreja de São Lourenço de Almancil). While the church is relatively small, it is the inside that is absolutely stunning. The interior of this church is almost completely decorated with blue and white glazed tiles made in 1730, depicting scenes of the life of St. Lawrence. However, it is prohibited to take photos inside. Still, this church is definitely worth a visit.

Quinta do Lago

Quinta do Lago is an exclusive tourist and golf development area. There are several golf courses, luxury villas, apartments and superb luxury hotels. Many sports facilities are available, such as golf, tennis and water sports. If you are seeking luxury during your holiday, go here.

Vale do Lobo

Vale do Lobo is another luxury resort development. Here you can find a five star hotel, luxury villas, apartments, several golf courses and many other sports facilities. You can also find a long sandy beach with very clean water, protected by high sand cliffs. The beach of Vale do Lobo is highly recommended.

Quarteira

Quarteira is an old fishing village located in the municipality of Loulé. The village has a nice beach, with a modern boulevard along it. Quarteira has become an important tourist centre. You can also find many restaurants, bars and hotels in the area. Great to visit the beach of Quarteira for a day and have lunch near the promenade.

Countryside trip (Querença, Alte and Salir)

You can make a trip through the countryside surrounding Loulé. This shows you another side of the Algarve. You will come across beautiful landscapes, typical vegetation and old culture. About 11 kilometres north of Loulé, you can find the picturesque hilltop village of Querença. This is a typical small Portuguese village. The church in the village has a manueline portal (16th century), interesting works of carving, glazed tiles and a statuary. Located near the walking trail of Fonte Benémola. Nearby you can also find the grottoes of Salustreira, with stalactites and stalagmites.

Other nearby villages worth visiting are Alte and Salir. Alte is a small picturesque village, famous for its fountains. And the little village of Salir has the ruins of a Moorish castle, which provides good panoramic views over the countryside. Not too far away you can find the beautiful mountains of Rocha da Pena and Cerro dos Negros.

Beaches

Although the town of Loulé is not located directly at the sea, its municipality does include some beautiful beaches. The beaches of Loulé are known for their exclusivity. Below you can find the best beaches of Loulé.

Praia da Quinta do Lago

Praia da Quinta do Lago is the main beach of the exclusive luxury resort town Quinta do Lago. It attracts mainly tourists of the upper class. The beach is located just in front of the Ria Formosa, which adds to its natural beauty.

Praia de Quarteira

Praia de Quarteira is the main beach of the seaside resort town Quarteira. This beach can become quite crowded in summer and is especially popular among Portuguese tourists. The beach is divided into several sections, but basically it is all the same beach.

Praia de Vale do Lobo

Praia de Vale do Lobo is the main beach of the beach & golf resort town Vale do Lobo. The beach mainly attracts people of the middle and upper class. Praia de Vale do Lobo is backed by a beautiful red cliff.

Praia de Vilamoura

Praia de Vilamoura is the beach in front of Vilamoura, which is a luxury seaside resort. It is just a short walk from the exclusive marina and the beach is popular among tourists and hotel guests.

Best hotels

Looking for the perfect stay in Loulé? The best hotels here sell out fast, especially in high season. We have handpicked our top recommendations: highly rated, well-located, and loved by travellers. Book now to secure the ideal base for your Algarve getaway.

Upscale

• Casa Mocho Branco. This hotel in the countryside has a nice infinity pool, from where you can enjoy the view over the surrounding area. Rooms are quite big and the breakfast is exceptionally good. There is a nice garden as well. Highly rated.

Mid-range

• Loulé Jardim Hotel. This hotel has spacious rooms and friendly staff. There is a gym and a rooftop terrace with lounge chairs and a swimming pool as well. Located in the centre of Loulé, across a small park.

Budget

• Loulé Coreto Guesthouse. This bed and breakfast has everything you need for a great holiday in the Algarve. Rooms are clean and comfortable. Excellent value for money. Located near the market hall, in the centre of Loulé.

Transfer to the hotel
Whatever hotel you choose, it is important to think about how to get there. If you don’t have a car, make sure to rent a car. Alternatively, you can book an airport transfer from Faro Airport directly to your hotel.

 

Best restaurants

There are a couple of very good restaurants in the area of Loulé. Below you can find our favourite ones.

Local cuisine

• A Tia Bia. This Portuguese restaurant serves traditional local food. The name of this restaurant translates as ‘Aunt Bia’, which is exactly the feeling you get here. It feels like your aunt has cooked a delicious meal for you. Excellent place for lunch.
• A Quinta. This restaurant has a daily changing menu, but every day it serves fresh and delicious food. They have fantastic wine and good cocktails as well. Good location and good atmosphere. Nice terrace outside too.

Other cuisines

• Cozinha Japonesa Artigo Tres. This is one of the best Japanese restaurants in the Algarve. The food is amazing and the sushi very fresh. Eating here is a great experience. Service is good and prices are reasonable.
• Vegan Joe’s. This restaurant serves only vegan food, as well as great juices. The menu changes every week, so there is always a new reason to come back. All fruits and vegetables are produced locally. If you like vegan food, this is your place.

MAR Shopping

Between Loulé and Faro you can find MAR Shopping centre, which is the biggest shopping centre of the Algarve. It is a great place for shopping. You can find an IKEA, as well as dozens of other shops, such as H&M, Fnac, Primark and Zara. There is also a cinema, a food court and a supermarket in the shopping centre. If you are looking to buy new things, visiting this shopping centre can be a nice activity. Part of the shopping centre is also an outdoor designer outlet, which includes many shops. Here you can find a variety of shops, offering reductions on big brand names.

Events in Loulé

There are a couple of unique events in Loulé every year. Below you can find our favourite ones.

Carnival in Loulé

The carnival in Loulé is an event that guarantees 3 days of party. It is held every year in February and is famous across the Algarve. Just as the carnival in Brazil, this carnival has parades, costumes, music and dancing. The carnival is held in the centre of Loulé and there is a small entrance fee.

Noite branca

Noite branca is a festival that is held every year in Loulé to celebrate the end of summer. People come together and everyone wears white clothing. There is live music and people dance. It is a lot of fun.

Festa da Mãe Soberana

An important religious tradition in Loulé is the Procession of the Sovereign Mother (in Portuguese: Festa da Mãe Soberana), which is the patron saint of Loulé. It is held on the second Sunday after Easter. During the tradition, the statue of the patron saint is brought from its sanctuary to the church of São Francisco. You can see many people following the statue of the patron saint. The day usually ends with fireworks.

Excursions

Loulé is a great destination for a day trip. However, there is much more to see in the area. For example, you could explore Faro and the natural park of Ria Formosa. Another great activity is to go dolphin watching. Or you could explore the coastline of the Algarve by boat. Some of these excursions can already be booked online. Below you can find our favourite excursions near Loulé.

 

General information

Loulé is a municipality in the Algarve with more than 70.000 inhabitants. In terms of size, Loulé is the largest municipality in the Algarve. The biggest city is Loulé with around 20.000 inhabitants, but the municipality also includes the popular holiday destinations of Quarteira, Quinta do Lago, Vale do Lobo, Vilamoura and some other small towns.

The most important characteristic of this region is the originality and simplicity of its architecture, its traditions, and the way of life of the people. This is because the hinterland of the Algarve has not changed as quickly as the coastal regions. One example of its architecture is that you can find typical chimneys, decorated with geometric motives, in Loulé.

Administratively, the municipality of Loulé can be divided into several civil parishes (freguesias):

• Almancil
• Alte
• Ameixal
• Boliqueime
• Quarteira
• Querença, Tôr e Benafim
• Salir
• São Clemente
• São Sebastião

Long ago, Loulé was an Arabian town called Al-Aliya. Since then, Loulé has preserved the ruins of its medieval castle and city wall, its narrow streets and some interesting churches. Loulé has long traditions of craftsmanship, which date back to the time of the Moors. Until a few years ago, there were many workshops where you could watch the craftspeople manufacturing leather, wood, copper and other products. Today there are just a few left. They can be seen in the old town near the castle, for instance at Rua da Barbacã.