Loule, one of the nicest towns

Loulé is one of the nicest towns in the Algarve that you should definitely visit. Loulé is a traditional Portuguese market town and one of the most popular day trip destinations in central Algarve. The bold and characterful historic center, the lively market and the traditional Portuguese atmosphere attract visitors year after year and keep the City alive. when visiting the Algarve, a trip to the Loulé market should not be missing from the to -do list.

Portugal is one of the few remaining European countries that still explore markets for functional products. Loulé’s focus is the Arab-inspired market, with indoor and outdoor stalls selling local produce, fresh fish and regional crafts. The market is surrounded by busy shopping streets and a maze of medieval alleys and beautiful traditional houses that make for a great day out.

The Loulé Market is open from Monday to Saturday from 7 am to 3 pm, although the best time to visit Loulé is on Saturday mornings, when both market take place.

While Loulé normally has a laid -back, laid -back atmosphere , the town comes alive on Saturday mornings when the daily market expands with a farmers market overflowing with fresh local produce in the surrounding street. It’s worth getting there early as many of the fresh food and fish stalls start packing as soon as their produce is sold.

Loulé is one of the oldest towns in the Algarve. Under the Moors it was a fortress town called al -Ulya . That Moorish architectural style such as the white houses can still be seen very well in the nice streets of the old center.

The city was recaptured by the Christians in the 12th century. Thus the old mosque became a church. But the minaret remained as a church tower. Castelo de Loulé was also taken and further expanded. At that time the city flourished.

Loulé is the most extensive district in Portugal. The city itself is home to 35,000 residents and the entire district 65,000.

The city is steeped in history and the “old Loulé” offers the remains of a castle, charming alleys and many churches. Cultural life is rich and varied. The market has built a reputation that has long stretched beyond the borders of the Algarve. Outside the city itself, the district has 9 ” freguesias ” including those of Almancil and Quarteira where the “Golden Triangle” is located, a very residential area consisting of Vilamoura , Vale de Lobo and Quinta do Lago.

Loulé is one of the oldest places in the Algrave and was founded by the Moors. Their influence can still be seen in the small narrow streets of the city. You will find the characteristic white houses everywhere and you can still find old Moorish baths in the city. The city walls also date from the time of the Moorish rule. In the 12th century the Moors disappeared and a Christian ruler came . The old Mosque was replaced by a church, but the old minaret still serves as a church tower.

An important attraction in Loulé is the covered market hall that dates from the beginning of the last century. Inside the hall it is a cacophony of smell and color. Various sellers try to sell fresh and dried fish. There are stalls selling cheeses and sausages from the region and large quantities of fresh fruit and vegetables. Handicraft products such as wicker baskets and handicrafts are also available. On Saturdays, there is an extra market around the market hall with various products. In the summer months, a gypsy market is often held for the tourists.

Loulé was conquered from the Moors in the 12th century, the castle also fell into the hands of new rulers. They fortified the castle and expanded it further. During the city’s heyday in the 15th century, the castle was improved and further renovated several times. Unfortunately, this castle was also seriously damaged by the great earthquake in the Algarve in the 18th century. Today the castle can be visited. You will find some furnished period rooms and it houses the archaeological museum of Loulé.