Loulé, Portugal

 

The town of Loulé lies 12 km from the coast, and its shoreline is known as the “Triângulo Dourado”, the most prestigious part of the Algarve, taking in the luxury resorts of Vale do Lobo, Quinta do Lago and Vilamoura, rated by some as one of the best holiday destinations in Europe.

Take a look at our selection of hotels in Loulé if you choose this part of the Algarve as your base.

What to see in Loulé

The Algarve is more than beaches. There are rivers, rural corners and villages full of character, and Loulé is a good example.

The heart of the town is packed with regional restaurants at very tempting prices, along with plenty of cafés with terraces where you can sit and take in the view.
 

Loulé Market

Loulé is also famous for the Loulé Municipal Market (the main image on this post), Arabic in inspiration and a great place to find fresh produce and Portuguese specialities.

Another well-known market here is the Loulé Gypsy Market. It runs every Saturday and is already popular with visitors. There are even tours that take you there. You'll find it on Rua da Nossa Senhora da Piedade. Here you can see a map showing how to walk from the municipal market to the gypsy market area.
 

Castelo de Loulé

What remains of Loulé Castle gives you a sense of just how important the building and the town were during the Algarve's Islamic period.

Three towers and part of the wall still stand today.

Although it's a small complex, it's worth a quick visit. A ticket covering both (museum + castle) costs no more than €2.

It's an easy walk from the municipal market.
 

Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Piedade

This is one of the most important Marian shrines in Portugal.

A chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Piety was built in 1553 on top of a hill near what is now the centre of Loulé.

Today, next to the chapel, you'll find the distinctive church you can spot from just about anywhere in town.
 

Loulé Carnival

The Loulé Carnival takes place in February over three days in a row. It's hugely colourful, and the parade through the town centre is considered one of the best in Portugal.

Noite Branca

Every year at the end of August, Loulé throws a party to see off the summer. It's called  Noite Branca, and tourists and locals dress in white, the shops and bars are decorated in the same colour, and the council dresses up the town for the occasion.

If you're in Loulé around then, don't miss it.
 

Vilamoura

Vilamoura is a holiday resort complex belonging to the municipality of Loulé.

This private resort is one of the most exclusive holiday destinations in Europe.

It's rounded off with lovely beaches, golf courses, a casino, a marina, bars and clubs.

You can read more on the page we've put together about it: Vilamoura Algarve.

Beaches in Loulé

• Praia da Falésia (shared with Albufeira)
• Praia de Vilamoura
• Praia da Quarteira
• Praia de Vale do Lobo
• Praia do Garrão – Poente
• Praia do Garrão – Nascente
• Praia do Ancão
• Praia da Quinta do Lago

Hotels in Loulé

Loulé is an area of the Algarve where traditional places to stay sit alongside some of the most prestigious developments in the region.

One thing worth noting is that much of Loulé lies inland in the Algarve, a few kilometres from the coast. That said, some beautiful beaches such as Praia da Falésia (shared with the municipality of Albufeira), Praia de Vilamoura and Praia da Quarteira belong to Loulé.

The centre of Loulé is just a twenty-minute drive from Faro Airport and two and a half hours from the capital, Lisbon.

Search hotels on Booking.com

Reasons to choose a hotel in Loulé

• Beautiful beaches
• Close to the airport
• Shopping at the municipal market
• Visiting Loulé castle

Best area of Loulé to stay:

If you want to be near the beach (recommended), look for hotels in Vilamoura or Quarteira

 

Click to see the hotels plotted on the map

You can see all the Hotels in Loulé here.

Recommended hotels in Loulé

Vila Gale Marina

Tivoli Marina Vilamoura

SS Quarteira

Hotel Quarteirasol

Dom Jose Beach Hotel

Crowne Plaza Vilamoura

Aquashow Park Hotel