The thriving market town of Loule is located 16kms west of Faro just 20 minutes drive from the airport. This typically Portuguese town is becoming increasingly popular with property purchasers due to its ancient history, numerous amenities and proximity to the airport. The town centre offers both new and traditional properties whilst the outskirts of Loule are popular with people looking for peace and tranquility, stunning views and all just a few minutes from the town centre.
As you walk through the cobbled streets you can find a number of workshops where the craftsmen can be seen stitching leather, beating copper and selling local handmade goods. There are many of shops selling leather goods, jewellery, linen and hand embroidered articles. The recently renovated municipal market in the centre of the town is open most days and you will find home grown fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and freshly baked bread. The local people will invite you to taste their produce and you will find them to be friendly and welcoming. You will also find another popular market located close to the centre which is opens on Saturday mornings and attracts visitors from all over the Algarve. Here you can buy leather goods, clothes, handmade gifts and hot donuts whilst listening to the live music provided by the Ecuador Incas.
There are many restaurants in the town where you can sample local dishes such as spicy piri-piri chicken, pork with clams and many varieties of fish and seafood. A popular restaurant visited both by locals and tourists alike is ‘Angolana’ where booking is a must. This bustling restaurant has a good menu, friendly staff, lively atmosphere and portions are large but also well priced. You may also wish to sample an ‘espetada de carne’ which is a meat kebab served on a metal stand which hangs in front of you. These dishes and more can be tried at the popular ‘Madereinse’ restaurant just outside of Loule on the road towards Boliqueime. During the winter months a roaring fire will keep you warm and during the summer months you will need to book to reserve a table on the front patio area.
The town centre comes alive in February when the carnival takes place. People come from all over to see and take part in the fancy dress and street parades. A much more sober event takes place every Easter when the locals gather to witness the ‘Mae Soberana’ (sovereign mother) being carried to the parish church and then returned two weeks later. The procession is a spectacle to behold and should not be missed along with a grand finale fireworks display in the evening which lights up the sky of Loule.
There are many events which take place in Loule including art exhibitions, plays and a number of carnivals and celebrations throughout the year. The nearby village of Querenca also celebrates an annual sausage festival where you can sample a wide variety of chourico sausages and see the local people celebrate with dance, music and fireworks displays.
All in all, this market town has so much to offer and even if you are not looking to purchase a property there then you should take time to visit and take in the delights of Loule!
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