Loulé is famous throughout Portugal for hosting the biggest and most flamboyant Brazilian-style carnival each year before Easter. At carnival time the town is transformed into a mesmerising party of colour, music and dancing. The event attracts people from all over the Algarve who come to watch the processions and join in the festive atmosphere.
Loulé sits 12 km from the coastline of the 'Golden Triangle', an area which encompasses the luxury resorts of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago.
The centre of the town is steeped in history. Its thirteenth century castle is built on an area previously settled by the Romans and its main church, Igreja Matriz de S.Clemente, was built on the site of an ancient mosque and also dates back to the thirteenth century. Loulé market hall (Mercado Municipal) is a striking landmark and an excellent example of classic Moorish architecture. It re-opened in early 2007 after a long period of renovation. Browse the town’s cobbled streets and you will see how Loulé has gained a reputation as the craft capital of the Algarve. Local handicrafts include ceramics, copperware, leatherwear, embroidered linen and tableware, quilts and lace, many of which can be purchased at the colourful Saturday gypsy market.
Some perks of owning property in Loule: Faro Airport is just 20 minutes’ drive away and is served by several low-cost airlines, it is traditional Algarve combined with modern living, just 10 minutes’ drive to the 'Golden Triangle' town of Almancil, easy access to excellent road and rail networks, close to world-renowned golf courses, a wide choice of local leisure activities for all ages including art galleries, swimming pools and a sports pavilion, a wealth of restaurants and bars serving international cuisine, traditional markets, numerous supermarkets, English-speaking banks, pharmacies, local health centres and other amenities. A new major retail outlet with Ikea and 110 shops, opening in 2017, is a short drive away, plenty of entertainment for the children in and around the area including Roma mini golf park in Vilamoura, Aquashow waterpark near Quarteira and the renowned Zoomarine centre in Albufeira.
If you are seeking a property in an authentic country town in the foothills of the Algarve mountains then search no further than Loulé. This town is one of the oldest in the region and is located just 18 km (11 miles) northwest of Faro.