Map of the city and surroundings of Loulé, with main points of interest, useful locations and residential areas. Distances to the main locations in the south of Portugal
… a city with a sea view in the Algarve mountains
Loulé is a vibrant municipality located in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. As of the latest available data, the municipality has a population of approximately 70,622, with the city of Loulé itself accounting for 23,385 of these residents. The city sits about 9 kilometers from the shore, serving as the capital of the municipality. View of Loulé, featuring the formidable Castle of Loulé, the bustling main avenue, the historic Convento do Espirito Santo, charming old town, and the vibrant fresh market. The cityscape leads the eye to a panoramic aerial view that extends all the way to the ocean shore, highlighting the diverse beauty of this Algarve municipality.
Loulé is the most extensive and populous municipality in the Algarve
In addition to Loulé city, the municipality is home to several other notable locations, including Quarteira, a popular seaside resort; Almancil, known for its high-end resorts and golf courses; Vilamoura, recognized for its large marina, golf courses, and casino; Boliqueime, a charming traditional village; and the exclusive resort communities of Vale do Lobo and Quinta do Lago. These locales contribute to the rich tapestry of culture, leisure, and scenic beauty that defines the Loulé municipality.
Crafts in the town of Loulé
Strolling the streets of Loulé found several traditional handicraft shopsLoulé retains many traditions and customs, which are immortalized in handicrafts and potteries coming out of the hands of craftsmen. There is a profusion of articles that depict not only the customs, as well as daily activities and farm chores. These articles are made from different materials such as wood, copper, iron, clay, among others.
The more traditional store of Loulé is a trip back in time. Worth a visitHere you will find all the necessary utensils for cooking traditional dishes of the Algarve. Covered, and at the same time everything needed for a kitchen with luxury!
The traditions in Loulé prevail throughout the agesRespect for traditions and the role played by natural beauty, the town Loulé attracts more people because of its dynamic and cosmopolitan character. With excellent infrastructure and easy access to various services, be in Loulé is being close to everything. Faro Airport is located within walking distance of 20km and even the best educational institutions are quite affordable. In the case of the International College of Vilamoura, this belongs to the municipality of Loulé, and the International School of Porches is just roughly 25 minutes away.
Tourists in loule on traditional market StreetLoulé is a markedly tourist area, with some of the best resorts in Europe. In Loulé are fabulous projects that have attracted many buyers, including many foreign families left delight by the region. Are examples of this, the developments of Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo, among others. Residents have at your disposal luxury rooms and have access to some of the most prestigious European golf courses, beaches and breathtaking landscapes and are entered in a community hospitable and that accepts with open arms all those who love their land.
Beaches in the town of Loulé
Late afternoon in the municipality of Loulé. Praia do AnçãoWith a coastline of 13,5km, Loulé has clean, safe and exquisitely beautiful beaches. Framed in lush landscape, encourage swimmers from the discovery through the dunes and enjoy the sunny days lying on the golden sands or take a dive in the warm waters. The beaches are safe and have vigilance as well as other additional services such as catering and equipment to practice various water sports.
The main beaches in the municipality of Loulé are:
- Vilamoura Beach
- Falésia beach
- Quarteira city beaches
- Forte Novo beach
- Beach Almargem
- Loulé Velho beach
- Vale de Lobo beach
- Garrão Beach
- Ancão Beach
- Quinta do Lago beach
Golf in the town of Loulé
The municipality of Loulé has many Golf courses of high qualityLoulé is called by some of the national capital of golf because of his extraordinary 13 golf courses that attract thousands of tourists every year. Integrated tourism complexes in some renowned golf courses of Loulé are frequently the scene of major European games and contests. All this success is due to the unique characteristics of these fields, including the breathtaking scenery, the pleasant climate, the quality of the services and infrastructure of the same. These details prove to be extremely important in the case of many golfers who expect access to excellent conditions.
In Loulé you can find the following golf courses:
- Laranjal Golf Course (Quinta do Lago);
- San Lorenzo Golf Course (Quinta do Lago);
- Quinta do Lago Sul (Quinta do Lago);
- Quinta do Lago North (Quinta do Lago);
- Pinheiros Altos (Quinta do Lago);
- Royal Golf Course (Vale de Lobo);
- Ocean Golf Course (Vale de Lobo);
- VilaSol (Vilamoura);
- Victoria Golf Club (Vilamoura);
- Millenium Golf Course (Vilamoura);
- Pinhal Golf Course (Vilamoura);
- Laguna Golf Course (Vilamoura);
- The Old Course (Vilamoura).
Ria Formosa
Bridge to the beach of Quinta do Lago in Ria FormosaThe Natural Park of Ria Formosa is a landmark of the municipality of Loulé and stretches for 60Km. About the visit is not indifferent to the immense variety that exists there, from flora to fauna. In the Ria Formosa Natural Park can still find a variety of ecosystems and some species of little-known birds.
Loulé Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Piedade
Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Loulé majestically perched atop a mountain, under a sky adorned with fluffy clouds.
Positioned on the west side exit of Loulé, a city in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, the Church of Our Lady of Piety (Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Piedade) is both a prominent place of worship and a popular tourist attraction. The church stands out for its modern architecture, a significant departure from traditional Portuguese church design, embodied in its unique inverted egg-shaped structure covered in ceramic tiles. The church is dedicated to Our Lady of Piety, also known as the Sovereign Mother (Mãe Soberana), the patroness of Loulé. Each year, it is at the heart of religious processions during the city’s Easter festivities.
Aerial view of Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Piedade in Loulé extends towards the shoreline in a panoramic sweep, offering an impressive vista over approximately 9km of straight-line distance.
Heritage in the town of Loulé
Loulé Castle, an edifice of Arab origin that was rebuilt in the 13th century, stands as a primary attraction in Loulé, showcasing a rich blend of historic architectural styles.
- Loulé Castle (Castelo de Loulé): A medieval castle that houses the Municipal Museum of Archaeology.
- Igreja Matriz de São Clemente: The city’s main church with beautiful Gothic architecture.
- Loulé Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal de Loulé): A lively market where you can find local produce, traditional dishes, crafts, and more.
- Convent of the Holy Spirit (Convento do Espírito Santo): A historic convent now used for art exhibitions.
- Loulé Carnival: Known as one of the most popular carnivals in Portugal, it takes place every year and attracts many visitors.
- Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Piedade: A modern church dedicated to the patroness of Loulé, it’s the site of an annual religious procession.
Loulé, situated in the Algarve region of southern Portugal, is characterized by a mix of historical charm and modern convenience. The city’s layout is navigated centrally by the Avenida José da Costa Mealha, that culminates at the roundabout Praça da República.In the heart of Loulé, you’ll find the vibrant fresh farmers and fish market, a hub of local produce and goods located conveniently near the city center roundabout. Adjacent to this area lies the charming old town. This part of the city, with its winding, narrow, and traditional paved street. Here you’ll come across a variety of traditional stores that offer everything from local handicrafts to regional delicacies.
Cities & Resorts in central Algarve