We finally made it to Loulé! Last time, during the carnival madness, it was so busy that we couldn’t even find a parking spot and had to give up. But this autumn, we finally succeeded and could discover this Portuguese town and find out what’s essential to see and do in Loulé. In this guide I will share with you Loulé, Portugal: 13 Best Things to Do and See.
Where is Loulé?
Loulé is a picturesque town in the Algarve region of Portugal. It’s located about 18 km north of Faro, making it an easy day trip.
Where to Stay in Loulé: Best Hotels
If you want to stay in the Algarve away from the main tourist spots, whether for the price or simply because you prefer peace and don’t need to be by the sea, Loulé is an excellent choice. The best place to stay is undoubtedly the Loulé Jardim Hotel.
13 Best Things to Do and See
Even though it’s a really small town in the Algarve, Loulé has its unique charm and is worth a visit. While there isn’t an abundance of attractions, those you’ll find here are definitely worth seeing. Let’s discover together what to do and see in Loulé.
Loulé Castle
The Castle of Loulé dates back to the 2nd century. It has Roman origins and was later occupied by the Moors until it was finally conquered by D. Paio Peres Correia in 1249.
Afonso III fortified and expanded it in the 13th century, and the castle even hosted the Portuguese royal family. Although damaged by an earthquake in 1969, parts of it remain preserved and are now integrated into the town of Loulé, protected as part of the national heritage. Visitors can see remnants of its historic walls and towers in the town center.
Loulé Market
If you’re on holiday in the Algarve, definitely visit the Loulé market! Every Saturday, it’s bustling – local farmers sell fresh produce, and the adjacent market offers a diverse range of goods, from which you’re sure to pick up an interesting souvenir.
Engineer Duarte Pacheco Monument
The Engineer Duarte Pacheco Monument in Loulé is an impressive tribute to one of the most influential figures of the Estado Novo period in Portugal. Duarte José Pacheco (1900-1943), a native of Loulé, was an outstanding electrical engineer and held key public positions, including director of the Instituto Superior Técnico and Minister of Education and Public Works. His influence is still evident today, for example, in the Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon.
Pacheco tragically died in a car accident at the age of 43. In his honor, the city of Loulé unveiled the monument on November 16, 1953, ten years after his death. This 17-meter-high column, designed by architect Cristino da Silva and funded by public subscription, symbolizes Pacheco’s unfinished work.
A bronze relief by Leopoldo de Almeida and 18 panels by various sculptors adorn the monument, celebrating Pacheco’s legacy and serving as a significant symbol of the Estado Novo period in the Algarve.
Park – Jardim Dos Amuados
In the historic heart of Loulé lies the enchanting Jardim dos Amuados park, dating back to the late 19th century.
It’s a small park where you can escape the city bustle and relax in the shade of trees when the heat becomes unbearable.
The origin of the name “amuados”, or “offended”, is shrouded in mystery, but it is said to have been a place where lovers went to reconcile after an argument.
Santuário De Nossa Senhora Da Piedade (Mãe Soberana)
The Chapel of Our Lady of Piety in Loulé, founded in 1553, is part of a sanctuary known for significant Easter pilgrimages in southern Portugal. After the 1755 earthquake, it was restored with a new Rococo altar.
The sanctuary is also famous for two major religious festivals, Festa Pequena and Festa Grande, which celebrate the revered “Sovereign Mother”. The chapel’s rich history includes a statue likely from the 16th century and paintings of the Passion of Christ by José Filipe Porfírio from the 19th c
Palácio Gama Lobo
The Gama Lobo Palace, originally a private chapel built in 1725, was founded by Father João da Costa Aragão and became a symbol of the esteemed Lobo family.
After several obstacles and almost a century later, the chapel was completed by António José de Matos Mexia Costa, who magnificently renovated it with his family between 1891 and 1893.
In the 20th century, this elegant building served as a refuge for Spanish Jesuits during the civil war and later transformed into a vibrant center for community and cultural activities, from carnival balls to music and dance performances.
Following extensive renovations between 2017 and 2019, the palace now serves as a dynamic center for Loulé Criativo, promoting local identity through various creative and educational activities.
Museu Municipal De Loulé
If you want to learn something about Loulé, visit the local Loulé Municipal Museum. The museum is quite modern and features fascinating exhibits that tell the story of this area from the Triassic period, when giant salamanders lived here, to the Middle Ages.
Among the most significant artifacts are the oldest preserved records from the municipal council in Portugal, dating back to 1384.
Igreja Matriz De São Clemente
The Church of São Clemente, whose origins date back to the 13th century, was likely founded by the Archbishop of Braga, D. João Viegas, and in 1298 came under the Military Order of São Tiago. Its Gothic southern architecture features three naves and simple decoration on the capitals.
In the 16th century, side chapels and altars were added, but these were removed in the 18th century. The church suffered damage during the 1755 earthquake and subsequent tremors, thus undergoing significant reconstruction that emphasized its medieval elements. In 1924, it was declared a national monument.
Fonte Do Cadoiço
You might be surprised to find a waterfall in Loulé. It’s called Fonte do Cadoiço, and even though it’s just a short distance from the main road, not everyone manages to find it, because the access is subtly located between two buildings on a picturesque cobbled street.
The waterfall is not very well maintained, there’s a lot of trash, and it’s more of a curiosity that you find it in the city rather than something you truly need to visit. In summer, it can also be completely dry.
Artcatto – Art Gallery – Galeria De Arte
In Loulé, you’ll also find a small art gallery, the Artcatto Gallery. This gallery, led by acclaimed curator Gillian Catto, boasts an impressive collection of top-tier art created in the region.
1920s Café Calcinha
If you’re looking for a charming coffee spot, don’t forget to visit Café Calcinha. We went there for a cup of coffee and also had their local coconut bundt cake (they call it a cake 😁).
Café Calcinha is a historical gem in the center of Loulé. It opened in 1929 thanks to José Domingos Cavaco, nicknamed “Calcinha”. The interior was designed to reflect the grandeur of a Brazilian café from the 20th century.
During your visit, don’t forget to notice the Art Deco elements and Brazilian woodworking craftsmanship, which have been carefully preserved. Outside on the esplanade, you’ll find a statue of António Aleixo, a renowned poet who frequently visited this café and recited his verses.
Trip to an Underground Salt Mine
If it’s hot outside, it’s time for an underground trip; in Loulé, you can visit a salt mine. It’s better to book your reservation via GetYourGuide in advance, so you don’t have to scramble for tickets at the last minute or find them sold out.
An authentic experience awaits you—this is a functional salt mine, not a modified tourist attraction. The descent into the depths of the mine is accompanied by the hum of machinery and the occasional rumble of trucks in the tunnels. Guides, often miners themselves, provide insight into daily operations and allow you to understand the complexities of this impressive industrial enterprise.
Wine Tasting
If you love wine too, this wine tasting will truly delight you. The tour begins with a short walk around the winery. You’ll taste four excellent wines that truly capture the essence of the region. Even if the service is a bit slow, don’t let it spoil your experience. The views are breathtaking, and the wine? Absolutely worth the wait. Book your wine tasting via GetYourGuide.
Where Next?
Read our tip for a road trip through the Algarve, check out the most beautiful beaches, and explore the historic city of Silves with us.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
