Loulé is a town and a community (about 28,000 inhabitants) in the same-named county.

Coordinates: 37° 8′ N, 8° 1′ W

The town is situated roughly 15 km north of the coast and is well signposted on all main streets. 

Findings in the area document a settlement since the Old Stone Age. Also Carthaginians and Phoenicians already settled here. From the 2nd century on the Romans left their traces and from about 711 on the Moors reined for approximately 540 years over the Algarve. In 1249 the Moors were expelled and Loulé obtained the town privilege. At the times of the Portuguese discoveries the economy in town flourished. The heavy earthquake of 1755 destroyed many buildings of the city. 

Today, Loulé is a modern shopping city whose markets are internationally known, and it attracts many tourists. Especially on Saturdays, the market hall and the associated farmers market is highly frequented. The so-called gypsy market takes place on Saturdays on the arterial road towards Boliqueime.

Just east of the castle ruins and downtown, there is a modern health center (Centro de Saúde de Loulé).


Finding a parking space is always difficult. On market days or bigger events, it is particularly difficult. A bit away from the center, with its winding and narrow streets, it becomes easier to find a parking space.


The area west of the covered market offers a variety of shopping opportunities, both from local craftsmen and domestic artists. Everywhere in the village there are various national and international restaurants, bistros, snack bars and cafes. They invite you to linger.


Everywhere near the center you will find historical testimony. The city has well linked history and modernity. For a day trip it is a more than worthwhile destination. Also, a longer stay, in order to have a favourable starting point for beach visits and the exploration of the hinterland, is recommended.


Convento do Espírito Santo

Coordianates: 37°08’21.2″N 8°01’23.2″W

The former monastery is only about 50 meters west of the market hall.

In 1684, the city administration built a house for abandoned women on this place. A small chapel (Ermida do Espírito de Santo) with modest side rooms was built. Franciscan nuns took over the management of the house. In 1693 Padre Ribeiro got the permission to use the surrounding area for religious purposes. Until 1711, a papal monastery for Franciscan nuns was built. The earthquake of 1755 also severely damaged this building and rendered it uninhabitable for decades. Only from 1798 there is evidence that the monastery was again used by Franciscans. In 1836 the monastery was closed and then employed for other purposes (school).


In 1989, the city had the monastery renovated. On the forecourt, events with up to 1000 visitors proceed. Inside, the cloister is free to be visited. In the lower part is a café. Another part of the premises hosts an art exhibition.


The main road is divided in the eastern part of the village by an avenue. This approximately 700 meters long strip is a nice meeting place for young and old. There are several kiosks offering snacks and drinks and seating possibilities in order to relax.


On this street also the biggest and most famous carnival parade (according to Brazilian model) of the Algarve takes place.


Jardim dos Amuados

Coordinates: 37°08’14.9″N 8°01’26.4″W

The small garden was built at the end of the 19th century on the old cemetery of the Igreja Matriz. The name means garden of pouting and was given because of the arrangement of the benches (back to back). 


From the garden you have a beautiful view to the west, over the village and upon the Igreja da nossa Senhora da Piedade.


Vestígios do Convento da Graça

The monastery dates back to the middle of the 13th century. It was founded by Andalusian monks (Franciscans). In the 16th century, the Augustinians took over the Convento after the extermination of the monastery Franciscans. This takeover is said to not to have been peaceful and has divided the population of Loulé for a longer time in two camps. In 1834 the building, badly damaged by the 1755 earthquake, became private property and decayed more and more.

Since 1924, the remains of the monastery are a national monument, and they try to preserve and restore as much as possible.

The history of the monastery is divided into three cycles.

1st Franciscan Monastery (1253-1567)
2nd Augustinian Monastery (1568-1834)
3rd private monastery (from 1834)