The surely best known market at the Algarve takes place daily in Loulé and opens at 7 h. Additionally, there is every Saturday a weekly or farmer’s market around the market hall.
Coordinates: 37°08’18.1″N 8°01’20.1″W
Finding a parking space is somewhat difficult when the market takes place on Saturday.
Tip: North of the mainstreet are nearly always parking places available. It is only a 400 m walk from there.
The market hall, built in oriental style, was opened in the year 1908. It surely belongs today to the best known buildings in the Algarve. The market hall has been renovated over the years, at the same time the outward appearance has not been changed.
Laterally and at back you find an access that is adapted to the needs of the disabled.
The market hall is big and the aisles are broad. Even if it is crowded here, one reaches easily the next booth. Food, textiles, leather and cork products as well as handicraft are offered. Around the actual market, diverse shops and cafés are built-in and can be reached from inside as well as from outside the hall.
Fresh fish is an important element of every market in the Algarve. The product range is overwhelming.
Seafood is inexpensive and the quality is impressing.
Fresh oysters and clams. The vendors deal with their goods in an exemplary manner.
A real delicacy: freshly caught crabs!
Fruit and vegetable from the region, the offered types vary according to the season.
Prickly pears are tasty, refreshing and healthy.
Honey, Piri-Piri sauces being differently hot, sea salt and dried herbs. Particularly good is Flor de Sal, which is used for spicing up dishes at the table and which has a very pleasant flavour.
Fresh bakery and also meat products. The inhabitants of Loulé cover here their daily needs.
A booth with nuts, dried figs, different types of grains, dried legumes, homemade spreads and sweet pepper mash for the flavouring of dishes, especially for those cooked in an oven.
One aisle is reserved for textiles. Here you find many products from the region, but in the meantime also imported goods.
On Saturdays the market is especially lovely because of the additional booths in the open air. Actually in the main season it is very busy. In spite of this it is always worth a visit.
Tip: The best time to start your shopping on Saturdays is the early morning at about 8 h.
The range of products comprises also very old and in the meantime nearly unknown, but very tasty types of fruit and vegetable.
Cut and potted flowers belong always to the offered goods.
Ham, bacon and Chouriço, fortunately also sold in portions. Olive oil as well as aromatic and homemade types of cheese.
Trying is hoped-for but should be requested beforehand.