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Loule Vibrant Town of The AlgarveHello again!You have arrived at Loule.
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Situated just 16 km north and inland of Faro.It has a history some historians claim goes back to 400 bc.What is certain is the castle is built on the grounds of an old Roman fortification.The Arab Moors occupied the town in 715ad when it was already a very important town in Portugal.Recaptured for Portugal around 1291.Much Arab influence can be seen all around the town So important was it by this time that in medieval times the king of Portugal gave it,its own Fair;the only one on the Algarve. As you approach the town,probably the first landmark you see will be what looks like some alien spacecraft set on top of a hill.It is in fact The Mossa Senhora do Piedade 
Seen to your right. Loule is a big town and there is much to see as it is bustling and very traditional.Managing to be both modern and traditional at the same time.I would advise to allow a day if you can to enjoy the place.It is famed for its saturday morning gipsy market.You can book trips from most resorts in the Algarve,though i would recommend you walk up to the main Arab style fruit market;if you have time. As you wander around one can see the remains of the old walls which would have once surrounded the town and the arab influence is still very much in evidence.The main church is the Igreja de S Clemente.Where there is an ancient arab cemetry garden Jardin do A Muados. The 13th century castle built on old Roman fortifications is still well worth a visit.One has to pay a few euros to go in;if I remember rightly 
Just down from the castle is the Municipal Art Gallery,nicely housed in the Convent Espiritto Santo. A good time to visit Loule is in february when there is the 3 day very colourful Festival when everybody takes to the streets.One should fit this in if at all possible.If you like to roam around looking at villas then here you will find plenty of sumptuous residences to drool over.As evidence of the wealth of this vibrant town. 
Finally if your holiday in the Algarve is in march then you should try to fit in the Easter Festival of the Sovereign Mother.The Patron Saint of the town.This is supposed to be as colourful and well attended as the Festival. LOULE CARNIVAL. The carnival is one of the most colourfull and well attended events on the Algarve.It is normally held in February but since the date varies from year to year you should check the actual dates if you wish to attend the 3 day festival. It is thought that the first modern carnival was held in 1906 but I suspect something was going on long before this. You will be well advised to get there as early as you possibly can,as when it gets going you will not find anywhere to park your car.Also you will not be able to get a good vantage point to see the march and displays. If you can get there for this event you will not regret making the effort! 
You will be amazed by the bright colours and the sheer diversity of the floats and dancing groups.The people of Portugal "do bright colours".These same colours provide the excitement and special atmosphere for the Carnival. Right you see one of the many floats which have such varied themes. Below I always ask myself.Did these headresses originate in Portugal and were exported to South America.Or did the Portuguese first see them in their voyages of dicovery and import them to Portugal."Answers on a postcard please" 
========================================================== LOULE BEACHES Loule is a few miles inland but there are numerous beaches within 20 minutes drive a few of them being European blue flag. Quarteira Blue Flag
Rocha Baixinha LesteBlue Flag Rocha Baixinha Oeste Blue Flag Vilamoura Blue FlagPraia da Maina de Vilamoura
Loulé has various Public swimming pools to find more about their locality Almancil Karting is a great favourite with families and groups of young people,alike.Probably best to pre book. Aquashow is a family attraction water park near On the near Quateira (seeking more information) Parque Atlantico,or Atlantic Park Quateira,full of water rides, pools and gardens.Great Family entertainment in the sun. Quadbiking,suitable for newcomers to the activity and catering for the more advanced riders. Zoomarine is internationally famous park where you can watch the dolphin shows and also if you have plenty of cash you can swim with them.It is however exactly what it says,a zoo.With many other demonstrations including a Sea Lion display most days.You can watch birds of pray in action and admire the brightly colored Tropical birds and more.This is a must visit for all visitors to the Algarve.You will be able to book trips there from most resorts around the Algarve region This is worldclass entertainment for all ages and cultures,with swimming pools,places to eat and fun things such as a Pitate ship,where you can get dressed up. This one is open all year.From 10 am to 17.00 pm in wintertime but closed on mondays in January and February.In the summer high season opening times are 10 am untill 19.30 pm. Finally there are tennis courts at the Municipal Park which even have floodlights.
Loule TO HOLIDAY RENTAL PROPERTIES IN THE ALGARVE AND WORLDWIDE
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I first visited Loule on a saturday morning trip booked from office 1 minute from our East Algarve apartments,ten minutes walk from Cabanas de Tavira