The Ultimate Loulé Market Guide

On Saturday mornings this charming market town comes to life, with bustling vibrant streets full of local produce and arts and crafts stands, shopping streets and a warren of medieval alleys. From organic vegetables to the freshest fish, the Loulé market is where you can discover a wide variety of top-quality goods and so much more. A visit will guarantee you an authentic cultural experience that will spark all your senses. Here, we will reveal all its hidden gems that you cannot miss!

Amidst the maze of narrow cobbled alleyways, the castle, and the traditional tradesmen's houses, the market building takes the spotlight. It has been running for more than a century and was constructed in a neo-Arabic style to represent the vastness and prosperity of Loulé. Inside the market building, you will find a wide range of premium produces, fish, meat, honey, piri-piri, bread and baked goods, as well as arts and crafts. For true foodies in search of the greatest variety and top products, make sure to get up bright and early to truly make the most out of the market!

Don’t forget to enjoy a wonderful breakfast mid-shopping. There’s a myriad of cafes to pick from, from French patisseries to traditional Portuguese cafes for a 1.20€ ‘meia de leite’ and a ‘tosta mista’. There’re breakfast options for all tastes. If you fancy the best croissants and/or delightful tartelettes, head to L'Atelier Gourmet, but make sure to go early or to call previously to order your favourites as they sell out quickly on Saturday mornings. For something healthier, Atelier dos mimos has the yummiest sugar-free and gluten-free treats, as well as lovely teas.

Although up for debate, we strongly believe that it is inside the market building where you will find the best handmade gelato in the Algarve, the 8100 Gelato by Mark and Michelle. Give them a try and prove us wrong! They are open throughout the week, so don’t worry if you don’t feel like an ice cream on Saturday morning. While the exterior farmers market stands are only there on Saturday mornings, the interior market is open Monday to Saturday.

While Loulé is, without a doubt, a foodie paradise, it is also much more! Loulé holds many beautiful boutiques, our personal favourites are Tina’s two shops- Martina. They are definitely worthy of a visit! Here you will find the most beautiful and unique sustainable pieces. Go say hi to Tina and Lars!

Besides beautiful boutiques, you can also visit amazing galleries. Artcatto is a prime contemporary art gallery that showcases the best national and international artists, holding regular top artists’ exhibitions. For fine photo art, visit the exciting brand-new Loulé gallery- In The Pink, situated right next to our Loulé office on the main street. In The Pink promotes contemporary photo art from internationally renowned artists, currently exhibiting Steve Schapiro’s breath-taking work- don’t miss it!

And, of course, don’t forget to pop by our Loulé office on your Saturday morning market visit! Come see us for a chat and a tour of our beautiful office with amazing views of the town centre from the roof terrace! We hold Saturday morning events once a month where you can meet the team and enjoy a mimosa and a pastel de nata. Stop by and say hello!