traveldk.com

The ruins underwent restoration during the 19th century and today house a museum and tourism office. Visitors are rewarded with grand views of the town from its battlements. See Castles and Forts.

The best attraction of the museum is the first-floor recreation of a traditional Algarve kitchen with its 19th-century utensils and tableware. There are also Bronze Age ceramics. See Museums

About 8 km (5 miles) southeast of Loulé, at Almancil, Blue and whiteazulejo panels grace the walls of the chancel, nave and magnificent trompe-l’oeil cupola of this decorative church.

The subdued ambience of the quaint 17th-century chapel is lifted byazulejos and a Baroque altarpiece. The ceiling panel was by Loulé painter Rasquinho.

Mixed herbs, cheeses and red chilli peppers vie for the eye with sweet figs, marzipan cakes and golden honey. Elsewhere, kaleidoscopes of flowers, the freshest of fish, the ripest of fruit and a variety of genuine handicrafts make a visit here an unforgettable shopping experience.

Loulé Market

The highly original museum focuses on early harvesting methods for figs, carob and almond fruit. Built in homage to a local businessman.

Loulé’s Muslim faithful were once summoned to prayer from the balcony of the lofty belltower which originally served as a minaret. Theazulejo- clad Capela de Nossa Senhora da Consolação and the Capela de São Brás’s Baroque altarpiece are Christian highlights.

Running parallel to the castle walls, Rua da Barbaca is home to many of Loulé’s craftsmen who busy away the day, fashioning items in copper and brass, leather and wood. Superbly finished saddles and the ubiquitouscataplana cooking vessel are some of the items for sale.

The entrance has typical Manueline embellishments, such as heavily carved rope rounded off with twisted pinnacles. Opposite stands a cross from the same period.

The biggest, brightest and rowdiest of the Algarve’s Carnival celebrations. See Festivals. Costume-clad revellers shake, rattle and roll to hybrid Latin rhythm and African-style percussion.