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Loulé is one of the Algarve’s largest inland towns, and is only 16km from Faro, Loulé, pronounced, (lo-lay) is a good base from which to explore the inland Algarve. A busy commercial and residential centre, it is one of the fastest growing towns in Portugal, due to people useing this as a base to work (or to look for work) in the Algarve.
Loulé boasts an attractive old quarter/town and Moorish castle ruins and can trace its history back to the Roman times. A few of Loulé’s artisan traditions still survive; craft folk toil away on wicker baskets, copperworks and embroidery at hole-in-the-wall workshops about town. Loulé’s small university lends it some verve, and makes for a nice atmosphere, as does its wild Carnaval (just before Lent) and FestivalMed, which is a fantastic annual music festival.
If arriving by train, please note that the train station is 5km southwest of town (take any Quarteira bound bus.
Loulé is a great plae to stay and is away from the very touristic coastal towns suited to people that want a taste of the real Algarve. Car Hire is recommended as public transport isnt great.