Loulé Market - Best Guide to the Algarve's Most Vibrant Market
Loulé Market (Mercado Municipal de Loulé) is one of Portugal’s most famous traditional markets, located in the historic town of Loulé in the Algarve.
The Loulé Market known for its Moorish-inspired architecture, bustling atmosphere, and diverse local products, the market is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience authentic Portuguese culture.
Whether you’re a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or a souvenir shopper, Loulé Market offers an immersive experience where you can shop for fresh seafood, vegetable, fruits, artisanal cheeses, handcrafted ceramics, and more.
How Many Markets Does Loulé Have?
The town of Loulé offers 3 Markets throughout the week.
The daily Market open everyday execpt Sundays in the Iconic red roof Morrish Style building.
The Saturday Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Market – Street Market held every Saturday Morning. Local farmers will come together every Satuday to sell their fruit and vegetables.
The “Gypsy” Market – Only on Saturday Morning. Best location to buy souveniours to take back.
Is it possible to visit all 3 markets in Loulé in one day?
Yes, the best day to visit the Loulé Market is Saturday Morning. All 3 markets are open and you can visit and explore the 3 in one day.
Our guide on the Loulé Market will cover:
✔️ The history & architecture of Loulé Market.
✔️ What to buy & eat at the market.
✔️ Best days & times to visit.
✔️ Special events & nearby attractions.
✔️ How to visit Loulé Market (self-guided or via tour)
General Information on the Loulé Market
Where is the Loulé Market located? Praça da Republica,8100-270 Loulé.
GPS Co-ordinates: 37.138451511221334, -8.022200064801055.
Opening Hours: The Loulé Market is open Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM.
Best day to Visit: Saturday Morning is the best day to visit. All 3 Loulé Markets are open.
Main Attractions: Fresh produce, fresh fish, seafood, handcrafts & textiles.
Nearby attraction is Loulé: Loulé Castle, Church Igreja da Matriz de Loulá, Islamic Baths Museum.
Is the Loulé Market Worth Visiting?
Is Loulé Market worth visiting? Yes, Definitely, the Loulé Market is a must-visit for anyone staying in the Algarve. It is a vibrant and bustling market with something for everyone, from fresh produce and seafood to souvenirs and handicrafts. You can also find a number of food stalls where you can sample local cuisine and experience the authentic Algarve atmosphere.
The market has a long and rich history, dating back to the Moorish occupation of Portugal. It evolved into a general market where people from all over the region would come to buy and sell goods.
We at the Algarve Travel Tips love the Loulé Market, during our days as local tour guides we showed hundreds of tourists the Loulé Market, where you can get the freshest vegatables and fruit everyday. Magnificent fresh fish straight off the boats in Quarteira.
The History & Stunning Architecture of Loulé Market
The Loulé Market dates back to 1908 and was designed by the Portuguese architect Alfredo Costa Campos.
The structure is a blend of traditional Algarve architecture and Moorish influences, reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Architectural Highlights
- Moorish-style domes with a white and red color scheme
- Elegant archways leading into a spacious, well-lit shopping area
- Indoor and outdoor sections, allowing vendors to showcase fresh produce and crafts
- Renovated in 2007, modernizing facilities while preserving its historic charm
Did you know? The design of Loulé Market inspired other municipal markets across Portugal, particularly in southern regions like Faro and Olhão.
What to Buy at the Loulé Market?
The Loulé Market is one of the best places in Portugal to purchase fresh food, handmade crafts, and regional delicacies.
Fresh Produce & Local Specialties
Algarve-grown oranges, figs, and almonds
Organic vegetables & aromatic herbs.
Fresh seafood: Octopus, sardines, prawns, and clams
Cured meats & cheeses: Try presunto (Portuguese dry-cured ham)
Handmade Crafts & Souvenirs
Cork products – Bags, hats, wallets (Portugal is the world’s #1 cork producer)
Handwoven baskets & textiles – Made by local artisans
Leather goods – High-quality handmade bags, belts, and wallets
Wine & Traditional Drinks
Vinho Verde – A light, refreshing Portuguese wine
Medronho – A strong fruit brandy from the Algarve
Licor de Amêndoa Amarga – A traditional almond liqueur
Pro Tip: Saturdays are the best day to visit, as the Outside Street Market opens just outside Loulé Market, where you can find even more local crafts and souvenirs
How to Visit Loulé Market: Guided Tours & Day Trips
If you want a stress-free way to explore Loulé Market, we recommend a guided day trip. This tour typically include:
✅ Hotel pickup & drop-off from major Algarve towns.
✅ Comfortable, air-conditioned bus transport.
✅ Free time to explore the town, castle & museum and the Markets.
Loulé Market Tour
Popular Loulé Market Tour Option
One of the best-rated tours to Loulé Market is the Algarve Coast Day Trip to Loulé Market, which includes:
Feature | Details |
Transport | Hotel pickup & drop-off in a comfortable, climate-controlled bus |
Duration | 4 hours |
Languages | English, French, German |
Stops & Highlights | Loulé Market, Loulé Castle, and free exploration time |
Price Range | Varies by season – check availability |
Best for | Travelers who want a relaxed, guided experience with shopping time |
Pro Tip: Book in advance, as spots fill up quickly, especially in peak season.
Want to Book this tour? Check Availability and Book the Loulé Market Tour at the Best Price.
Where to Park for the Loulé Market?
Loulé has several parking options. The most popular option is the underground car park on Rua José Afonso.
From Monday – Friday 9 am – 7 pm. Saturday 9 am – 1 pm there are parkting meters on the main avenue José da Costa Mealha as well as near the Statue of Duarte Pacheco.
If you know Loulé like we do, you will find great free car parking in the residential areas.
Parking on a Saturday in Loulé can be a little difficult but we will tell you the best free spots to park.
If you enter Loulé by the BP petrol station you can turn left on the roundabout (cyclist roudabout). You will see on your right McDonalds and on your left Continente Modelo supermarket. You can park here as it is free carpark. As this is a residential area you can also find dome free car parking in the adjascent streets. From here you are only 150 metres from the Staurday Gypsy Market. The historical centre is approximately 900 meters from where you left your car.
If you want to park closer to the historical center, the fruit and vegetable Loulé Market? Then at the same roundabout by the BP petrol station turn right, go all the way to the traffic lights. Turn left until you reach the Ballerina Dancer Fountain roundabout , cross straight over and head toward the Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco statue. Turn right at the lights just before the statue, on the next roundabout in front of you will see a free car park. You can access this through Rua Voz de Loulé or Avenida Laginha Serrafim.
