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Loulé – Inland charm and underground surprises

VillagesPosted on

A day trip by car from Taste Tavira AL to Loulé is a rewarding inland adventure. The scenic drive via Santa Catarina da Fonte do Bispo leads you through rolling hills, cork oak forests, and sleepy hamlets — giving you a sense of the Algarve’s rural heartbeat. Loulé itself is a vibrant market town with Moorish roots and a proud artisan tradition.

At the heart of Loulé lies its famous covered market , a 19th-century neo-Arabic structure filled with stalls offering fresh produce, seafood, local cheeses, cured meats, and handcrafted goods. Saturdays are particularly lively, when farmers and artisans from nearby villages join in. Wander the charming side streets around the market to discover ceramics shops, small galleries, and traditional cafés.

If you visit in spring or summer, check if the Loulé International Jazz Festival or one of the town’s folklore events is on. The Castle of Loulé , partially restored, offers a glimpse into the town’s long history and provides a peaceful view over the old town rooftops.

For something truly unexpected, venture 130 meters below ground into the Loulé rock salt mine (Mina de Sal-Gema de Loulé), one of the oldest in Portugal. The underground guided tour leads you through vast tunnels carved from ancient rock salt, while explaining the geology, history, and mining techniques. It’s a fascinating and slightly surreal experience — a cool contrast to the sunlit streets above. Tours must be booked in advance and are available in several languages. See www.loulesaltmine.com for details.

Loulé blends authenticity, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected — and it’s all within an hour’s scenic drive from Tavira.

Shopping in Olhão – Markets, Makers, and Maritime Charm

Local Flavours & Products,  ShoppingPosted on

Olhão is a coastal town known for its strong fishing heritage and its bustling Mercado de Olhão , which sits right by the waterfront. This market is one of the most iconic in the Algarve, with two red-brick buildings full of local products: one dedicated to fresh fish and seafood, the other to fruit, vegetables, meat, and delicacies like fig compote and carob liqueur. On Saturdays, the outdoor market fills up with local farmers and artisans.

Beyond the market, wander through Olhão’s narrow streets and you’ll find small boutiques, ceramic studios, and shops selling cork products, lace, and hand-painted azulejos. It’s a place where shopping feels like discovery—many of the best finds are tucked between traditional townhouses and lively cafés.

For more variety, head just outside town to the Ria Shopping Center . While small compared to Faro’s Forum Algarve, it features essentials like clothing shops, tech stores, and a supermarket—ideal if you’re staying nearby.

Olhão also hosts regular artisan fairs and events in the summer months, where local artists and craftspeople present their work—from jewelry to home décor, much of it inspired by the sea and the nearby Ria Formosa.

Address Highlights:

  • Mercado de Olhão – Avenida 5 de Outubro, 8700-307 Olhão
  • Ria Shopping – Estrada Nacional 125, 8700-137 Olhão

Shopping in Faro – Stylish Shopping in the Capital of the Algarve

Local Flavours & Products,  ShoppingPosted on

Faro, the capital of the Algarve, offers a dynamic blend of traditional charm and modern retail. Its historic Old Town (Cidade Velha) invites you to wander through cobbled streets filled with boutiques selling Portuguese ceramics, cork accessories, wool blankets, and handmade jewelry. Here, independent designers and artisans showcase the rich culture of southern Portugal.

The elegant Rua de Santo António is Faro’s main shopping artery, home to fashion boutiques, shoe shops, and stores with Portuguese brands like Parfois or Natura. It’s the perfect place to browse for stylish accessories, light summer clothes, or a new pair of espadrilles.

Don’t miss the Mercado Municipal de Faro , a local institution filled with fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, and sweet treats like doce fino algarvio . You’ll also find stalls with spices, olive oils, and other gourmet souvenirs to take home.

For modern shopping, head to Forum Algarve , a spacious open-air shopping center located just outside the city center. It features a wide range of international fashion brands (Zara, Massimo Dutti, Bershka), a large supermarket, cinema, and several restaurants. It’s perfect for a rainy day or for when you’re in need of a larger retail selection.

Address Highlights:

  • Mercado Municipal de Faro – Largo do Mercado, 8000-180 Faro
  • Forum Algarve – Estr. Nacional 125, Km 103, 8009-020 Faro