Those expats looking for an authentic Portuguese living experience need look no further than Loulé, situated between Albufeira and Faro, in the Algarve.
A bustling market town 10km from the coast, this hidden gem offers an alternative to Portugal's abundant seaside resort towns.
History of Loulé is becoming attractive to wealthy relocators
An important Moorish city (8-12th century), remnants of the area’s North African heritage can be seen throughout the town. This includes the excavations below the castle, the Matriz de São Clemente bell tower, the Torre da Vela, and the newly discovered Islamic baths.
Loulé criativo, a cultural hub of the city, hosts a number of events exploring the city's history and culture for those interested in learning more.
Shoppers can enjoy the Mercado Municipal de Loulé, the market hall constructed in 2007 and inspired by the region’s Moorish history and Neo-Arab stylings.
The market, found in the city centre, includes stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and handicrafts. One of its largest draws, however, is the delicious street food. One of the most popular local dishes is the Bifana sandwich, a fried pork cutlet in a papo seco bread roll.
Once you’ve stocked up at the market, a day trip to the Castelo de Loulé, a Moorish castle, will see you taken in by the towers and connecting battlements which were constructed in 1260 and restored in the 1940s after an 18th century earthquake devastated much of the original architecture.
If you’ve taken advantage of Portugal’s Golden Visa scheme – or the likes of its Non-Habitual Residency (NHR) program, D7 visa or D8 Digital Nomad Visa – then this could be just the sort of place you’re looking for.
When it comes to housing opportunities, Loulé has a blend of modern and traditional-style villas and estates. You'll find 3-bedroom property prices are around €400,000, but typically you can expect property prices closer to the €1,000,000 mark.
Real Estate Opportunities
The city also presents an opportunity for those looking to develop their own property, with a wide range of land plots for sale spread across the region.
A temporary stay can be enjoyed in a selection of villas available to rent, as well as hotels dotted around the town centre – ideal for when friends and family come to visit.
Villas that sleep six or more people will set you back roughly €400-plus a night. A range of boutique hotels are also on offer at around €100-plus a night.
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Fine Dining has seen an increase due to new international wealth
When it comes to fine dining options, Michelin star restaurants such as Henrique Leis, on the outskirts of the city, allow you to experience some of Portugal’s best cuisine.
A vast selection of trendy bars and cafes, as well as quieter more traditional establishments ensure there’s options for every taste.
If you’re looking for something to do outside of the central town, Loulé’s proximity to the coast makes it ideal for a day trip to the Algarve’s world-renowned beaches and resorts. Just a short 20-minute drive away, you’re never too far from the Vilamoura marina and the town of Quarteira.
Loulé’s train station and bus station makes trips to the surrounding holiday resorts and golf courses a joy and remove the need for vehicle rentals.
After a day of water sports and paragliding in Vilamoura's resort town, you can head back to Loulé to enjoy a picnic in one its many green spaces, where the town is always looking for ways to encourage biodiversity.
A recent project has seen dozens of shelters set up for birds, insects and bats, to encourage wildlife to settle in urban areas.
This forward-thinking approach, partnered with Loulé’s rich history make it ideal as both a tourist destination and place of permanent residence.
Education and international schools
Families moving to the city can rest assured their child will receive a quality education at one of the nearby international schools. The Eupheus International School Algarve, with fees starting from €7,700, follows the British curriculum whilst offering students the chance to learn Portuguese.
Outside of education, families will be sure to enjoy one of the Algarve's many theme parks and water parks, with marine life and water activities. Zoomarine Algarve is considered one of the nation's best.
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