A Visit to Loule, Algarve Authenticity, Loule, Portugal
The Algarve鈥檚 inland gem, Loul茅 is set apart from its tourist coastline cousins and was our first reconnection with the region after 15 years. Would our disappointing memories from that package holiday be erased, replaced by a more mature travel perspective? And would Loul茅 be our first healer? We really hoped so.
Our entry to Portugal from Spain was 40 miles inland away from the Algarve鈥檚 Atlantic coastline. And whilst I had my heart set on revisiting the craggy cliffs and rock artistry from Portim茫o to Sagres, we consciously chose to avoid the full length of this southern most region.
Loul茅 would be the first dipping of our toes in the Algarve鈥檚 proverbial waters, and after a recommendation to visit, I hit the research jungle drums, to find out more. I was captured by the phrases 鈥渁uthentic Portuguese village鈥�, 鈥渘ot a tourist destination鈥�. Now that was my kind of place.
Although before I launch into regaling you with our tales of this fine town, let me tease you with a little preamble. Inland Portugal was a soothing introduction to our uncertain return. Winding our way through the curvaceous lands towards the Alentejos region, M茅rtola and its Natural Park of Guadiana was our first station stop. This Islamic icon initiated our Portuguese history lesson. M茅rtola, perched high above the river that courses its way to the Atlantic, is a walled city that houses Arabic tension and Christian dominance from way back in 10th century. It was a lovely place to check out for a couple of hours. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
Our entry to Portugal from Spain was 40 miles inland away from the Algarve鈥檚 Atlantic coastline. And whilst I had my heart set on revisiting the craggy cliffs and rock artistry from Portim茫o to Sagres, we consciously chose to avoid the full length of this southern most region.
Loul茅 would be the first dipping of our toes in the Algarve鈥檚 proverbial waters, and after a recommendation to visit, I hit the research jungle drums, to find out more. I was captured by the phrases 鈥渁uthentic Portuguese village鈥�, 鈥渘ot a tourist destination鈥�. Now that was my kind of place.
Although before I launch into regaling you with our tales of this fine town, let me tease you with a little preamble. Inland Portugal was a soothing introduction to our uncertain return. Winding our way through the curvaceous lands towards the Alentejos region, M茅rtola and its Natural Park of Guadiana was our first station stop. This Islamic icon initiated our Portuguese history lesson. M茅rtola, perched high above the river that courses its way to the Atlantic, is a walled city that houses Arabic tension and Christian dominance from way back in 10th century. It was a lovely place to check out for a couple of hours. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).
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Guide Name: A Visit to Loule, Algarve Authenticity
Guide Location: Portugal » Loule
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Karen Davies
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: Portugal » Loule
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Insider Tips)
Author: Karen Davies
Read it on Author's Website:
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- St. Francis Catholic Church
- Rua 5 de Outubro
- Concei莽茫o Chapel
- Bicas Velhas Fountain
- Castle fortress
- Municipal indoor market
- Igreja de S茫o Clemente
- 鈥楳artim Farto鈥� Townhouse
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