• Silves

Silves is a small town surrounded by the rolling hills of rural Algarve, built on the banks of the Arade River 15 km north of the coastline. The town was the capital of the ancient Arab kingdom of Algarve during the Moorish era of the 9th-12th centuries period. Silves is considered one of the best day tours destinations of Algarve summer vacationers, for its beautiful Portuguese traditions and old charm, the narrow colorful cobbled streets with the whitewashed houses, and its unique attractions described by TheTjoy.com.

  1. In town visit the restored Castelo de Silves, the well-preserved medieval castle of the 7th century, positioned on a hilltop offering beautiful scenery of the town, the river and the surrounding countryside. The castle, the largest in Algarve, is considered the most beautiful military stronghold from Islamic Portugal.
  2. On the way uphill to the castle visit the Gothic Se cathedral built over a Moorish Mosque.
  3. Admire the Portas da Cidade, the fortified gateway to the historic centre of Silves
  4. Enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the Mercado Municipal Market with its local produce stalls.
  5. Relax in one of the open-air cafes, the great traditional local restaurants, and strolling the Rua Elias Garcia with its shopping opportunities.
  6. If you happen to visit the town in August enjoy the music, dance, and other events of the Silves Medieval Festival.
  7. Another enjoyable experience would be a boat cruise on the Arade River, downstream all the way to Portimao.

Reach the town by car or public transportation from the major towns and resorts of Lagos, Portimao, Albufeira, and Faro.
Spend half a day in Silves.

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