Summary
A perfect day out from coastal Algarve, Silves is a delightful medieval town surrounded by citrus groves and vineyards.
The town reached its zenith during the Moorish period when it served as the capital of the Algarve.
The castle perched atop the hill stands as a testament to Islamic governance until the 13th century.
Significant examples of Moorish architecture continue to be discovered in Silves; the castle retains remnants of a palace, while the archaeology museum integrates a medieval cistern into its exhibits.
In August, this rich cultural heritage is celebrated with a fair featuring markets, jousting, music, dancing, and historical re-enactments.
Let us explore the most noteworthy attractions in Silves:
1. Silves Castle
Silves was under Moorish control for nearly 500 years, and the enduring symbol from this era is the castle.
This structure has not undergone significant alterations since the time of the Almohad Caliphate in the 12th and 13th centuries.
Like all remarkable castles, visitors can access the parapet and contemplate the view of the Serra de Monchique mountains through the embrasures.
An 11th-century Moorish palace has also been unearthed within the castle walls, revealing fascinating fragments such as multi-foil windows.
Additionally, much is occurring underground in the castle’s courtyard, where one can enter a 10-meter-high cistern and gaze down a well that descends 60 meters into the earth.
2. Silves Cathedral
The cathedral was built shortly after Silves was reclaimed from the Moors in the 13th century and may occupy the site of the former mosque.
The construction predominantly features Gothic architecture, and the cathedral is regarded as the most exquisite religious monument of this period in southern Portugal.
Although additional embellishments were added later, the cathedral’s allure resides in the restrained elegance of the columns and arches in the nave, the vibrant red sandstone archivolts in the portal, and the tracery arch between the chancel and transept.
3. Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves
The town’s excellent archaeology museum is constructed around a cistern dating back to the Almohad Caliphate in the 12th century.
This 20-meter-deep structure features a helical staircase leading down to the cistern, which now serves as an exhibition space.
Subsequent excavations in the area have revealed artifacts dating back to the Neolithic Period, as well as items from the Copper and Bronze Ages, Roman times, the Visigoths, and the Moors.
While Moorish artifacts comprise the bulk of the museum’s collection, do not overlook the Iron Age funerary stones, which bear inscriptions that remain undeciphered by historians.
4. Silves Old Town
Arriving from the bustling tourist resorts along the coast, Silves may present a striking contrast.
The pace of life is significantly slower here, allowing you to leisurely explore and enjoy a coffee or cold beverage at a pavement café.
The historic district, which clings to the hillside, is dominated by the castle and cathedral at its pinnacle and is accessed through a robust gate leading to the steep Rua da Sé.
Take a moment at the town hall, situated in an elegant arcaded square near the gate, where you can also observe the pillory, a monument to the town’s independence, where previous criminals were punished publicly.
5. Cruz de Portugal
A short distance outside Silves, along the road to São Bartolomeu de Messines, stands a beautiful and intriguing National Monument.
Housed in a modest shelter, this limestone cross features ornate masonry indicative of the High Gothic period.
One side displays a crucifix, while the other portrays a Pietà, depicting Mary cradling Christ’s body.
The exact origin of the cross remains uncertain, but analysis reveals it dates to the late 15th century.
The limestone, characterized by its creamy hue, is not native to the Algarve, suggesting it was likely carved elsewhere in the country.
6. Praia de Armação de Pêra
Although Silves the town is not situated on the coast, the broader municipality encompasses Armação de Pêra, a fishing village that has transformed into a popular beach destination.
The principal beach embodies all that one could desire from a coastal Algarve escape: a lengthy, gently curving bay with a broad expanse of golden sand, caressed by gentle waves.
While the water may not reach shallow depths, the beach’s eastern orientation ensures that strong surf and currents are mitigated.
Moreover, visitors will always find refreshments close at hand, as an array of bars in wooden huts line the rear of the beach.
7. Praia Grande de Pêra
Essentially, Praia Grande serves as a continuation of Armação de Pêra’s main beach.
The key distinction lies in its location, which is further around the bay and more secluded from the resort.
In lieu of bars and apartment complexes, visitors encounter sand dunes and the serene Salgados Lagoon.
To safeguard the fragile ecosystem in the dunes, access to the beach is limited to either walking along the shore from the resort or traversing a lengthy footbridge that spans the lagoon.
This walk proves worthwhile, as informative signs on the wildlife enrich your experience in this almost Martian environment.
8. Mercado Municipal
There is no better way to glimpse daily life in a Portuguese town than through a market, and the one in Silves thrives with activity six days a week.
Even if you do not require fresh produce, meat, or fish, it is worthwhile to visit for lively conversation and friendly negotiations.
Saturday is the most vibrant day, as traders from across the region gather to set up their stalls in the square.
The market building was constructed during the Estado Novo regime in the mid-20th century and incorporates elements reflective of Silves’ medieval heritage.
9. Ponte Velha
Another remnant from medieval Silves is this distinguished 15th-century bridge spanning the Arade River.
There is a dispute concerning whether this was constructed using materials from an earlier structure.
As Silves was situated at the junction of two Roman roads, it is plausible that a crossing has existed at this location for approximately 2,000 years.
Regardless, it stands as a notable landmark, with its whitewashed walls contrasting beautifully against the verdant river and hills behind.
A row of plane trees lines the bank, offering a place to pause and soak in the scenery.
10. Slide & Splash
Families visiting with children or teenagers will find it essential to allocate a day for this waterpark.
Slide & Splash ranks among the largest attractions of its kind in Europe and boasts a variety of slides that can tire even the most energetic of children.
The main attractions are strategically positioned together on an elevated area, allowing visitors to plunge into one pool and immediately line up for the next ride.
The park also offers several conveniences that are not always available at waterparks: visitors can bring their own food, while the on-site restaurant provides appealing options beyond standard fast food.
Moreover, Slide & Splash is expansive, with vast green areas where one can rent umbrellas and sun loungers.
11. Silves Medieval Fair
Where better to host a medieval fair than in the former capital of the Kingdom of Algarve?
For approximately ten days in mid-August, Silves’ medieval landscape transforms into a venue for re-enactments, music, and dance.
Visitors can experience medieval cuisine and watch falconry displays, snake charmers, jugglers, street performances, and jousting tournaments.
The town is permeated with the sights, sounds, and pleasant aromas reminiscent of the Algarve from a millennium ago, with over 200 artisans and vendors showcasing their goods next to the castle walls at the market.
12. Boat Trips
Armação de Pêra also serves as a departure point for cruises to explore the caves along the rugged coastline to the west of the town.
There are 18 caves to discover, with numerous companies vying for patrons.
Many of the boat captains are local fishermen during the off-season, who operate cruises for tourists in the summer.
The caves are remarkable, especially on sunny days when the yellow rock features vibrant red and orange layers.
If you can only visit one cave, make it the Gruta de Benagil, illuminated by natural light from an opening in its ceiling.
13. Horseback Riding
Outside of Silves, the undulating hills exhibit a light brown hue, adorned with solitary cork oaks on the slopes and eucalyptus and citrus groves in the valleys.
From higher elevations, one can enjoy a spectacular view encompassing the formidable Serra de Monchique, the sea, Portimão, and Silves.
The Country Riding Centre customizes experiences based on your riding proficiency, offering short rides through the countryside or more adventurous excursions.
Children as young as two can participate, ensuring inclusivity for novice riders.
The horses are gentle and responsive, while experienced riders will have the opportunity to enjoy a trot or canter.
14. Wine Tourism
Silves boasts the highest number of wine producers within its borders compared to any other municipality in the Algarve.
A total of eight producers operate under the “Vinhos de Silves” label, which you may encounter on wine menus at local restaurants.
The region’s warm climate and ripe grapes contribute to the rich, full-bodied flavors of both red and white wines.
The wineries often welcome visitors, providing tours and opportunities to taste and purchase their wines on site.
Quinta do Francês lies to the northwest, offering a memorable drive through the foothills of the Serra de Monchique.
Also nearby is Quinta da Vinha, while the Lagoa agricultural cooperative conducts daily tours and tastings.
15. Cuisine
With both mountainous wilderness and coastal regions within its jurisdiction, Silves’ cuisine can vary depending on your location.
In the hills, game such as boar, partridge, and rabbit is often roasted in hearty, simple dishes, perfectly complemented by local red wines. Conversely, by the water, fish and seafood become the stars of the menu, whether it’s salted mackerel, stuffed squid, or traditional stews like cataplana and caldeirada.
Caldeirada consists of a mix of fish and shellfish in a broth enriched with tomatoes and potatoes, and is celebrated annually at a festival in Armação de Pêra every June.
Furthermore, at the market, visitors should not miss the opportunity to purchase fresh citrus fruits, such as oranges and mandarins, grown locally in Silves.
