Silves (Algarve): Sights & holiday tips

1. Castelo de Silves

The Castelo de Silves is a medieval castle located on the hilltop of Silves. This dark red castle was built during the Moorish rule of the region in the 8th century and served as an important fortress for the Moors during the Middle Ages. It is one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in Portugal. The castle has several towers and gates and is surrounded by imposing walls that offer beautiful views of the city and its surroundings. The castle was built of sandstone and has beautiful ornamentation and decorations, including Moorish arches, sculptures and tiles.

Today it is a popular destination for visitors to Silves and admission costs less than €3.00 per person. During the summer, the castle occasionally hosts cultural events, such as concerts and theatre performances.

Although there is not much visitor information available in the castle, the view you get from the old walls is reason enough to buy a ticket.

2. Catedral de Silves

The Catedral de Silves is a Gothic cathedral located in the historic centre of Silves, a few minutes walk from the castle. It was built in the 13th century during the Christian reconquista (reconquest) of the region on the remains of a former mosque and served as the main church for the Christian population of the city.

Inside there are several chapels and altars, as well as Gothic and Baroque decorations and works of art. Over the centuries the cathedral underwent several restorations and is now an important cultural and historical monument.

It is open to visitors and offers a glimpse into the medieval architecture and art of Portugal. The cathedral is still used for religious services today.

3. Museu Municipal de Arqueologia

The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia is an archaeological museum housed in a restored 16th century building that takes you through the rich history of this region. The museum houses various archaeological finds that have been excavated in the area, including objects from prehistoric times, Roman times and the Moorish period. The museum also has a collection of medieval artwork, including paintings, sculptures and religious artwork.

One of the most notable collections in the museum is the Moorish collection, which reflects the influence of Moorish culture in the region. This collection includes artifacts such as ceramics, textiles, jewelry and weapons from the Moorish period, as well as a reconstruction of a Moorish house.

At the time of writing, the entrance fee is €2.10 or €3.90 if you buy a combination ticket that gives you access to the castle.

4. Portas da Cidade

The excellently preserved and recently renovated Portas da Cidade (City Gate) is one of three city gates of Silves that are still standing. You can imagine how the gatekeepers used to keep watch and try to keep out the riff-raff.

In front of the entrance you will find a beautiful tiled plaza with a fountain and some cafes around it. On the corner of the square there are signs that will help you find the other sights.

5. Rio Arade & Ponte Velha

The Ponte Velha , also called the Ponte Romana, is an old Roman bridge over the Arade River . Although the bridge is unfortunately no longer accessible, you can imagine traders passing under it in the past, laden with cork and olive oil.

The name ‘Ponte Romana’ is somewhat misleading, as the construction dates back to the 15th century. It was probably given this name because of the Roman style of architecture used (the Romans were known for their arch constructions) and because there may have been a similar bridge in Roman times.

When you park the car on the large parking lot opposite the stadium, you will automatically come across the bridge as you walk towards the centre of Silves. Depending on the water level and the mud, you will see fish swimming by.

6. Miradouro de Silves

The Miradouro de Silves is a viewpoint in the east of Silves, across the Arade river. It is worth a little pit stop when arriving or leaving by car. From here you can look across the river towards Silves and see the impressive castle towering over the city.

The best time to take a photo is in the morning or at the end of the day, when the colors are at their best and the shadows have more depth.

7. Miradouro das muralhas de Silves

From the back of the parking lot next to the castle the parking lot next to the castle at the Miradouro das muralhas de Silves you have a beautiful view over the Silves valley and you can see the many orchards that the area is rich in.

I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it, but if you decide to park here, it’s worth a look (and a snap). The pillars that are still standing are remnants of the old city wall that have not stood the test of time.

8. Mercado Municipal de Silves

This small covered market hall ( Mercado Municipal de Silves ) is where the city’s residents get their vegetables, fruit, meat & fish and where artisanal products from the region are for sale.

On Saturdays the market is at its largest and there are also stalls with local produce around the Moorish-style building. Be aware that the market is only open until 12:30 during the week, so come early if you want to try some typical Portuguese produce!

9. Slide & Splash – Waterpark

A few kilometres south of Silves lies Slide & Splash . This large water park is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day in southern Portugal. As the name suggests, this pool park is full of slides, but also has shows with falcons, reptiles and tropical birds. In addition to ‘normal’ water slides, there are also a number where you can go down with an inflatable ring with several people at the same time.

There are a number of eateries in the park where you can get pizza, fries or hot dogs, but fortunately there are also healthy options such as salads and fruit.

Tickets are available from €18.90 for children and €27.00 for adults.

Tip: book tickets in advance so you don’t have to queue at the entrance. Also, there is a limit on the number of visitors they allow, so especially in high season it is advisable to book a few days in advance.

10. Sand City Lagoa

Sand City Lagoa is the largest sand sculpture park in the world. With over 120 sculptures spread over 5 hectares, you can see the work of over 60 international artists. The sculptures have various themes: from replicas of existing objects and people to Star Wars figures.

In addition to the many sand sculptures, there is a playground for children with trampolines, some dining options and a small spa where you can get a foot massage if you want to recover from all the walking.

If you are not very good at walking, or are lazy, you can rent an electric golf cart to explore the entire park by buggy.

1. Tile painting workshop in Silves

Make your own traditional souvenir during this incredibly fun tile painting workshop in Silves! Azulejos are typical Portuguese painted tiles that are painted and baked in a ceramic oven according to traditional methods. You see them everywhere to decorate houses, walls and squares.

During this workshop with a local artist you will learn the techniques of designing and making azuljes tiles, before you create your own design.

Please note that the tile needs to be fired, so it will only be ready to take away a day or two later. So take this workshop at the beginning of your holiday and pick it up later in the week!

2. Wine tasting at Cabrita Wines

The area around Silves is known for its wines. On the way to the city you will see numerous grape vines along the road in the rolling landscape. A number of these vineyards can be visited for a tour! For example, you can visit Cabrita Wines for a tasting, visit the vineyard and the wine cellar.

During the tasting you will get three types of wine, as well as some typical Portuguese cheeses and charcuterie to try. Of course there is also a shop where you can buy some bottles as a liquid souvenir.

3. Pottery workshop

Why buy a souvenir, when you can make one! During this pottery workshop , you will get a mini masterclass in pottery.

Together with a local artist you will work with clay, a potter’s wheel and learn how vases, bowls and carafes have been made for centuries.

Since the clay needs to dry for a week before it can be fired, I recommend doing this activity at the beginning of your holiday and collecting it at the end of your stay.

Shipping is possible, but shipping costs are not included in the price.

4. Solar powered boat excursion to Portimão to Silves

Sail to Silves in style with this eco-friendly solar boat. It runs 100% on solar energy and departs from the port of Portimão via the Arade River to Silves.

Along the way, the skipper will tell you about the history of the river and the role it played in the past of the Algarve. He will also help you search for birds and other fauna that live in or next to the river. This trip lasts 4.5 hours, of which you have an hour and a half of free time in Silves to have lunch or take a walk. After that, the boat sails back to Portimão.

5. Beginners SUP lesson in a quiet reservoir

If you have never stood on a Stand Up Paddleboard before, this is the perfect location to try it: on the Arade River reservoir.

The experienced instructor will provide you with the equipment and the explanation you need to keep your balance on a SUP. Then you will sail with the whole family on this calm reservoir and there will be time to take a refreshing dip along the way.

Optionally, you can get an electric SUP that has its own engine, so you can cruise across the water at high(er) speed!

6. Estate lunch & wine tasting

An extensive lunch and wine tasting under an old olive tree in the hilly interior of the Algarve. Sounds good, right?

At the Morgado do Quintão vineyard estate, you can book an estate lunch where you will taste some of their wines accompanied by a delicious three-course lunch.

Everyone sits at the long table and hear stories about the history of the estate from the vineyard manager. You will also take a short walk around the estate and see where the grapes grow.

1. Excursion to Silves from Albufeira

2. Excursion to Silves from Lagos

3. Excursion to Silves & Monchique from Albufeira

1. Casa Riad Yasmin

Casa Riad Yasmin in Silves is a beautiful guesthouse in the city center with a Moorish style.

The rooms are colorful and tastefully decorated and the owners are super welcoming. In the middle of the riad you will find a small pool where you can cool down after a day exploring Silves.

2. La Maison Bleue Algarve

Is blue also your favorite color? Then you should stay at La Maison Bleue Algarve .

This small-scale accommodation with blue as its main colour (surprise!) has only a handful of rooms and is located near the centre of Silves, next to the Arade River.

3. Quinta das Piteiras Turismo Rural

About a three minute drive from Silves, on the back of a hill, lies the rural Quinta das Piteiras Turismo Rural .

This little paradise has only five rooms and a delicious breakfast buffet with fresh products from their own garden is served daily. The owners are very welcoming and the spacious rooms are cleaned daily.

1. Feira Medieval de Silves – Augustus

The most famous is the Silves Medieval Festival , which takes place every year in August. According to locals, this is the most extensive medieval festival in the Algarve, with a grandeur of performances, parades, weapons and combat demonstrations, and numerous food stalls. In 2022, it will take place from 10-20 August. Check out the website of the festival for this year’s current dates.

2. Feira do Folar – Pasen

Sweet tooths take note: every year in April, the Fiera do Folar takes place. This is a festival that revolves around the typical Portuguese snack folar . It is a traditional sweet or savoury bread. The sweet folar is often made with sugar, cinnamon and eggs, while the savoury folar is often filled with meat, sausage, cheese or vegetables.

Folar is a popular dish in Portugal and is often eaten during Easter celebrations. Keep of agenda of the municipality for the exact date of the next edition.

1. Drive to Silves yourself with a rental car

The easiest way to reach Silves is by rental car . Having a car during your stay in the Algarve is not an unnecessary luxury, as the coastline is more than 150 kilometers wide and the most beautiful sights are far apart. In high season, most companies sell out quickly. It is therefore advisable to reserve a car (2 to 3 months) in advance. See here which company I recommend.

In low season a rental car costs between €160 – €200 per week, in high season between €240 – €340 per week.

Read further on about parking in Silves and where it is free!

2. By taxi to Silves

A good alternative is to take a taxi to Silves . From Albufeira it costs around €40.00 one way and as an added bonus you can try more of the local wines during your lunch or dinner!

3. By public transport to Silves

It is also possible to get to Silves by public transport.

From Albufeira take bus line 17 from the Albufeira Bus Station The ride takes about 45 minutes and costs only a few euros.

Freom Portimao take bus 113 from here direction Silves. The journey takes about 40 minutes and only costs a few euros

From Lagos you can go from the train station by train to Silves, but you will have to walk another 2 kilometers from the station in Silves, as the staition outside the city. A ticket costs only 3 euros at the time of writing.

4. With a guided excursion to Silves

Another great way to discover Silves is with a guided tour. This way you not only have transport there and back, but also an experienced guide who can tell you everything about the town and the highlights of the area.

Look at here the excursions I recommend.