Silves, Portugal
castle, old town and what to see
Silves, Portugal
Silves, Algarve. Photo: pkazmierczak, Adobe Stock
The picturesque town of Silves stretches from the hills down to the sea, which gives it a real mix of landscapes. It sits within the district of Faro.
Its scenery, all postcard views of groves producing delicious oranges, takes you to the other Algarve: the one of rural corners and countryside that goes well beyond beautiful beaches.
What to see in Silves
Silves has been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Visigoths, then conquered by the Moors in the 8th century. Archaeological remains from those eras can be seen at the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia de Silves.
Silves castle. Photo: philipus, Adobe Stock
Silves castle
Silves castle is one of the most visited monuments in the whole Algarve.
It looks out over the River Arade from the top of a hill, and it is the finest example of Islamic military architecture in Portugal.
It is very well preserved, and from the battlements you get wonderful views.
Silves Cathedral. Photo: franzeldr, Adobe Stock
Sé Cathedral of Silves
The most striking example of Gothic architecture in the Algarve.
The church's inner courtyard holds several tombs, among them that of King John II (D. João II), buried here in 1495, although his remains were moved to the Monastery of Batalha four years later.
It stands next to the castle, right in the centre of Silves. You can explore the whole area on foot.
Medieval Fair
It is especially lively during the Silves Medieval Fair in summer, when the town recreates the splendour of its medieval heyday and the old quarter fills with jugglers, people in period costume and street stalls selling traditional dishes and crafts.
Armacao De Pera. Photo: Peter, Adobe Stock
Beaches
Silves has two beaches of its own: Armação de Pêra and Praia Grande. Both have facilities and are easy to reach.
Tours and activities in Silves
Hotels in Silves
Silves in the Algarve has a bit of everything: hills, beaches, traditional houses and even a castle. The most popular hotels in Silves are the ones closer to the coast.
This municipality is home to the popular beach of Armação de Pêra and also Praia Grande (east and west).
Silves is just fifteen minutes by car from Faro Airport and two and a half hours from the capital, Lisbon.
Reasons to choose a hotel in Silves
- Family-friendly beaches
- Close to other major towns in the Algarve
- Visiting Silves Castle
- Lovely historic centre
Best area of Silves to stay in
The area around Armação de Pêra beach is the most popular place to stay, with plenty of hotels and apartments to choose from.
Click to see the hotels laid out on the map
You can see all the hotels in Silves by clicking here.
Recommended hotels in Silves
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