Silves combines history, culture and natural beauty. Its Mediterranean climate and beautiful landscapes make it a popular tourist destination. The town of Silves is steeped in history dating back to Roman times. Silves Castle, with its well-preserved walls and towers, dominates the stunning landscape.
The impressive Gothic cathedral, a testament to the town’s rich religious heritage, and the old town, with its cobblestone streets and white buildings decorated with colorful tiles, are just a few of the attractions. Strolling through the town, you’ll encounter traditional shops, artisan workshops, and cozy cafés.
You can take a relaxing boat cruise on the nearby Arade River, admiring the lush landscape and observing a variety of birdlife. The area is also ideal for hiking and cycling.
Location
Silves is a city and municipality in the Portuguese region of Algarve, in southern Portugal.
Silves Castle
Silves Castle dominates the town from atop a hill. It was built between the 8th and 13th centuries. However, remains of foundations and several cisterns confirm that the Romans captured Silves around 201 BC and transformed it into a citadel and trading center.
The castle is visitable, and one can walk past its wide sandstone walls. It has a deep moat and a pink sink, five meters deep, reminiscent of the Moorish occupation, and a bronze statue of King Sancho I, representing the capture of the first fortress. Inside, the four vaults of the sink rest on ten columns. The castle is one of the Portuguese castles with defensive walls running around its entire perimeter.
Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente
The Lighthouse of Cabo de São Vicente located along the coastal peninsula of Sagres Point in the Sagres.
The lighthouse complex at Cabo de São Vicente contains a small but excellent museum that gives a good overview of Portugal’s maritime-navigation history, displays replica folios of a 1561 atlas and gives information on the history of the lighthouse.
Praia dos Três Castelos
The center of the nearest town, Carvoeiro, is 1 km from the beach. The area’s wonderful climate and beauty are the result of the combination of cliffs, green spaces, and turquoise waters.
Praia dos Três Castelos is covered in sand and is approximately 160 meters long. The entrance to the water is shallow. The lack of amenities creates a sense of unity, leaving the beach pristine and preserved.
Praia Nova
Praia Nova is located approximately 12 kilometers from Carvoeiro. One of the distinguishing features of this sandy beach is its complete concealment behind a high cliff.
The only access to the beach is via stairs embedded in a tunnel in the cliff, which enhances its secluded feel. Exploring the western end of Praia Nova, you’ll discover an artificial tunnel leading to Praia de Nossa Senhora da Rocha, whose walls are adorned with numerous fossils.
Silves Cathedral
Silves Cathedral was built in the late 13th century on the site of a mosque. Many elements of the original structure remain, including the Gothic entrance and the columns that supported the nave. The clock tower dates from the 18th century.
It contains the tomb of King John II, who was buried here in 1495, although his remains were later transferred to the Batalha Monastery in central Portugal. The cathedral is open Monday through Friday.
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
The Silves Municipal Archaeological Museum was established in 1990, and its main attraction is the Almohad cistern-well from the 12th-13th centuries, a showcase of the entire collection and a jewel of the Islamic heritage in Portugal.
The well-preserved cistern is approximately 18 meters deep and 2.5 meters in diameter. A spiral staircase houses three windows that open at different heights, allowing access to the water depending on the well’s filling level. The museum’s collections, based on archaeological finds found in the region, are divided into several chronological groups: prehistoric, Roman, Muslim, and modern.
Municipal Market Silves
The Silves Municipal Market is a shopping destination, but also a haven for authentic Portuguese culture and atmosphere. The wonderful colors, sounds, and aromas entice visitors to explore the stalls. Here, you’ll find fruits and vegetables, local cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal products, showcasing the richness of the region’s agriculture.
Be sure to sample local delicacies, such as traditional pastries and regional wines, which are often available for tasting. From pottery to textiles, you’ll find unique items that reflect the region.
Silves Golf Course
The Silves (Pestana) golf course is pleasant and well-maintained, with plenty of obstacles to add an extra dose of fun to your game. Golfers can enjoy stunning views of the Monchique Mountains from most holes.
