Silves Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Salgados Beach featuring a beach, a coastal town and general coastal views
Salgados Beach which includes a bridge and general coastal views
Salgados Beach showing general coastal views, a sandy beach and surf
Salgados Beach showing surf, a beach and general coastal views
Salgados Beach featuring a beach and general coastal views as well as an individual male

Silves is a picturesque city filled with orange and lemon trees, which is a favourite with those looking for a relaxed holiday, good food and culture.

The hilly city of Silves, the former capital of the Algarve, is located on the banks of the Arade River. This once navigable waterway was once the main route for transport and commercial trade to the interior region. Now it’s a calm and glistening vein that runs through this picturesque city, appreciated more for its looks.

History

The region has been inhabited since the Palaeolithic Era and has a storied history. Silves was once the Moorish capital (“Xelb”) of the region, the traces of which can still be seen in the city’s landmarks. When the Moors invaded Iberia, Silves was given the Arabic name of Shilb, and became part of the Umayyad Emirate of Córdoba.

In 1156, after the Almoravid conquest, the town became Almohad. A few years later, King Sancho I of Portugal conquered the town, but soon lost it again to the Almoravid. Under the Almoravid’s rule it prospered so much that it was called the Baghdad of the West, which was a supremely powerful city in the past. Paio Peres Correia, Grand Master of the Order of Santiago in 1242 captured the town from the last Muslim king and Silves declined in significance thereafter.

Landmarks

Almedina was the gate to a residential area built in the 12th or 13th century within the defensive ramparts, which gave access to the city. The Almedina Gate is only one of four original gates that still remains, and is also known as the City Gate.

The Englishman’s Factory or Cork Museum is a former cork factory, known locally as Fábrica does Inglés. It tells the history of the regional cork industry, with displays of the machines and tools used for creating cork, amongst other items.

Silves Castle dates back to the 8th Century and, having been restored in the 1940’s, is one of the best-preserved castles in the Algarve. Standing on the top of a hill, made from red sandstone (grés de Silves), it provides stunning views overlooking the region. The castle has eleven towers, four of which have picturesque gothic doorways a perfect photo opportunity, so don’t forget your camera.

Cathedral of SilvesOpens in a new window (Sé of Silves) sits adjacent to the castle and is one of the Algarve’s few remaining gothic monuments. Construction started during the 13th Century on the remains of a mosque. It suffered damage during an earthquake in 1352, but in the 1440’s, King Afonso V provided funding for its reconstruction. It was an epic task that wasn’t completed until much later in the early 16th Century. Sadly, another earthquake in 1755 again destroyed part of the cathedral, which has yet to be restored.

The Municipal Archaeological Museum displays plenty of historical treasures from archaeological digs conducted at the castle and the surrounding area, and includes artefacts from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Roman occupation periods. Perfect for any history buff.

Food, Drink and Shopping

There’s a great selection of cafés and restaurants on the main street opposite the river, as well as in the area around the Cathedral and Castle. Explore the local souvenir shops, which are well known for selling pottery and ceramic gifts, as well as clothing accessories and gifts made from cork. There’s also a local market near the Roman Bridge selling tasty fresh produce.

Why not take a boat trip from Portimão to Silves along the Rio Arade, a perfect way to explore this beautiful historic town in the Algarve.

Where to stay in Silves

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Casa Queimada

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Casa Queimada and surrounding area, you can visit Silves Cathedral and The Cross of Portugal.

Casa Queimada
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Foral

When in Foral, you can plan a visit to Algarve Shopping Mall and Krazy World Zoo, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Foral
Hotel Colina Dos Mouros
Hotel Colina Dos Mouros
3 out of 5
Pocinho Santo, Silves
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £60 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£60
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Silves. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (419 reviews)
"This hotel was very nice, easy access to everything we needed."

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Hotel Colina Dos Mouros
Peralux
Peralux
Largo 1º de maio nº 23, Pera, Silves, Faro
The price is £89 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£89
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this apartment in Silves. Enjoy an outdoor pool, daily housekeeping and a garden. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Salgados Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Great property manager."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Peralux
Marsuites B&B
Marsuites B&B
3 out of 5
Beco da Fábrica, Silves
The price is £145 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
£145
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Silves. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (83 reviews)
"Wonderful family owned B&B. The staff is amazing and so helpful with directions and recommendations for tours. Breakfast was outstanding. Our room was very clean. Very close to the beach and restaurants. I would highly recommend it and I would stay here again."

Reviewed on 19 Jun 2025

Marsuites B&B
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Peralux
Peralux
Largo 1º de maio nº 23, Pera, Silves, Faro
Stay at this apartment in Silves. Enjoy an outdoor pool, daily housekeeping and a garden. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Salgados Beach are ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (31 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Great property manager."

Reviewed on 4 Jun 2025

Peralux
Luxury 7 Star Apartment With Free WiFi Internet
Luxury 7 Star Apartment With Free WiFi Internet
Armacao de Pera, Silves
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Silves. Enjoy laundry facilities, patios and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Salgados Beach and Marinha ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
Great location
"Heating - only small space heaters available"

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2025

Luxury 7 Star Apartment With Free WiFi Internet
Villas Barrocal
Villas Barrocal
3.5 out of 5
Urbanizacao Barrocal, Apartado 164, Pera, Silves
Stay at this 3.5-star golf apartment in Silves. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Salgados ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (282 reviews)
Nice place
"Very confortable and quiet place."

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2025

Villas Barrocal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Silves

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
11
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
9
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Alyne

Would have been perhaps much nicer in the summer as most shop and restaursnts were closed, it was a bit of a ghost town during January. However if you want a quiet place to relax with no noise for a week, it is recommended.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Did not have a chance to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The hotel and area was wonderful best holiday ever. Location was amazing on the beach and the area is fantastic. Clean sheets every day would definitely go back again. Really take the boat trip to the caves well worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

As prior feedback

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Its such a nice area, great food!

5/5 - Excellent

Chris

Great social area! Lots to do and see at all times of the day. Can be relaxing or exciting and the locals are more than friendly.

Cities near Silves