Silves

Travel Guide

Salgados Beach which includes general coastal views, a sandy beach and a coastal town
Salgados Beach featuring general coastal views and a bridge
Salgados Beach showing general coastal views, waves and a beach
Salgados Beach featuring surf, general coastal views and a sandy beach
Salgados Beach which includes a sandy 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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Foral

Though Foral might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Algarve Shopping Mall and Krazy World Zoo.

Foral
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Casa Queimada

While Casa Queimada might not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Silves Cathedral and The Cross of Portugal.

Casa Queimada
Hotel Colina Dos Mouros

Hotel Colina Dos Mouros

3 out of 5
Pocinho Santo, Silves
The price is P7,081 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P7,081
P7,506 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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 our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (426 reviews)
"We loved our stay at your hotel. Great location."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hotel Colina Dos Mouros
Vila Galé Náutico

Vila Galé Náutico

4 out of 5
Vale do Olival, Silves, Armacao de Pera
The price is P13,097 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P13,097
P13,883 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Silves. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Salgados Beach and Marinha Beach are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (102 reviews)
Excellent!!
"The hospitality and services were of the highest quality, the room was very spacious and the breakfast was also very tasty."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Vila Galé Náutico
Marsuites B&B

Marsuites B&B

3 out of 5
Beco da Fábrica, Silves
Fully refundable
The price is P10,440 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P10,440
P11,067 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star B&B in Silves. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"Perfect location. Owner and staff gave great recommendations for dining and were super nice. Included breakfast was perfect (continental + eggs and bacon), always enough items to fill up for the day! Would definitely stay again and have already recommended to others!!"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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! (32 reviews)
"Wonderful stay. Great property manager."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2025

Peralux
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 WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Popular attractions Albufeira Old Town Square and Salgados ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (283 reviews)
Nice place
"Very confortable and quiet place."

Reviewed on Jan 31, 2025

Villas Barrocal
Apartamentos Lindomar

Apartamentos Lindomar

3 out of 5
Rua D Joao II, Armacao de Pera, Silves, Algarve
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly apartment in Silves. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and an airport shuttle (surcharge). Popular attractions Salgados ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (41 reviews)
Truely excellent hotel
"Such a warm welcome, great hotel in an amazing location. The room was a little small for our tastes, but nothing that would diminish the enjoyment of our stay. The full breakfast was lovely touch and I can’t overstate how accommodating the staff were. They really made the stay a luxury."

Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024

Apartamentos Lindomar
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.

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