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

Default Image

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
Default Image

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 P5,649 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
P5,649
P5,987 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
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! (428 reviews)
"We loved our stay at your hotel. Great location."

Reviewed on Jul 12, 2025

Hotel Colina Dos Mouros
Marsuites B&B

Marsuites B&B

3 out of 5
Beco da Fábrica, Silves
The price is P9,534 per night from Sep 10 to Sep 11
P9,534
P10,106 total
Sep 10 - Sep 11
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! (94 reviews)
"It’s a family owned hotel and the staff are truly happy and helpful. Clean and great breakfast"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Marsuites B&B
Amendoeira Golf Resort - Apartments and villas

Amendoeira Golf Resort - Apartments and villas

4 out of 5
Morgado da Lameira, Alcantarilha, Silves
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified resort in Silves. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Salgados Beach and Marinha Beach ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (177 reviews)
"Um lugar muito bonito e confortável. Foi uma excelente experiência. Viajei com minha família e foram dias inesquecíveis."

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Amendoeira Golf Resort - Apartments and villas
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.
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
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
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
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