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Silves in central Algarve Portugal,
Silves is a town steeped in history and would suit all tastes the first thing you notice on the approach is the magnificent castle standing with its unique red rock known to the area ,along with the main church sitting at the top of the City
History takes silves back to many ages yet little is known before the Arab occupation yet with a population of around 11,000 in 2011,
it beggar belief what the town must have been like in it’s heyday, when silve’s was the capital back in the 15th century the build up of silt to the main river halted trade bringing it to a standstill the river stayed that way until 2009 when work began to restore the river back to a working waterway, and now river trips are again possible, in the summer month it is well worth taking one of these trips,
The main town of silves is easily a full day trip with so much to offer on entering silves you can see the old bridge spanning across the river with parkways further along towards Monchique, on entering the town you will see the daily market under cover from fresh fish to cheeses cured meats etc: whilst you can stroll thought the many narrow street with the bars and restaurants along with the many shops mingled among them also seeing the storks nesting above your head in the many chimneys,further along are water features with marble statues depicting it history this is also where the Medieval fair is held every year and you can partake and dress in costume from the 15th Century and get a feel of how it must have been, the jousting on horseback is well worth watching and the spirit of the evening really bring it alive
Whilst you slowly make your way to the top towards the castle look out for the beautiful hand painted tiles by local artist Kate swift from the Swift family (see photo)you will come across museums of cork production through the ages ,a Moroccan culture museum, local craft shops dotted along the cobble streets that look all that you would expect from a medieval city but most that you see will be from post 1755 as the big earthquake that hit the whole of Portugal destroyed much of silves to the extent that it was abandoned for only for the few that had no option but to stay and rebuilt the city to what it is today if visiting the castle on a Sunday you will hear the local bistro with its live music throughout the year at Café Ingles, the castle now restored after much excavation work offer a good insight into the once history of Silves Views across the city from the castle walls will make you realize what a beautiful place silves really is, the large beautiful building at the top is actually the council /planning offices, come mid-day now is the time to relax at one of the many traditional restaurants with fresh fish always on the menus and that unmistakable grilled smell of fish and chicken filling the air with its aroma this is when the town start to buzz as the office workers come to enjoy a relaxing 2 hour lunch break also not to missed is the Antiques market held near the waterfront every 3rd Saturday of the month from furniture to small trinkets to take back home
Nearby towns and villages within the borough
Algoz
alcantarilha
Armação de Pêra
Pêra
São Bartolomeu de Messines
São Marcos da Serra
Tunes
Disabled parking
Designated space are on the waterfront and back street near the market also in nearby supermarket the Continente
Free bottle of wine
Click here to get your free voucher for Silves Restaurants
Silves Medieval fair
Many Back street
Silves Castle
Silvestown square