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    Silves

    Portugal

    Silves

    CityCulture

    Silves is located in the hinterland of the Algarve on the Rio Arade and was the region's capital under the Moors. A red sandstone castle towers above the white houses; oranges grow all around.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. Portugal
    7. Algarve
    9. Silves
    Silves is located in the hinterland of the Algarve on the Rio Arade and was the region's capital under the Moors. A red sandstone castle towers above the white houses; oranges grow all around.

    Sights in Silves

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Castle of Silves
    Castle

    1Castle of Silves

    The red sandstone castle above the city is Portugal's best-preserved Moorish fortress. You can walk all around on the walls and look out over the rooftops, the orange groves, and the Arade Valley. Inside lies a large cistern from Islamic times.
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    Sé de Silves
    Church

    2Sé de Silves

    The Gothic Cathedral directly below the castle was built after the 13th-century Christian conquest, presumably on the site of the former main mosque. Inside, austere and cool, with old tomb slabs in the floor.
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    Essen & Trinken

    1

    LA AYZAL FAST FOOD & RESTAURANT

    Restaurant in R. Samora Barros 15.
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    2

    Monster Burger

    Bar in R. Samora Barros 34.
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    3

    Segredo dos Mouros

    Bar in Tv. da Cató 13.
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    4

    BISTRO UGO ART CAFÉ

    Restaurant in Largo da República 43rc.
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    5

    Tapas bar Palmeira

    Bar in Av. António Sérgio 8.
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    Spirit

    As Xelb, the city was a cultural centre of Islamic Al-Andalus, home to poets and scholars. Portugal first conquered it in 1189 with the help of Crusaders, lost it shortly afterwards, and finally retook it in the 13th century. Subsequently, Silves lost importance, as the river silted up. The surrounding area is known for oranges and citrus fruits.

    On the go

    Explore the old town on foot; it's uphill. The Algarve Line station is roughly 2 km out; buses or taxis run to the center from there. By car, park by the river.

    Accommodations in Silves

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    Campgrounds in Silves

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    Campgrounds nearby (15km)
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    1. 1
      Sunrise over alpine peaks and a sea of clouds
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      Trip to Silves

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      • 1Castle of Silves3 days
      • 2Sé de Silves4 days
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    Nearby

    Portimão

    Portimão

    Portimão is one of the largest cities in the Algarve, located at the mouth of the Rio Arade. While it once thrived on sardine and canning factories, today its economy is mainly driven by tourism at Praia da Rocha.
    Albufeira

    Albufeira

    Albufeira is the largest resort on the Algarve. The former fishing village became a city with many hotels, bars and beaches. The small old town above Praia dos Pescadores has preserved its white core.
    Lagos

    Lagos

    Lagos is a vibrant port city in the west of the Algarve, with a walled old town, many bars, and some of the coast's most beautiful rocky coves right on its doorstep. In the 15th century, expeditions along the African coast set off from here.
    Algarve

    Algarve

    The Algarve is Portugal's south coast and the country's most famous holiday destination. To the west, golden limestone cliffs, grottoes, and small coves define the scenery; to the east, flat sandy islands and the lagoons of the Ria Formosa. Between them lie fishing villages, resorts, and a quiet, hilly hinterland.
    Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente

    Sagres & Cabo de São Vicente

    Sagres is located in the far southwest of Portugal, where the Algarve meets the rugged Atlantic coast. Steep cliffs, wind, surf beaches, and Cabo de São Vicente make this small town a destination for those who like it wild.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Unsplash, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI