Nestled in the hills of the Algarve, away from the region’s busy beaches and party towns, lies Silves – a place where cobbled lanes, red sandstone fortresses, and echoes of Moorish poetry converge into something uniquely Portuguese. If you’re craving culture, history, and authenticity with your sunshine, this guide to Silves is everything you need.
The Silves Hills resort is just under 2 km away, offering the rare luxury of living in peaceful, panoramic seclusion, while being minutes from one of the Algarve’s most culturally rich towns. It’s the perfect balance: heritage at your doorstep, nature all around.
A Town Built on Time
Silves is not your typical Algarve town. Before Faro, before Lagos, there was Xelb – the ancient name for Silves during Moorish rule. Between the 8th and 13th centuries, it was the capital of the Algarve, a fortified city of scholars, traders, and poets. Its golden age under Islamic rule saw it rival Lisbon in cultural and political importance.
Top Things to See and
Do in Silves
SILVES CASTLE (CASTELO DE SILVES)
Arguably the best-preserved Moorish castle in Portugal, this red sandstone fortress looms over the town like a sentinel of the past. Inside, you’ll find cisterns, ancient walls, and panoramic countryside views. Come early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
SILVES CATHEDRAL (SÉ DE SILVES)
Adjacent to the castle, the Gothic cathedral stands on the site of an old mosque. Mainly built in the 13th century, it’s austere but atmospheric. Look out for Crusader tombs and the blend of architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque.
MUNICIPAL ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM
Built around a 12th-century Almohad cistern, this museum is deceptively small but rich in artefacts. Exhibits span from prehistory to the Islamic period, with excellent interpretive signage in both Portuguese and English.
CITY WALLS AND CRUZ DE PORTUGAL
The remnants of Silves’ defensive walls still thread through the town, with some segments accessible for short walks. Don’t miss the Cruz de Portugal, a 15th-century carved limestone cross just outside the center—one of the finest examples of Manueline sculpture in the region.
MERCADO MUNICIPAL DE SILVES
For a taste of local life, head to the daily market. You’ll find fresh seafood, regional produce, and Algarvian specialities like fig cakes, almonds, and carob products. It’s also a great place to chat with locals and discover hidden food gems.
Cultural Highlights
CASA DA CULTURA ISLÂMICA E MEDITERRÂNICA
This under-the-radar cultural centre delves into the Islamic and Mediterranean roots of the region. Expect small exhibitions, rotating workshops, and lectures that connect Silves to the broader Iberian-Arabic world.
SILVES MEDIEVAL FAIR
Every August, Silves transforms into a medieval town complete with costumed vendors, jousting knights, fire shows, and Moorish bazaars. It’s not a tourist trap, it’s a full-on immersive experience that brings the town’s history to life. Book early; it gets busy.
SILVES JAZZ FESTIVAL
If you visit in summer but miss the Medieval Fair, try the Jazz Festival. Held within the castle walls, the Jazz Nas Adegas Festival is one of Portugal’s most atmospheric music events.
Art, Craft, and Creative Corners
Silves isn’t known as an art capital, but it has its moments:
- GALERIA ARTE ALGARVE: Features local and international contemporary artists in rotating exhibits.
- SILVES CREATIVO: A collective promoting local craft, textiles, and handmade design.
- Keep an eye out for pop-up galleries and art cafés, especially in the spring and summer months.
Where to Eat in Silves
HIGH-END & FINE DINING
- O BARRADAS – A family-run gem just outside town. Expect refined Portuguese cuisine with modern twists and a phenomenal wine list. (In the picture)
- RECANTO DOS MOUROS – Upscale without being pretentious. Known for Iberian pork, octopus, and seasonal tasting menus.
CASUAL & TRADITIONAL
- MARISQUEIRA RUI – The go-to spot for seafood lovers. No-frills but packed with locals. Try the clams with garlic and white wine.
- CAFÉ INGLÊS – Next to the cathedral, this bohemian hangout serves hearty meals, good wines, and occasional live music. (In the picture)
- CHURRASQUEIRA VALDEMAR – Unassuming but legendary for its grilled piri-piri chicken and local vibe.
VEGETARIAN-FRIENDLY
- CAFÉ DAROSA – Great for veggie wraps, smoothies, and baked goods. A perfect light lunch spot. (In the picture)
- LITTLE JUNGLE – Vegan-friendly menu, shaded garden seating, and organic ingredients.
Wellness & Relaxation in Silves
Silves’ tranquil setting and connection to nature make it an excellent destination for rest and rejuvenation. A growing number of wellness-focused spots have popped up in and around town, blending rustic charm with holistic therapies.
CALMA WELLNESS RETREAT
Located in the hills just outside Silves, Calma is a boutique retreat centre offering yoga classes, meditation sessions, breathwork, and massage therapy. Programs include weekend detoxes, sound healing, and nutrition workshops, all in a serene countryside setting.
HIGHLIGHTS: Ayurvedic treatments, guided nature walks, organic meals.
WHO IT’S FOR: Solo travellers, couples, or small groups looking for a reset.
PURE SPA (AT VILA GALÉ COLLECTION)
If you’re visiting the Vila Galé hotel, the on-site Pure Spa offers a range of modern treatments including hot stone massage, facials, and a Turkish bath. It’s one of the few full-service spas in the immediate area, providing a luxurious contrast to the town’s ancient character.
HIGHLIGHTS: Indoor pool, steam bath, anti-stress therapies.
GOOD TO KNOW: Open to non-guests by appointment
SILVES YOGA & THERAPY STUDIO
A local favourite that’s growing by word of mouth. They run weekly yoga classes (Hatha, Yin, Vinyasa) and occasional workshops on energy healing, Reiki, and Thai massage. English-speaking instructors and an inclusive vibe make it great for travellers.
Where: Near the lower town, close to the Arade River.
Bonus: Drop-in classes available.
QUINTA DA LUZ NATURAL THERAPIES
A wellness centre in the surrounding hills offering reflexology, lymphatic drainage, craniosacral therapy, and homoeopathy. Book in advance – it’s not walk-in friendly but very well reviewed for bespoke sessions.
Whether you’re into full spa days or morning yoga with a view, Silves has a quiet but growing wellness scene that aligns perfectly with the town’s slow, grounded energy.
Hidden Gems Worth Exploring
ARADE RIVER WALK: Start near the market and follow the river. Quiet, scenic, and perfect for a morning stroll or a kayak trip.
QUINTA PEDAGÓGICA DE SILVES: A working farm and educational centre—excellent if you’re travelling with children.
LOCAL VINEYARDS: Quinta do Francês and Quinta do Barranco Longo offer tastings, tours, and unbeatable views.
AL-MUTAMID TRAIL: A poetic walking trail named after the 11th-century Moorish prince and poet who once ruled Silves.
Getting There and
Around
Silves is about 15 km inland from the Algarve coast, and just 1.8 km from the Silves Hills resort.
- BY CAR: Just under an hour from Faro Airport. Roads are excellent.
- BY TRAIN: Regional rail links Silves to Faro and Lagos. The station is 1.5 km from the town centre.
- ON FOOT: The town is very walkable, though be prepared for some steep hills.
When to
Visit
Every season in Silves offers something unique and tantalising.
- SPRING (MARCH–MAY): Green hills, blooming wildflowers, and mild temps.
- SUMMER (JUNE–AUGUST): Sunny, lively, and full of events.
- AUTUMN (SEPTEMBER–OCTOBER): Harvest season. Great for wine lovers and hikers.
- WINTER: Calm and tranquil, with gorgeously sunny but cool days – perfect for a retreat.
Final Thoughts
Silves isn’t showy. It doesn’t need to be. It seduces slowly, with the clink of wine glasses in a medieval courtyard, the scent of grilled sardines drifting through a narrow lane, or the silence inside a red stone fortress at sunset. It’s where you go when you want Portugal, not postcards.
Whether you come for a day, stay for a week, or decide to live in the vicinity forever, Silves has a way of staying with you.