C
Castelo
This russet-coloured, Lego-like castle – originally occupied in the Visigothic period – has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. What…
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Silves
Silves' winding backstreets of whitewashed buildings topped by terracotta roofs climb the hillside above the banks of the Rio Arade. Crowning the hill, hulking red-stone walls enclose one of the Algarve's best-preserved castles. Situated 17km northeast of Portimão, the town makes a good base if you’re after a less hectic, noncoastal Algarvian pace.
Explore Silves
- CCastelo
This russet-coloured, Lego-like castle – originally occupied in the Visigothic period – has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. What…
- SSé
Just below the castle is the sé, built in 1189 on the site of an earlier mosque, then rebuilt after the 1249 Reconquista and subsequently restored several…
- MMuseu Municipal de Arqueologia
Built tight against the defensive walls, this archaeological museum has a mix of interesting finds from the town and around. The modern building was…
- CCentro de Interpretaçao do Património Islâmico
This interpretative centre promotes the network of Islamic routes through Portugal, Spain and Morocco, with a small but interesting exhibition on…
- IIgreja da Misericórdia
The exterior of the 16th-century Igreja da Misericórdia is plain apart from its distinctive, fanciful Manueline doorway hanging well above street level …
- CCasa da Cultura Islâmica e Mediterrânica
Built with an art nouveau flourish in 1914, this wonderfully restored neo-Moorish cultural centre 600m west of the centre hosts occasional exhibitions,…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Silves.
See
Castelo
This russet-coloured, Lego-like castle – originally occupied in the Visigothic period – has great views over the town and surrounding countryside. What…
See
Sé
Just below the castle is the sé, built in 1189 on the site of an earlier mosque, then rebuilt after the 1249 Reconquista and subsequently restored several…
See
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
Built tight against the defensive walls, this archaeological museum has a mix of interesting finds from the town and around. The modern building was…
See
Centro de Interpretaçao do Património Islâmico
This interpretative centre promotes the network of Islamic routes through Portugal, Spain and Morocco, with a small but interesting exhibition on…
See
Igreja da Misericórdia
The exterior of the 16th-century Igreja da Misericórdia is plain apart from its distinctive, fanciful Manueline doorway hanging well above street level …
See
Casa da Cultura Islâmica e Mediterrânica
Built with an art nouveau flourish in 1914, this wonderfully restored neo-Moorish cultural centre 600m west of the centre hosts occasional exhibitions,…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Silves
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