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Welcome to Silves, Portugal!
If you’re tired of the same old crowded towns on the Algarve and want to get a slice of the “real” Algarve, Silves is the palace for you.
What does it have to offer? Well, if the coolest historical attractions in the Algarve, knockout views of the Arade River and authentic Algarvian food sound good to you, this hidden gem town needs to be on your travel bucket list.
Ready to explore all that Silves has to offer? Great, this detailed travel guide has got you covered. Today I’ll be your personal travel guide, showing you what to see in Silves, all of the best things to do in town, and sharing my my top recommendations for the best restaurants and hotels in Silves.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Where is Silves in Portugal?
You’ll find Silves on the southern coast of Portugal, in a sunny region called the Algarve. Many small towns perch along the coastline of this region, and many of them are popular with holidaymakers!
Although Silves is in a coastal area of Portugal, the town itself is actually inland, around 12km from the nearest beach in Portimão. The nearest big towns are Portimão and Albufeira, and you’ll find the town of Silves sandwiched between the two.
How to Get to Silves
The nearest airport to Silves is Faro (airport code FAO), which is around 45 km away.
Getting from Faro Airport to Silves by public transport is fairly easy, if not somewhat time-consuming. First, you’ll need to catch the bus from Faro Airport to Faro Train Station, which takes just 15 minutes and costs €2.25. These buses run once or twice an hour. Next, catch the direct train from Faro to Silves, which takes just 1 hour and 5 minutes and costs €5.25.
Getting to Silves from Lisbon is surprisingly easy. Rede Expressos runs direct buses from Lisbon to Silves. The journey time takes just 3 hours and 5 minutes, and tickets cost just €4.99 if you book a few days in advance!
Best Things to Do in Silves, Portugal
Silves Castle
One of the town’s most popular attractions, this 12th-century Moorish castle is worth visiting for its stunning Moorish architecture and views over Silves and the surrounding area.
The castle was built during the Moorish rule over Portugal and was used to defend the town against Christian invaders. Nowadays, Silves Castle is open to tourists, and guided tours are available. The entrance fee is €2.80 per person, but there are discounts for students and children under 12 years old.
Museu Municipal de Arqueologia
This local museum in Silves is dedicated to archaeology and features exhibits on Silves’ history, from prehistoric times up to the Middle Ages. If you are interested in learning more about Silves’ past, this is a great place to start.
Admission costs €2.10. If you are planning on visiting both the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia and Silves Castle, you can purchase a joint pass for €3.90.
Silves Cathedral
Also known as Sé de Silves, this cathedral was built in 1189 and has been a constant presence in Silves’ skyline ever since. It was rebuilt after a fire in the 18th century and is now a beautiful example of Portuguese Baroque architecture. It’s only a short walking distance from the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia and Silves Castle.
Silves Cathedral won’t demand too much of your time, but a stop here is worth adding to your Silves itinerary to admire the gorgeous façade and take some photos from the courtyard.
There is a small entrance fee of €1.50 if you want to go inside, but in my opinion, it’s better to just admire the cathedral from outside for free.
Quinta Pedagógica de Silves
It’s time for one of the most family-friendly things to do in Silves – the Quinta Pedagógica de Silves!
This educational farm is a great place for kids (and adults!) to learn about agriculture and nature. There are interactive exhibits, as well as a playground, and a petting zoo. The main goal here is to preserve the animal and plant species typical of the Algarve mountains and promote their conservation to the population.
Admission costs €1.00 or €2.30 for admission and an activity. The activities are all based on the daily routines of the Quinta, which are rooted in Portuguese culture. You can make jam from seasonal fruit, take care of the animals, make traditional bread, and more!
Silves Old Town
The old town of Silves is a charming area with narrow streets, traditional houses, and plenty of places to eat and drink. Located in the centre of Silves, it is the perfect place to wander around and get a feel for the town’s traditional atmosphere.
There are tons of small, locally-run shops in Silves’ Old Town that sell different handicrafts and local products. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes when exploring Silves, as it is built on a hill and there are many cobblestone streets.
There is no admission to walk around Silves Old Town, but bring some Euros to spend shopping!
Mercado Municipal
The Mercado Municipal in Silves is the home of fresh produce in the town. It’s also the best place to visit to try some authentic Portuguese cuisine. At the market, you’ll find everything from fruits and vegetables to meat and seafood, as well as a variety of restaurants and food stalls.
Silves Market is located on the northern banks of the Arade River and is near some beautiful parks with views of the water, including Parque da Cidade Silves and Parque Ribeirinho de Silves.
Miradouro de Silves
There is one viewpoint that’s better than all the rest in Silves, and that’s the Miradouro de Silves.
This is a great spot to take in the views of Silves and the Arade River below. The viewpoint is located just outside of the old town, on top of Silves Castle. It’s the logical next stop after exploring the famous castle.
There is no entrance fee for this viewpoint, but I recommend visiting Silves Castle first and then going up the ramparts to admire the scenery.
Where to Stay in Silves, Portugal
Budget Accommodation
If you’re wondering where to stay in Silves on a budget, I have the answer – this budget guesthouse and hostel!
Located just steps away from the centre of Silves, this affordable guest house offers private rooms for up to four people (€50) and dorms (€20 per bed), making it easy to visit Silves on a budget! The host is welcoming and more than happy to show you around town, and you can see the Silves Castle from some of the rooms!
Click here to check availability & book!
Mid-Range Hotel
The gorgeous, patterned decor of this boutique hotel will let you know that you’re in one of the most authentic towns on the Algarve the second you step through the door!
An outstanding breakfast is included in the price of a stay here, and its location right in the heart of Silves makes it the perfect base for exploring the town. Previous guests have left rave reviews, which is why it’s rated 9.4/10 on Booking.com!
Click here to check availability & book!
Best Restaurants in Silves, Portugal
Silves has a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and bars to choose from. Their cuisine ranges from traditional Portuguese fare to international cuisine and everything in between. Silves is also known for its delicious seafood, which you can find at many of the local restaurants.
Here are my top picks when it comes to the best restaurants in Silves:
- O Barradas – This restaurant is located in the heart of Silves’ old town and specialises in traditional Portuguese cuisine with contemporary adaptations. The food is fresh and homemade, and the prices are very reasonable. They use ingredients from the local region, including freshly caught fish and tender meat.
- Churrasqueira Valdemar – This barbecue restaurant is a Silves institution and is always packed, especially on the weekends. They serve all sorts of grilled meats, seafood, and salads, as well as a variety of Portuguese wines. The atmosphere is lively and the service is friendly, making it a great place to enjoy a meal with friends.
- Marisqueira Rui – This seafood restaurant is Silves’ best-known seafood establishment. They serve fresh catches from the Algarve coast, as well as traditional Portuguese dishes. The restaurant is always busy, but the waiters are efficient and knowledgeable about the menu. They are known by the locals for their cockles, clams, oysters, crabs, and fish that they keep in a huge live tank.
How Many Days in Silves, Portugal
The best thing about Silves is that it’s a small town, so you can easily explore everything in one day, and that really is enough time to see all the sights and enjoy some of Silves’ many restaurants, bars, and cafes.
Since this town is the perfect size to explore in one day, consider adding a day trip to Silves to your Algarve itinerary.
What to Pack for Silves
When travelling to Silves, there’s no need to bring anything that you wouldn’t already have packed with you for a trip to the Algarve. There are, however, a few essential items that I always recommend for a trip to the Algarve:
- This quick-drying towel is my top choice for a beach getaway! Sure, Silves isn’t on the coast, but you’re almost definitely going to end up at the beach if you’re travelling to the Algarve! Not only does this towel dry quickly, but it also rolls up into a tiny, packable ball. Oh, and sand doesn’t stick to it!
- We’re in the modern age, sure, but nothing beats a guidebook! The Lonely Planet Pocket Algarve is the perfect compact guide to this region.
- If your phone is anything like mine, its battery won’t last the entire day when you travel. After all, there are so many photos to take, and it’s your essential source for directions around town and information about attractions. I always pack a portable battery like this, which holds about 7 recharges, so that I can stay connected.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Silves?
Since Silves is located in the sunny Algarve region of Portugal it’s great to visit year-round! Obviously, Silves is a seasonal destination, so the most lively and exciting time to visit is in summer. In summer, the weather in Silves is hot, hot, hot, and all the bars and restaurants will be open.
Winter in Silves and the Algarve is typically mild, with warmer weather than most other destinations in Europe. Silves is pretty quiet in winter, with very low tourist numbers, but you’ll still find local restaurants and bars that are open, and accommodation prices will be far cheaper than in summer!
Is Silves Worth Visiting?
If you are looking for a small town to visit in the Algarve, Silves is worth visiting. It’s a bite-sized destination that gives you a good taste of the Algarve without being overwhelming, since it’s so small.
However – if you only have a limited amount of time on your Algarve itinerary, Silves is definitely not an essential stop. It’s worth visiting, but there are plenty of other lovely places to visit on the Algarve that offer something similar to Silves.
So… Are You Ready to Visit Silves?
If you’ve read this far, chances are you’re captivated by the idea of spending time in an Algarve town that’s off the beaten path and a bit of a hidden gem. By now, you know everything you need to know before you visit. So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to pack your bags!
