Silves

Silves is an inland town in the Algarve region, in the district of Faro, set on the banks of the River Arade. Once the capital of the Moorish kingdom of the Algarve, known as Xelb, it retains a strong historical character, most notably its red sandstone castle, a fortress built during the Moorish period and overlooking the old town. Nearby stands the Sé Cathedral, a Gothic building said to occupy the site of a former mosque. A bridge crosses the Arade below the castle, linking the older quarters of the town. Each year, Silves hosts a medieval fair commemorating this Moorish heritage, now a well-established local event. The surrounding countryside, dotted with orange groves and cork oaks, reflects the traditional agricultural economy of the inland Algarve. Silves lies around twenty minutes from the beaches of Portimão and the western Algarve, making it a convenient base for exploring both the coast and the hinterland. The Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, supports outdoor activities throughout the year, from riverside walks to exploring the historic town centre.