Holiday apartments and houses in Silves & surrounding area

Which sights are there in Silves & surrounding area?

Silves, the Crown of the Algarve

Silves is one of the oldest cities in the Algarve. Located on a hill by the Rio Arade River, it is dominated by a mighty castle. Just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, you can enjoy a wonderful holiday in one of the cozy apartments with a terrace or a house with a pool. The area around Silves has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Ships brought Romans, Carthaginians, and Greeks to the region in search of ore. Eventually, the construction of the city began. The Arabs made Silves, then called Xelb, a cultural center and the capital of their province. At that time, Silves was more important than Lisbon and more beautiful than Granada. Start your city stroll along the river towards the old town, located between the castle and the riverbank. The buildings in the historic old town were built around 1900, a time when cork production brought economic prosperity. As you wander through the pedestrian zone, numerous traditional shops invite you to linger. The market hall, where a farmers' market takes place every Saturday, is also worth a visit. On Praca o Municipo stands the pillory – a symbol of urban power and unique in the Algarve. At the east corner of the square is the watchtower, which was once integrated into the city wall and served as a city gate. Just a few meters away stands the cathedral, which was almost completely rebuilt after the earthquake in 1755. Above the cathedral looms the castle, considered the most beautiful military building from the Arab era. The castle is situated on a 12,000 square meter property and includes eleven towers. Once the residence of the city lords, today you can walk along the walls and enjoy a breathtaking view. Silves is a charming and quiet town where you can escape the typical hustle and bustle of Portugal. Here, a different charm prevails compared to the beach resorts, and you can experience the real Portugal. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the beautiful Pestana Silves Golf course. The 18-hole course welcomes guests all year round and is considered challenging due to its water hazards, especially for golfers with a low handicap.