Lying across a hill overlooking a fertile valley embroidered with orange groves, olive trees, and vineyards, Silves is one of the most scenic towns in the Algarve.
The landscape, however, is dominated by the town's splendid castle - the grandest monument to Islamic rule in the region. Built by the Moors in the 11th century on Roman foundations, the castle's dramatic profile is enhanced by its copper-red walls, sections of which extend into the town below. This was Xelb, the Moorish capital of the al-Gharb ("the west"). Another fine example of Islamic presence can be seen in the Museu Arquelógico, where the star exhibit is an impressive Arab water cistern with an 18-meter-deep well.
Silves is worth exploring at leisure. Downhill from the fortress is the Sé (cathedral), built between 1242 and 1577 on the site of Xelb's Grand Mosque. Opposite is the 16th-century Igreja da Misericórdia, replete with a fine Manueline side door. The town itself is delightful, especially the area along the riverfront, which is lined with a small market and some excellent restaurants. Cruise boats from Portimão tie up here near the old bridge.
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