Algarve's ancient Moorish capital with a stunning red sandstone castle and Gothic cathedral.

Silves is the Algarve's most historically significant inland town, once the prosperous Moorish capital of Al-Gharb. Its magnificent red sandstone castle — the best-preserved Moorish fortification in Portugal — dominates the hilltop above the Arade River valley. Inside, you can explore cisterns, battlements, and panoramic terraces overlooking orange groves and rolling hills. The nearby Gothic Cathedral of Silves, built over a former mosque, adds another layer to the town's layered history. Quieter and less touristy than coastal resorts, Silves offers an authentic Algarvian experience with excellent local restaurants and a famous August Medieval Fair that brings history dramatically to life.