Excursion The moorish city of silves tour at Portimao

Silves is famed for its imposing Moorish red brick castle that dominates the town's skyline, sleepy cafés line streets close to the river Arada and offer a relaxed ambience unique to the region. Below the castle is the gothic cathedral which is the only example of a gothic religious building in southern Portugal.

Depart the pier for the approximately 45-minute drive inland to Silves. Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, it was a place of grandeur with glittering minarets, bustling bazaars and three circuits of walls that guarded the city.

Silves

Upon arrival, take a brief walk uphill to the Archaeological Museum. Built on the site of a 19th century residence where the water reservoir was discovered, this became the centrepiece of the museum. In an excellent state of preservation, it dates back to the Almohade period (12th - 13th centuries) and made out of Silves sandstone it is around 20 metres (22 yards) in depth. It is considered an example unique to Portugal as it has a helix staircase with three windows to ensure easier access to the water. These are features rare to Arab architecture.

Next, take a brief walk to the Moorish Castle, the highlight of Silves. Most of the massive walls and the Gothic Cathedral built by Alfonso X of Castile are still intact. Below the remains of the castle is an impressive underground water reservoir that serves the town to this day. You will have the chance to savor orange juice from the Algarve, renowned for producing some of the most delicious oranges in all of Portugal.

Some free time is made available to explore the area before re-boarding your coach for the drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Silves, Archaeological Museum, Moorish Castle, Gothic Cathedral

Note

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking on cobblestone streets, and an uphill hike to the castle. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. A minibus is provided for guests unable to make the uphill walk to the castle. Cranes may be in place due to ongoing archaeological works inside the Silves Castle, but the beauty of this small city is still preserved. The tour sequence may vary. On Sundays and Public Holidays, the Cathedral is closed and will be visited from outside only.