Portimao to Silves and Alvor: Private day trip

Discover Silves’ Moorish legacy, sunlit castle walls, and the scent of orange trees in bloom.

Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves is a city of crumbling red-stone ramparts, orange blossoms, and timeless views. Start your visit at the Castelo de Silves, wandering its impressive walls for sweeping vistas over the Arade River. Just below, explore the haunting Silves Cathedral, where Gothic arches meet Moorish echoes. Don’t miss the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, built around a medieval cistern. Stroll down Rua da Cadeia Velha, with its citrus trees and old-world charm, then relax by the riverfront with a glass of cold medronho or a bite of frango piri-piri and sticky Dom Rodrigo.

Golden beaches, lazy estuary walks, and a peaceful old town make Alvor an easy delight.

Framed by dunes, cliffs, and quiet cobbled streets, Alvor is a charming coastal escape. Begin on the Alvor Boardwalk, a peaceful path through estuary wetlands, ideal for birdwatching and sunset walks. Head to Praia de Alvor for low-tide beachcombing or venture to Praia dos Tres Irmaos for hidden coves. In the old town, wander Rua Marques de Pombal, lined with tiled houses and flower pots. Cap it off with grilled octopus, clams a Bulhao Pato, or sweet almond pastries at a harbor-view cafe.