Silves, picturesquely situated above the River Arade where its castle looms large, dates back to the Romans. The castle is the Algarve's finest and dominates the old Moorish capital, providing the streets with cool shade.

Historically minded tourists will appreciate the city walls and four-arched bridge as well as the castle's interior and archaeological museum.



Photographers may get their best pictures from the beautifully restored castle ramparts, or, perhaps, from the Cathedral next door, a largely Gothic building.