Silves is the ancient capital of the Algarve, and sits on a once
busy river. Its continued in importance as a main town of the Algarve
until its commerce began a slow decline in the 15th Century due
the silting-up of the Rio Arade that had given the town good access
to the sea.
Silves is at the junction of the Urubu River and the Cana'ari Lake,
in addition to its renowned abundance of fish and aquatic life.
Benefitting from the well documented climate of the Algarve Silves
is at the heart of one of Portugal's best citrus growing areas.
A place where many tourists visit for an hour or two.
The Castle reveals some of the details around its history as an
important Moorish capital, particularly from the 11th the 13th Century.
Silves prospered under the Arabs and became their capital in the
Algarve under the name of Chelb, until it was taken by the Knights
of Santiago, in 1242.
Silves, as you'll gather if you visit, is elevated on a strategic
hill it's commanding position made it the ideal fortified settlement.
One of the jewels of the Algarve currently experiencing a period
of renovation and structural improvement. Silves, is becoming increasingly
popular for tourism and occupies a beautiful location on the Rio
Arade, which is soon to be dredged to allow easy access to Silves
by boat. There is a very pretty central square, Praça do
Municipio, with palms and flowers, beautiful gardens, and
a newly paved river front which leads you to the swimming pool and
beyond.
Silves is one of the latest golf courses, located in a serene spot,
this course is anything but the proverbial walk in the park. So
much history is attached to Silves and its surrounding area that
only a book would do it justice.
Today the town proud of its past, at the heart of a municipality
with a thriving and increasingly diverse economy. Some 10 km north-east
of Silves is the Barragem do Arade, one of the Algarve's main reservoirs.
The countryside around the towin is the biggest orange growing area
in Portugal and other neighbouring towns share in the economic benefits
from this product.
Self catering accommodation in Silves is set where the lush countryside
and orange and almond groves meet the sea. The beach town of Armacao
de Pera lies to the south of the town, boasting a beautiful long
sandy beach and warm waters. So much history is attached to Silves
and the beauty of the area is just as impressive.
