Silves: The Medieval Charm of the Algarve
Highlights
- ✓Silves Castle, one of the largest in the Algarve
- ✓Silves Cathedral
- ✓Market and historic centre
- ✓Legends and Moorish history of the town
- ✓Free pick-up in Albufeira
About this activity
Between walls, legends and landscapes — from the castle to the cathedral, from the market to history —, the former capital of the Algarve is one of the most important medieval towns in the region.
Between walls, legends and landscapes, we go from the castle to the market, from the castle to the cathedral, always between tradition and culture. The current capital of the orange is shrouded in legends and tales, such as that of the Muslim princess who fell madly in love with the Christian warrior.
With one of the largest and most important medieval castles in the Algarve, Silves is a must-see. Built under Arab rule, the castle protected the town and allowed control of the region when it was conquered from the Moors. We also visit the imposing cathedral and the rich surrounding market.
Itinerary
- 1Pick-up at your accommodation (Albufeira area)
- 2Up to Silves Castle
- 3Visit to the cathedral
- 4Market and historic centre
- 5Return to Albufeira
What's included
- ✓Transport to and from Albufeira in an air-conditioned minivan, up to 8 people
- ✓An experienced driver/guide, in Portuguese and English
- ✓Free pick-up and drop-off in Albufeira
- ✓Age-appropriate child seats, free of charge
- ✓Insurance for everyone on the tour
- ✓A guided visit to the historic centre of Silves, among walls and legends
- ✓The Silves market
- ✓The stories of the Moorish town and the Christian conquest
Important information
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
This deadline is the operator’s and applies to bookings made online. If you book with us on request, our own booking conditions apply. Booking conditions for direct requests.
More information
The tour runs in an air-conditioned minivan, up to 8 people, with a driver-guide who speaks Portuguese and English; another language can be requested when booking, subject to availability. A minimum of 4 participants is needed: if it is not reached, Zebra may reschedule or offer another experience available that day. Children need an identification document so their age can be confirmed — we bring the age-appropriate child seat, free of charge.
Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions
What languages is the activity in?
The crew or guide speak Portuguese and English.
Where do you pick us up?
Pick-up and drop-off are at agreed points in the Albufeira, Armação de Pêra, Porches, Vilamoura and Quarteira areas. In Albufeira there is no charge; outside Albufeira there is a €5 supplement per pick-up. The exact spot and time are confirmed with your booking — if you need somewhere else, tell us before booking and we will see what can be done.
Do children need to bring ID?
They do. Their age has to be confirmed at the start, because Portuguese law requires a car seat suited to the age and size of the child — and the car seat, like the highchair, is provided free of charge. A national ID card or a passport is enough.
Will we be sharing the van with other people?
You will. The tour runs in an air-conditioned minivan for up to eight people, with a driver-guide who speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish — a small group, not a coach, and every passenger is insured. If you would rather have the van just for your own group, there is a private version: tell us and we will arrange it.
Is there a minimum number of people?
There is, which is why the departure is confirmed with you. If the minimum is not reached on a given day, we reschedule it or offer another experience available that day — what you paid is not lost.
Will we be walking a lot?
There is always a part on foot — a market, an old town, a winery, a viewpoint — at a strolling pace, with time to stop and take photos. Expect uneven cobbles, some uphill and steps at several stops. If anyone in your group finds walking difficult, tell us before booking: some stops can be shortened and others cannot.
From €65