Silves Castle
Silves, Portugal
The red sandstone walls of the old Moorish capital of the Algarve, above a hilltop town and its cathedral. Park near the river and walk up through the lanes.
Silves Castle is regarded by travel guides as the best-preserved Moorish castle in Portugal. Under the Moors Silves was the capital of Al-Gharb, the Algarve; the castle probably stands on earlier late Roman or Visigothic fortifications. The walls are built of large red sandstone blocks and "taipa", a mix of mud and sandstone. Christian forces captured the town in 1242, and the castle was altered in the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside you can see the remains of cisterns, including a vaulted one with five round arches.
The castle stands on the hill above the Arade. The climb through the town's lanes is part of the visit, and walking up is the recommended way. The cathedral is also in town and combines well with the castle.
- Nearest town
- Silves, Portugal
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 37.1911, -8.4385
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Portugal: Electronic tolls by number plate. Some motorways only have electronic tolls; register your plate or rent a transponder. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
© Kolforn (Kolforn) I'd appreciate if you could mail me (Kolforn@gmail.com) if you want to use this picture out of the Wi… · CC BY-SA 4.0Algar de Benagil
© Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0Praia da Marinha
© Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0Fóia
© Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL · CC BY-SA 2.0Ponta da Piedade
Campsites nearby
- Elodie & Romy's Algarve Camping Car ParkMotorhome stopover11 km from Silves Castle · 57 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo de CanelasCampsite11 km from Silves CastleTentsCaravansElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo de Armação de PeraCampsite12 km from Silves CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo Dourada AlvorCampsite15 km from Silves CastleTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Parque de Campismo de AlbufeiraCampsite19 km from Silves CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Sul ParkMotorhome stopover20 km from Silves CastleMotorhomesWi-Fi
All campsites in Portugal · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Silves Castle?
Silves Castle is in Silves, Portugal, at GPS 37.1911, -8.4385. It is about 17 km from Monchique.
Can you camp near Silves Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parque do Castelo, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Silves Castle?
Silves Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: The hidden Algarve: villages and the Serra de Monchique.
What is there to see near Silves Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Algar de Benagil (12 km), Praia da Marinha (12 km), Fóia (20 km) and Ponta da Piedade (24 km).
When is the best time to visit Silves Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually March–May and September–November. Still fine, with some compromises, in June–August and December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)