MarketsMay8
Markets of Silves
Silves
Silves
·until 28 Dec
Events in Silves
The Algarve's former Moorish capital. Red castle, orange groves and the medieval fair.
11 events found
Markets
MarketsMay8
Antique Fair
Silves
Silves
·until 26 Dec
LiteratureFreeMay8
TRAINING PROGRAM + NEXT
Silves
·until 13 May
May8
GOLDEN WEDDING - REGISTRATIONS
Silves
·until 3 Jun
MusicFreeMay8
EXHIBITION "JAZZ ON THE MOVE"
Silves
·until 29 May
ExhibitionsMay8
Jazz on The Move | Photography Exhibition | Municipal Library of Silves
Biblioteca Municipal de Silves
Silves
·until 18 May
Music25€May8
9th Edition Jazz in the Cellars "Swing Téte & Paula Padilla"
Silves
Silves
TheatreMay10
STORIES TO RETELL
Silves
WorkshopsMay13
Macramé Workshop
Alcantarilha
Silves
Music25€May16
9th Edition Jazz in the Wineries "Silves Philharmonic Combo"
Silves
Silves
MusicMay23
9th Edition Jazz in the Wineries "Orquestra de Jazz do Algarve"
Silves
Silves
What's on in Silves: the Medieval Fair in the Old Town in August, the Silves Capital of Orange Show at FISSUL in February, and boat trips to the Benagil sea cave from Armação de Pêra — between the Almohad red-sandstone Castle, the Algarve's only Gothic cathedral, and the Manueline Cruz de Portugal. Seasonal highlights: Medieval Fair from 7 to 15 August 2026 (18th edition), with a parade between the Madinat Xilb and the outskirts, an immersive castle show and Arab showcooking; Capital of Orange Show from 13 to 15 February (10th edition), headlined by Raquel Tavares and Matias Damásio. Updated daily with what's happening today, this weekend and in the weeks ahead.
- District:
- Faro
- Population:
- ~38,000
- Area:
- 680 km² (2nd largest in the Algarve)
- Parishes:
- 6
- Former Xelb:
- Arab capital of al-Gharb (10th–13th c.)
Main places
Castelo de Silves
12th–13th-century Almohad fortress in military taipa clad with the local red sandstone (grés de Silves). The Alcáçova covers 12,000 m². Inside, the Aljibe — Almohad cistern measuring 20×16×7 m, with a capacity of 1.3 million litres — once supplied the city. The best-preserved castle in the Algarve.
Silves Cathedral (Sé)
The Algarve's only major Gothic building, raised mostly in the 15th century under the influence of Batalha. Tombstones of bishops and nobles from the 15th–16th centuries on the floor; King João II, who died in Alvor in 1495, asked to be buried here. Right opposite the Castle.
Cruz de Portugal
Gothic / Manueline wayside cross in pale-yellow limestone, ~3 m tall. Crucifix on one face and Pietà on the other. National Monument since 1910, attributed to the reign of King Manuel I — possibly a gift during his visit to the city in 1499. At the eastern entrance to the city.
Municipal Archaeology Museum
Built around a 12th-century Islamic well-cistern — a real architectural feature inside the museum, 18 m deep. Collection from the Palaeolithic through the Age of Discoveries, with special emphasis on the Islamic period. Rua das Portas de Loulé.
Praça Al-Mut'amid
The heart of the city, next to the town hall, main stage of the Medieval Fair — daily 6pm opening, Arab showcooking, horseback duels in the 'Xilb, the Spears of the Reconquista' show. Year-round café terraces, market and local meeting point.
FISSUL — Fair and Exhibition Park
The council's fair park, in Silves city. Hosts the Silves Capital of Orange Show in February (3 days of agriculture, agri-food, machinery and crafts), Silves Beer Fest, and other themed fairs throughout the year.
Armação de Pêra
Fishing town on the border with Albufeira — 2 km of urban beach, cobbled promenade and Praia dos Pescadores (Fishermen's Beach). The main departure point for small-boat tours to the Benagil, Marinha and Albandeira sea caves (~1h, leaving from Praia dos Pescadores).
São Bartolomeu de Messines
Inland village in the transition between the barrocal and the Caldeirão mountains. House-museum of João de Deus, a 19th-century poet and educator, author of the 'Cartilha Maternal' primer. Festa das Tradições in September and a monthly fair on the 4th Monday.
More in Silves
Good questions
When is Silves' Medieval Fair and what should I expect?
The 18th edition runs from 7 to 15 August 2026 (9 days). Daily opening at 6pm, with a parade between the Madinat Xilb and the outskirts setting off from Praça Al-Mut'amid. Fixed schedule: welcome by the Vizir at 6:30pm, call to prayer at the Cathedral (former mosque) at 6:50pm, Arab showcooking at 7pm, horseback duels at 8pm and 10:30pm, and the immersive 'Xilb, Final Conquest' show at the Castle (9pm–midnight).
What is the Silves Capital of Orange Show?
An annual February fair at the FISSUL park — the 10th edition is 13–15 February 2026, free admission. Exhibitors covering agriculture, agri-food, machinery, crafts and institutions; tastings and showcookings with the orange opening the Algarve agricultural year. 2026 music line-up: Raquel Tavares, Matias Damásio and Bandidos do Cante.
Is Silves Castle worth it if I've already seen other Algarve castles?
Yes — it's the largest and best-preserved castle in the Algarve, and a near-intact example of Almohad military architecture in the peninsula. The 2.80 m-thick red-sandstone walls keep their 12th-century look; the Aljibe cistern is a feat of Islamic engineering with 1.3 million litres' capacity. The view from the top, over the orange groves and the Arade river, is worth the trip on its own.