Monchique and Silves: Mountains, Spa Village and Moorish Castle

Just inland from the Algarve’s beaches lie two very different escapes: the cool, green mountains of Monchique, with the region’s highest viewpoint and an old spa village, and Silves, the former Moorish capital with its red sandstone castle. They make a perfect day out from the coast, especially on a cloudy day or in the heat of summer.

Quick answer: drive up to Fóia (902m) for views to the coast, stop at the spa village of Caldas de Monchique, try medronho, then visit Silves castle (about €2.80) and cathedral. Both are about 30 minutes from Portimão. In summer, you can arrive in Silves by boat up the Arade river.

Monchique

Fóia

The highest point in the Algarve, at 902m. On a clear day you can see from Sagres to Portimão and far out to sea. The road up is winding but easy.

Caldas de Monchique

A tiny 19th-century spa village in a wooded valley, with thermal springs used since Roman times. The Villa Termal spa resort offers thermal-water spa access (about €15), and the shady square is lovely for a coffee. Stay here: Villa Termal Spa Resort.

Monchique village

A hilltop town with steep lanes, craft shops selling folding “scissor” chairs and wooden goods, and the ruins of a convent above town. Places to stay in Monchique.

Medronho

A fiery local spirit distilled from the fruit of the strawberry tree. Try it in the village, or with honey as melosa.

The landscape and wildfire recovery

A huge wildfire burned around 27,000 hectares here in 2018. The hills have greened again, with replanting of native chestnut, cork oak and other trees. Check fire-risk warnings in summer.

Jeep tours

Off-road safaris from the coast visit Monchique’s hills, villages and a medronho distillery. See Monchique tours.

Silves

Silves Castle

The best-preserved castle in the Algarve, built of red sandstone by the Moors, with walls to walk and views over orange groves. About €2.80 for adults (free for under-14s), or about €3.90 with the archaeology museum. Open late into the evening in summer.

Silves Cathedral

A Gothic cathedral built on the site of the old mosque, just below the castle (about €1.50).

The old town and river

Steep lanes, a Roman-style bridge over the Arade and cafes by the water. Silves is surrounded by orange groves, so try the fresh juice.

The Medieval Fair

Every August, Silves hosts one of Portugal’s best medieval fairs, with costumes, jousting, food and music.

Getting there

• Car: about 30 minutes from Portimão to either. Combine both in a day.
• Boat to Silves: river trips run up the Arade from Portimão (about 2–4 hours, depending on the tide), with time ashore in Silves. See Arade river cruises.
• Train: Silves has a station on the Algarve line, about 2km from town.

Places to stay in Silves. More: the best day trips from the Algarve and the best Algarve villages.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.