Discovering Silves by Campervan: Complete Guide
Introduction
Hey there, and welcome to this guide for an unforgettable road trip to Silves, Portugal! You’ll get to discover the fascinating history of this iconic town, its unique geographical setting, and how to get there easily. Dive into the world of vanlife and explore the top spots in Silves. I’ll also share tips for finding the perfect place to sleep, park for free, and do your laundry without a hassle.
Between each discovery, don’t miss out on our recommendations for places to visit and restaurants to indulge in. And of course, I’ll help you plan your budget so you can fully enjoy everything Silves has to offer. So, are you ready for this incredible adventure? Let’s hit the road together!
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What is Silves – Portugal?
History of Silves
Silves, dear road tripper, this Portuguese city nestled in the heart of the Algarve stands out like a gem by the Arade River, revealing its history that’s as ancient as it is captivating.
The Moorish fortress, a silent witness to centuries of turmoil, watches over the town, keeping the secrets of the legends of Al-Andalus. Saxons and Moors, like skilled artisans, wove a rich historical tapestry within this city. Oh, how I’d give anything to relive that flourishing time from the 9th to the 12th century, when Silves, then known as Xelb, sparkled as one of the cultural and commercial pearls of Iberia!
And just like that, let’s shift gears! After the tumult of the Reconquista, the city saw the banner of a new king fluttering in the breeze. The noble D. Afonso III, a shrewd strategist, conquered Silves, giving it its first breath as a Portuguese town in the 13th century. But, by a twist of fate, Silves gradually lost some of its luster, becoming a serene haven that holds so many memories. Each stone, every cobblestone street whispers forgotten epics—stories that make the van-lifers dreaming of stars and solid ground feel right at home.
Geographical Location
Situated in southern Portugal, our historical town today proudly stands at the heart of the Algarve, just a short distance from the whispers of the Atlantic Ocean. To the east, it gives a nod to vibrant Faro, while Portimão to the west casts its shadow with breathtaking beaches. To the north, it snuggles against the foothills of the Serra de Monchique, a green mountain range—nature’s fresh breath less than 18.6 miles (30 km) away! No volcanoes here, but a dazzling display of landscapes!
How to Get to Silves?
To get to Silves by camper from the nearest well-known cities in Portugal, you can take the A2 highway heading south from Lisbon. After that, take the exit toward Portimão on the A22 highway. Keep driving on this road until you reach Silves, just follow the signs.
When you’re finally there, you’ll find that Silves boasts a unique charm with its historical significance and lovely scenery. It’s a great stop for a bit of exploration and relaxation.
To get to Silves from Lisbon, hop on a train at the Lisbon-Oriente station. Catch the urban train on the Linha do Sul line heading towards Faro. Make sure to get off at the Silves station, right in the heart of downtown.
It’s pretty straightforward, and if you’re looking to explore beyond Lisbon, Silves is worth the trip. The ride is comfortable, and you’ll get to see a bit of the countryside along the way.
Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, just remember to check the train schedules ahead of time. Trains in Portugal are generally reliable, but it doesn’t hurt to plan a little. Enjoy your journey!
To get to Silves in Portugal by plane, the nearest airport is Faro Airport, which is about 31 miles (50 km) away. You can easily reach it from major cities like Lisbon (196 miles or 315 km) or Porto (314 miles or 505 km). Faro is an international airport, well-connected with flights coming in from various parts of Europe. Once you land in Faro, you can head to Silves by car, bus, or train.
While it’s a bit of a trek from Lisbon or Porto, it’s worth it! Silves is a beautiful town with rich history. So, packing your bags for this journey? Totally a good call!
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Climate: When to Visit Silves by Motorhome?
| Month | Average Temp (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Weather | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°/16° | 103mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| February | 9°/17° | 95mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| March | 10°/19° | 61mm | 🌦️ | Somewhat favorable |
| April | 11°/21° | 58mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| May | 14°/24° | 36mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| June | 17°/28° | 16mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| July | 19°/31° | 2mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| August | 19°/31° | 4mm | ☀️ | Very favorable |
| September | 18°/29° | 28mm | 🌦️ | Favorable |
| October | 15°/25° | 63mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| November | 12°/21° | 88mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
| December | 10°/18° | 114mm | 🌧️ | Unfavorable |
So, when’s the best time to head to Silves? Spring is likely your best bet, when the temperatures are mild and pleasant, plus the city isn’t overrun with tourists. It’s the perfect chance to wander through those charming little streets and soak up all the genuine culture!
Key Spots for Van and RV Travelers in Silves
Here’s a handy list of attractions and points of interest to enhance your van trip around Silves.
– 📍“Silves Motorhome Park”: N124, 8300-038 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (37.1874077, -8.4513853)
– 📍“Silves Free Area”: Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (37.1853196, -8.4454624)
– 📍“River Park”: River Park, Service Area for Motorhomes – Silves, Avenida Marginal, 8300-101 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (37.184936, -8.445473)
– 📍“Castle Park – For RVs”: R. do Encalhe 8, 8300-179 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.2 • Coordinates (37.1936881, -8.4361344)
– 📍“Casa Barco a Vela Campsite”: Siteo de Falacho-Pateiro, 8300-010 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.1 • Coordinates (37.1936769, -8.4677227)
- 📍Lawash Laundry: Silves, IEFP 8300, Portugal • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (37.1879973, -8.4478282)
- 📍Lavisek: 8300-183 Silves, Portugal • Rating: – • Coordinates (37.1890167, -8.4454996)
- 📍Laundry: Largo da República 21, 8300-114 Silves, Portugal • Rating: – • Coordinates (37.1892264, -8.4453639)
– 📍Motorhome Park Silves: N124, 8300-038 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (37.1874077, -8.4513853)
– 📍Parque do Rio: Parque do Rio, RV Service Area – Silves, Avenida Marginal, 8300-101 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.3 • Coordinates (37.184936, -8.445473)
📍Ribeirinho Park Parking: Ribeirinho Park, Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.8 • Coordinates (37.1848298, -8.4418911)
📍Parking Lot: 8300-130 Silves, Portugal • Rating: 4.2 • Coordinates (37.1879137, -8.4378285)
📍Continente Modelo Silves Customer Parking: 5HQ2+3X, Silves, Portugal • Rating: – • Coordinates (37.1876576, -8.447597199999999)
We opted for the “Motorhome Park Silves” for our stay in Silves, Portugal. This spot has a solid rating of 4.3 and is perfectly located to enjoy everything the city has to offer. The coordinates are 37.1874077, -8.4513853. We had an unforgettable time exploring the area and soaking up the peaceful vibe of this place.
Where and What to Eat in Silves?
Here’s a list of traditional and typical restaurants in Silves, along with the specialties to order, so you can dive into the local gastronomy.
The Restaurants of Silves
- 🍽️ Marisqueira Casa Velha • Rating: 3.9 • A seafood restaurant specializing in traditional Portuguese dishes.
- 🍽️ Silves Cafe • Rating: 4.2 • A cozy café with delicious food, perfect for a relaxing break.
- 🍽️ Restaurante Mira Rio • Rating: 4.2 • A restaurant with a view of the river, serving fine cuisine and local specialties.
- 🍽️ Tasca do Béne • Rating: 3.9 • A small traditional tavern offering typical dishes of the region.
- 🍽️ O Cais Bistro & Steak Boutique • Rating: 4.6 • An elegant restaurant serving premium meat dishes in a refined atmosphere.
The Specialties of Silves
Once you’ve chosen your restaurant, here’s a selection of traditional dishes served in this area. Don’t miss out on the cataplana de mariscos, a delightful mix of seafood flavors, or the rich xarém com conquilhas, a tasty tribute to the fruits of the lagoon.
Among these restaurants, we dined at O Cais Bistro & Steak Boutique in Silves, and we were pleasantly surprised by the quality of the high-end meat dishes and the refined atmosphere. It was an exceptional culinary experience that left us with delightful memories!
Travel Budget for a Road Trip to Silves
The currency used in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). The cost of living in Portugal is about 30% lower than in France, and the local purchasing power is roughly the same. When traveling, plan for a budget of at least 60€ (approximately $65 or £50) per day per person.
- Meal in a mid-range restaurant: 30 € (26.50 £, 32.00 $)
- Fast-food menu: 6 € (5.30 £, 6.30 $)
- Local beer (50 cl draft): 1.5 € (1.30 £, 1.60 $)
- Single public transport ticket: 1.5 € (£1.30, $1.60)
- Monthly public transport pass: 35 € (£30.10, $38.40)
- Unleaded petrol (1 liter): 1.6 € (£1.36, $1.66)
- Budget hotel (double room): 45 € (approximately £39.00 / $52.00)
- Mid-range hotel (double room): 75 € (approximately £64.00 / $84.00)
- Luxury hotel (double room): 120 € (approximately £102.00 / $135.00)
- Paire de jeans (Levis 501 ou équivalent): 85 € (£73 / $94)
- Robe d’été dans une grande enseigne (Zara, H&M..): 26 € (£22 / $29)
- Paire de chaussures de sport: 75 € (£65 / $86)
If you’re a budget traveler from the UK or US, navigating costs in Europe can seem daunting, but it’s manageable. For a decent meal in a mid-range restaurant, expect to spend around 30 € (about £26.50 or $32). If you’re keen to save, fast food is a wallet-friendly option at just 6 € (roughly £5.30 or $6.30). When it comes to relaxing with a beer, a local draft goes for a mere 1.5 € (about £1.30 or $1.60). Public transport is also economical; a single ticket costs 1.5 € (approximately £1.30 or $1.60), while a monthly pass is 35 € (£30.10 or $38.40). Accommodation prices vary too: budget hotels are around 45 € (around £39 or $52), while mid-range will set you back about 75 € (approximately £64 or $84). Overall, there are affordable choices that let you enjoy your trip without breaking the bank!
What Activities to Do in Silves?
Here’s a list of activities we recommend in Silves based on your interests and preferences:
- Romantic stroll through the medieval streets of Silves
- Tasting local wines in an intimate setting
- Sunset picnic near Silves Castle
– Tour of Silves Castle
– Exploration of the Silves Municipal Museum
– Fado performance at a traditional café in the town
– Hiking in the surrounding countryside of Silves
– Cycling along the Arade River
– Kayaking on the Arade River
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- Medieval Festival in Silves in August featuring performances, a medieval market, and various activities
- Craft Beer Fair in October
- Jazz Festival in July
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Conclusion: Why Visit or Return to Silves?
In conclusion, Silves is far more than just a historic town; it’s a true open book on Portugal’s glorious past. With its diverse activities, culinary delights, and romantic atmosphere, Silves is sure to win you over. So, let yourself be captivated by the medieval charm of its streets and embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Algarve!
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