Silves Medieval Fair
Silves Medieval Fair (Silves Feira Medieval) takes place each August in the historic city of Silves.
Beginning in 2004 Silves Medieval Fair has now grown into a large 10-day event which attracts over 130,000 visitors to watch the nightly historical dramas and re-enactments of the town's Islamic history.
One of the main venues for the festival is Silves Castle along with Praça Al'Mutamid and the square outside Silves Cathedral.
The fun and action starts at 6 pm every evening and continues until 1 pm.
Each evening's entertainment begins with the procession through the streets by participants in period costume (visitors can hire them and join in too!), followed by music, dance, street entertainment (acrobats, court jesters, fire-eaters, jugglers, musicians, snake charmers, veiled dancers) as well as dramas relating to the history of Silves performed in the grounds of Silves Castle or outside the Sé (Cathedral). A horse tournament takes place twice each evening in Praça Al'Mutamid.
The streets of Silves are packed with market traders who have come from all over Europe and North Africa to sell their wares. Goods for sale range from dried fruits, nuts and dates from Tunisia to singing bowls and carpets from Tibet.
Lots of stalls also set up under torch lights selling regional foods and drinks. There's even a local currency - the Xilb - in use during the Fair that can be exchanged for Euros.
Tickets & Prices
A daily ticket is 2 Euros to enter the historic center with extra charges for the Horse Tournament and shows at the Castle. Costume hire is 3 Euros. (Prices are based on the 2016 Fair).
You would need to book a hotel in Silves far in advance to have a chance of getting a room in the town or surrounding countryside. Many people drive in from their accommodation on the coast. Various travel agencies and hotels in the Algarve arrange mini-bus shuttles to the fair, transporting you there are back for the evening
Silves Castle
Rua do Castelo, Silves 8300-144
Silves Medieval Fair on Facebook
Accommodation in Silves
Quinta do Rio Country Inn
Located in beautiful countryside a few kilometres outside Silves.
Another recommended hotel is the Colona dos Mouros on the other side of the river from the town with a pool and open-air terrace. Also on this side of the river is the well-liked Casa do Cerro with views of the castle from its glamorous hilltop perch. Similarly the new Horta Grande hostel has a loyal following.
In the old town visitors can choose from a number of holiday homes with just a few rooms such as the Casa à Porta do Torreão (a one bedroom house), Quintal do Castelo and Casa do Jardim.
Outside of town on the N124 going north the Residencial Vila Sodre has 12 rooms.
Also about 6 km outside Silves is the British and Irish, husband and wife-owned Duas Quintas, set in 15 acres of orange trees, with a large swimming pool.