Silves

Silves—once the Moorish capital of the Algarve—is one of the region's most intriguing locales. Small whitewashed villas trickle down from the imposing castle that sits atop town, overlooking the hills beyond. Being inland, Silves is generally warmer than coastal communities, and it has a pretty riverside area where you can enjoy a refreshing stroll or cheap, cheerful meal. In summer, Viking-style canoes run trips down the Arade River to Portimão.