There is an amazing amount of history in the Algarve. Whether you are on the coast or decide to travel inland, which often means up and down a few hills, you are sure to find a castle, fort, town that has been around since Roman times. Silves is no exception. The Moors put their mark on the town in the 700’s. Living in Canada it is mind boggling to see so much architecture that dates 100’s of years before Canada was even discovered by the Europeans. In the 19th century it became famous for its cork, which is still being harvested today. Every little town in Portugal has at least 1 cork store, selling shoes, purses, belts, you name it they can make it out of cork. My favourite will be the wine cork of course :).

After a lovely drive winding up and down the hills, we park the car and start walking, and looking up we see the beautiful Silves Castle. I guess this is not going to be a day without a walk up a hill and a steep one at that lol. Definitely worth the climb. Parts of the castle date back to the 8th century. When they built things back then they were built to last.

The lovely little streets were full of cafes with darling little outdoor patios. The menu at our restaurant had a very Moroccan flavour to it. The falafels were delicious. The drive from Lisbon down to the Algarve is dotted with Stork nests on every available powerline and tree they could find. Being at the top of the hill and on the castle wall I was finally able to get close enough to get a couple of pictures of them. Another beautiful day, great weather, stunning drive and not too far from the coast.