Silves

Silves, to the east of Monchique, lies on the River Arade, which flows down to the sea at Portimão. In earlier times the river was navigable up to this point by fairly large vessels. Today there are trips there in the traditional Portuguese 'canoes' which depart from Portimão. Just inside the city walls is an archaeological museum, set up around the Moorish Town well. The Cathedral of Silves is on the road from here, back down to the river.