Uncovering Silves and Monchique - The Algarve's Hidden Gems

It’s easy to forget that there is beauty further inland than on the coastline in a region such as the Algarve. Visitors would love to constantly stay close to the beach for sun, sea, and sangria. However, there is no harm in embarking on an inland adventure for the whole morning or afternoon to explore the hidden treasures.

This is precisely what I did one morning in the Algarve, where I embarked on an adventure from the coast of Albufeira to the villages of Silves and Monchique.

Wading Through the Countryside to Silves

Leaving Albufeira behind me, I am whisked away along the long country Algarve roads up to a viewpoint overlooking Silves. A village initially ruled under the Roman Empire, it experienced a rise when it became an affluent city and an ancient capital ruled by the dynasty of Ibn Mozaine. Fast-forwarding to modern times, in 1755, Silves experienced an earthquake that devastated the village.

The van I am in stops at a viewpoint not far from the village, giving me the time to admire it from afar. Upon looking at the view, it is clear that it never gave up on rebuilding and continuing to run as a village containing around 3800 civilians.

The view of Silves from a lay-by viewpoint

The van continues from the viewpoint to halt outside Silves Cathedral, where I am given an hour to explore the area. The castle is very close by, and I decide to begin my journey to explore it.

Meandering Through the Castle and Cathedral of Silves

Upon approaching the castle, I notice a statue of the Portuguese King Sancho I. I discover that the statue's height indicates this king's height when conquering Silves in 1189. I contribute €3.90 for a ticket to the castle and the village’s Municipal Museum of Archaeology. I am then surrounded by the castle’s walls, where nearby steps allow me to climb up them and behold the views from the castle, looking down at the village.

The exterior of Silves Castle, featuring King Sancho I

I stroll around these castle walls, passing a Portuguese flag flying in the wind. I notice ornaments of the castle in display cases scattered around. Some reference the Portuguese Conquest of the Algarve between 1238 and 1249. While I am fascinated by the castle’s history, I am slightly more transfixed by the beauty of the views from the castle; the village being on one side, and the view of an area looking slightly more desolate. I notice a café available for visitors to stop and rest; however, in the only hour I have, I am keen to see as much of the village as possible.

A view of Silves Castle's interior

I therefore decide to proceed with visiting the Cathedral of Silves for some brief tranquillity. A short walk over, then sees me paying the €2.00 entrance fee before being consumed by the silence of this cathedral. I am one of the very few visitors currently wandering around, becoming enticed by the religious figures on display, including Jesus Christ himself on a cross. It was confirmed that this was originally the site of a mosque, before a Reconquista saw it converted into a catholic cathedral in 1249.

My hour wandering around Silves ends, and after purchasing a bottle of water from a local shop, I head back to my van for the journey to Monchique.

The Journey from Silves to Monchique

This road trip begins with our driver pointing out the difference in the coloured houses in the village. It is confirmed that a specific colour code is applied to these houses. Blue houses, for example, are fishermen's homes, and farmers occupy the green houses.

Residents living in red houses do not wish to be disturbed by anyone and want their privacy.

The journey continues through the Algarve countryside, discussing the originally built roads linking Silves to Monchique. It is confirmed that workers who supported the construction of these roads stayed in state houses where they could rest after their long shifts.

We stop at specific points along this road to pick up white lavender and eucalyptus leaf samples. The samples given to me provide health benefits such as getting to sleep easily and curing breathing problems, as my tour guide confirms. With this information in mind, I securely pack these samples in my bag, hoping they can be used in the future.

A sample of a white lavender plant

Discussions of cork trees came up on the journey to Monchique. I discover here that 50%-60% of corks are produced for wine, prosecco, and champagne bottles in Portugal. These are then exported worldwide to provide the finishing touches to these bottles.

We stop again to observe examples of the cork trees growing to the side of the road, where I learn the laws that apply to their growth. Only once every 9 years can growers of these trees strip them of their branches, ready to be produced into corks for bottles. A heavy fine will be imposed if cork trees are stripped more than once every 9 years.

We eventually arrive at the main village of Monchique, where my tour guide confirms that the womenfolk are reputed to be the strongest in the whole of Portugal. It makes me wonder how safe the men in this village must feel knowing that the women can protect them easily.

Monchique Mountain at its Height

Our van pulls into a parking space after arriving at the peak of Monchique’s mountain. Upon leaving the van, I immediately stroll to the viewpoint, which provides me with the ultimate view overlooking a good portion of the Algarve’s coast. I ignore the cool breeze and take in the view as much as possible before heading towards a massive pile of rocks. I then clamber up these rocks, minding each step I take, to reach a slightly higher, yet less sturdy, viewpoint.

The view of the Algarve coast from Monchique Mountain

I spend a few minutes emptying my mind and enjoying the outward view towards the coast, feeling grateful for how clear the day is. I then clamber back down towards the café and shop to admire the artwork on show, produced by the locals of Monchique village.

My time atop this mountain’s peak comes to a close, and I return to the van to embark on my return journey back to Albufeira.

As I am driven back, I feel content knowing I have uncovered two areas of the Algarve caked in history and beauty. Not only that, but they had what it takes to survive the earthquakes hurled at them and then recover from them stronger than before.

The Travelling Foodie's Facts and Figures

• I embarked on the adventure with Alsafari Tours, where I spent half a day exploring Silves and Monchique for £34. Click here for more details of this experience, as advertised by Tui Musement.