In the recent years Portugal has emerged as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world and tourism also contributes considerably to the already soaring Portuguese economy. In the extreme southern end of Portugal is located the region of Algarve which is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal. Algarve has all the ingredients to lure tourists, the various towns and villages located in this region provide wonderful hospitality and scenic beauty, the beaches are exquisite and clean, there are marinas and plush golf courses for spending leisure time.

Silves had been one of the prominent towns of the Algarve region and it had been infested with various edifices of the ancient times till the massive earthquake of 1755 destroyed everything and a considerable part of this town was also heavily damaged and almost nothing survived nature’s wrath. However certain structures still remain. It is known that Portugal had been subjugated by the Romans and the Moors in the ancient past and it was much later after the Christian invasion that Portugal managed to attain independence. One of the castles that predates to the Moorish times still remain as ruins.

The bridge of Ponta Romana over the Rio Arade is still to be found located beneath the walls of the city which belong to the time period around the 15th century. Silves has also preserved a 13th century cathedral which had been initially built on the location of a mosque. Therefore Silves is a wonderful and picturesque town which has retained the ancient flavor to an extent and therefore has emerged as a popular destination for the location of cottages and villas. Among the local cuisines, the most popular and well known delicacy is that of the Morgados cake formed of pumpkin. It is also significant to remember that Silves is the largest orange growing region here.