Enjoy The Private Tour to Silves Castle, Lagos & Ponta da Piedade

Portimão , Portugal

Enjoy The Private Tour to Silves Castle, Lagos & Ponta da Piedade

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About this experience

After pickup from your accommodation, begin your day exploring the medieval Castle of Silves and the statue of King Sancho I, an important symbol of the Christian Reconquest.
Walk along its ancient red sandstone walls, enjoy panoramic views

Continue to Ponta da Piedade, enjoying spectacular views of golden cliffs, turquoise waters, sea arches, and hidden grottos. Here, you may join an optional boat trip to admire the rock formations up close.

Next, visit Lagos, a town filled with stories of navigators and pirates, and stroll through its historic center. Enjoy an optional lunch in a traditional local restaurant before continuing the tour.

This private tour offers the perfect combination of history, culture, gastronomy, and breathtaking scenery—an ideal choice for those who want to experience the very best of the Algarve in a full and memorable day.

Available options

Silves Castle, Lagos, and Ponta Da Piedade Tour

Duration: 7 hours<br/>Minibus <br/>Pickup included

What's included

Comfortable minibus with individual seats and individual air conditioning

Private Tour Whith Local Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Silves Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in the Algarve and a remarkable example of Moorish military architecture. Built mainly between the 8th and 13th centuries, its red sandstone walls dominate the town of Silves, offering sweeping views over the Arade River and the surrounding countryside.

Inside the castle, visitors can explore its large inner courtyard, ancient water cisterns, defensive towers, and walk along the fortified walls. The strong Moorish influence is visible in its design and construction, reflecting Silves’ importance as a former capital of the region during Islamic rule. Today, Silves Castle stands as a powerful symbol of the area’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Silves is one of the Algarve’s most historic and charming towns, known for its rich Moorish heritage and peaceful riverside atmosphere. Once the capital of the region during Arab rule, Silves was a thriving center of culture, science, and trade. Today, its cobbled streets, traditional whitewashed houses, and orange-tree–lined squares preserve the charm of centuries past.

The town is dominated by the impressive Silves Castle, overlooking the Arade River, and home to some of the best-preserved medieval walls in Portugal. Nearby, the Gothic Cathedral of Silves and the Municipal Archaeology Museum offer further insight into its long and diverse history.

Surrounded by rolling hills and citrus groves, Silves blends history, nature, and tranquility—making it one of the Algarve’s most authentic and picturesque towns.

Stop 3

Ponta da Piedade is one of the Algarve’s most stunning natural landmarks, located near Lagos. This dramatic coastline features golden limestone cliffs, sea arches, pillars, and hidden grottos sculpted by centuries of wind and waves. The cliffs rise sharply from the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, creating breathtaking views from both the shore and the sea. Visitors can explore the area by foot along scenic cliff-top paths or enjoy an optional boat trip to see the grottos, caves, and rock formations up close. Ponta da Piedade is a perfect spot for photography, sightseeing, and experiencing the raw beauty of the Algarve coastline.

Lagos is a historic and vibrant town in the Algarve, known for its rich maritime heritage. Once a center for Portuguese explorers during the Age of Discoveries, Lagos is filled with stories of navigators, trade, and even pirates. Its charming old town features cobbled streets, colorful buildings, lively squares, and significant landmarks such as churches, forts, and city walls. Lagos also offers beautiful beaches, scenic cliffs, and a welcoming atmosphere that blends history, culture, and modern coastal life, making it a must-visit destination in southern Portugal.

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Specialized infant seats are available

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Portimão

Portimão is a vibrant coastal city in the Algarve region of Portugal, known for its stunning beaches, rich maritime history, and lively atmosphere. It offers a mix of traditional charm and modern amenities, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure.

Top Attractions

Praia da Rocha

Praia da Rocha is one of the most famous beaches in Portimão, known for its golden sands, clear waters, and dramatic cliffs. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

Beach Half day to full day Free

Portimão Museum

The Portimão Museum offers a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history and cultural heritage. It houses a variety of exhibits, including archaeological artifacts and traditional boats.

Museum 1-2 hours €5

Algar Seco

Algar Seco is a natural park with stunning rock formations, caves, and viewpoints. It's a great spot for hiking, photography, and enjoying panoramic views of the coastline.

Nature Half day Free

Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição

This historic church is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture and a significant religious site in Portimão. It's worth a visit for its intricate design and cultural importance.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cataplana de Marisco

A traditional Portuguese seafood dish cooked in a cataplana, a copper cooking pot. It typically includes a variety of seafood such as clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices.

Dinner Contains seafood and shellfish

Bacalhau à Brás

A classic Portuguese dish made with shredded codfish, onions, garlic, and eggs, often served with fried potatoes and parsley.

Dinner Contains fish and eggs, can be made vegetarian with substitutions

Pastel de Nata

A popular Portuguese custard tart with a flaky pastry crust and a creamy egg yolk filling, dusted with cinnamon.

Dessert Contains dairy and eggs, can be made gluten-free

Popular Activities

Hiking in Algar Seco Water sports at Praia da Rocha Sunbathing at Praia da Rocha Spa treatments Visiting Portimão Museum Exploring the historic center Swimming Boat tours

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the best time to visit Portimão for beach activities and water sports. The weather is warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying the coastal attractions.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Portimão is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any tourist destination, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of distractions and common scams

Getting there

By air

Faro Airport • 65 km from Portimão

By train

Portimão Train Station

By bus

Portimão Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

EVA Transportes operates a network of buses that cover Portimão and the surrounding areas. The buses are reliable and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Praia da Rocha City Center Alvor

Day trips

Alvor

5 km from Portimão • Half day

Alvor is a charming fishing village with beautiful beaches, scenic walks, and a relaxed atmosphere. It's a great place to escape the busier areas of Portimão.

Lagos

25 km from Portimão • Full day

Lagos is a historic town with a rich maritime heritage, stunning beaches, and beautiful architecture. It's a popular destination for history buffs and beach lovers alike.

Silves

30 km from Portimão • Half day to full day

Silves is a historic town with a stunning castle, beautiful architecture, and a rich cultural heritage. It's a great place to learn about the region's history and enjoy traditional Portuguese charm.

Festivals

Carnaval de Portimão • February Festas de São João • June

Pro tips

Visit Praia da Rocha for stunning sunsets and vibrant nightlife
Explore the historic center and visit the Portimão Museum for a glimpse into the city's rich maritime history
Try local seafood dishes like cataplana de marisco and bacalhau à Brás
Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Alvor, Lagos, or Silves for a variety of experiences
Use public transport or rent a bike to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint