Silves is a historical town in the Algarve and is a popular choice with international buyers. In this article we look in more detail at the town, the lifestyle and the property prices. Will you buy a home in Silves?
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The town
Silves is rich in history with a strong Moorish influence. It was originally the capital of the Algarve and was a major trading hub between the 9th and 12th century.
Today, evidence of this historical importance remains with the magnificent castle, fortified gateway and Gothic cathedral still just as impressive as before.
The town is a maze of quaint, cobbled streets, whitewashed buildings and open-air cafes. It is an inland town set in a picturesque location along the beautiful Rio Arade with a backdrop of rolling hills.
Despite being inland, the Algarve’s stunning beaches are just 30 minutes’ drive away.
The lifestyle
Despite being a popular day-trip destination with tourists, the pace of life in Silves is very relaxed and a refreshing change from the hectic coastal towns and resorts in the Algarve.
It feels very authentic, particularly in the evenings, with al fresco dining being a popular pastime.
While Silves is, overall, a slow-paced town, there are two weeks of the year when the town transforms into a lively and bustling place. The Silves Medieval Festival happens every August and attracts people from all over the country and beyond. During this time, the castle area is fully decked out in Medieval attire and the city is thronged with people in period costumes, parades, food stalls and attractions.
Why not split the cost and double the fun of owning a holiday home in Portugal by buying with family or friends? Read our guide to Buying Abroad with Family
Property prices
Being slightly more inland that other popular Algarve destinations, property prices tend to be more affordable.
Property varies from cosy and traditional town centre apartments, modern apartments in residential complexes and large, detached villas.
Average property prices are around €2,700 per square metre. Compare this to Albufeira (€3,400 per square metre), Carvoeiro (€3,500 per square metre) and Vilamoura (€4,300 per square metre), and it’s clear that you can generally get more for your budget in Silves.
Just €100,000 will present you with a good selection of town centre apartments while villas will cost you from €275,000.
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