Tucked into the hills of the central Algarve, Silves is a small historic town about 15 kilometres inland from the coast and roughly 45 minutes from Faro Airport. Living in Silves means moving at a noticeably slower pace than in Albufeira or Portimão, and that’s exactly the appeal for many people considering a move.
What is Silves like?
Silves feels old in the best possible way. The skyline is dominated by the sandstone castle, one of Portugal’s best-preserved Moorish fortresses, its thick red walls glowing in the late afternoon light. Below it, cobbled streets wind past small cafés, traditional pastelarias and local shops that still close for lunch.
The town sits along the Arade River, surrounded by orange groves and gentle countryside. Top Blue-Flag beaches such as Praia da Rocha, Carvoeiro and Praia da Marinha are around 20 to 30 minutes by car, so sea swims are easy enough, but daily life isn’t driven by tourism in the same way as the coast.
Outside of August, when the well-known Feira Medieval de Silves takes over the town, things are calm. You’ll hear more Portuguese than English in the cafés, and evenings are more about a simple dinner in the square than late-night bars.
Is Silves the prettiest town in the Algarve?
The red sandstone architecture sets it apart from the white coastal towns, and the views from the castle stretch across the countryside towards the Serra de Monchique.
That said, it’s pretty in a historic, slightly rugged way. There are no sea views, no marina, no polished promenade. Compared with Tavira or Lagos, Silves feels smaller and more rooted in its past. For some, it is one of the best places to live in southern Portugal, and for others, it feels too small and inland.
Pros and cons of living in Silves
Life here suits certain personalities more than others.
Pros of living in Silves:
- More authentic atmosphere than many coastal Algarve towns.
- Property prices lower than hotspots such as Loulé or parts of Lagos.
- Easy access to beaches without paying frontline coastal prices.
Cons of living in Silves:
- Nightlife and cultural events are modest outside summer.
- Fewer international services directly in town compared with larger Algarve centres.
- Job market is small unless you work remotely or run your own business.
Cost of living in Silves
The cost of living in Silves sits somewhere in the middle for the Algarve, and below that of Algarve's property hotspots. It isn’t the bargain it once was, but it’s still noticeably cheaper than the so-called golden triangle around Quinta do Lago and golf destination Vale do Lobo, and its new luxury development.
Property prices in Silves
As of January 2026, property prices in Silves municipality averaged €3,312 per m². The cheapest place to buy property in Silves, and one of the cheapest in the Algarve, is São Bartolomeu de Messines, with a significantly lower average of €1,741 per m².
Across Faro district, Silves is currently the third cheapest place to buy property, ahead of Olhão at €3,176 per m² and Castro Marim at €2,815 per m². By contrast, Loulé sits at €4,571 per m².
Rent prices in Silves
Rent prices in Silves in January 2026 averaged €12.9 per m². An 80 m² flat would therefore cost around €1,032 per month. In Armação de Pêra, rents are slightly higher at €13.3 per m².
Everyday expenses
Eating out is still reasonable by Algarve standards. A main course at an inexpensive restaurant is around €12, and a meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can set you back €60. A beer in a local bar should be around €2 and a cup of coffee less, at €1.50
Basic utilities for an 85 m² apartment come to roughly €150 per month, depending on air conditioning use in summer.
Best places to live in Silves
Silves municipality covers quite a bit of ground, and each area feels different.
Historic centre
Living in the centre means narrow streets, traditional townhouses and castle views. Parking can be tricky, but daily life is wonderfully walkable. Prices here sit slightly above the municipal average at €3,465 per m².
Armação de Pêra (coastal part of the municipality)
If sea views matter, this is where you look. The area is dominated by apartment blocks and holiday homes, and it’s busier in summer. Purchase prices are higher at €3,893 per m². This part attracts a mix of seasonal residents and international buyers who want coastal access without moving to Albufeira.
São Bartolomeu de Messines and inland areas
Further inland, space increases and prices drop sharply to around €1,741 per m². Expect villas, smallholdings and rural properties with land. Foreign residents here are often looking for privacy, gardening space or renovation projects. It's here you're most likely to find a property under 100K in the Algarve.
Living in Silves as a foreigner
There’s a steady British, Dutch and German presence, particularly in the surrounding countryside. English is widely spoken in estate agencies, cafés and healthcare settings, though daily life still feels distinctly Portuguese. Silves has a local health centre, while larger hospitals are in Portimão and Faro.
For families, nearby schooling options include Nobel Algarve British International School in Lagoa and NOAP in Fontes da Matosa, both within driving distance.
Integration tends to happen naturally through language classes, charity shops, local markets and community events. It’s not a flashy expat scene, but more about regular faces at the same café each morning.
Silves or Lagos?
Silves is inland, quieter and more traditional. Evenings revolve around local restaurants and town squares, and life ticks along at a gentler pace.
Lagos, on the other hand, is firmly coastal, with beaches on the doorstep and a larger expat infrastructure with more international businesses and a busier year-round feel. As of January 2026, property prices in Lagos averaged €4,486 per m², thereofe considerably higher than in Silves. Rent prices reached €15.8 per m² in the same month, reflecting strong demand.
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