Algarve Castles: be surprised by these 9 fortifications

Silves Castle

The Algarve castles, strategically located, are silent witnesses to centuries of history, from Roman rule, through Muslim influence, to the Christian reconquest.

This itinerary was designed to optimise the car journey, but you can adapt it as you prefer.

1. Aljezur Castle

We begin our journey on the western coast of the Algarve, in the beautiful village of Aljezur, dominated by its castle.

• History: Built by the Muslims in the 10th or 11th centuries, Aljezur Castle was an important structure for coastal defence and surveillance. It was the last castle in the Algarve to be conquered in 1249.

• Curiosities: Its strategic location, on top of a hill, allows a 360º view over the Aljezur River and the surrounding plain. The castle's plan is an irregular polygon, and its walls and towers are an excellent example of Muslim military architecture from the Taifa of Silves. The castle is classified as a Monument of Public Interest.

2. Lagos Castle

Next, we head to the coastal city of Lagos, dominated by the walls of its old castle.

• History: The origins of Lagos Castle date back to the Roman period, but its current structure is of Muslim and Christian origin. It was one of the most important ports during the Portuguese Discoveries, and its walls were essential to protect the ships and goods arriving from distant lands.

• Curiosities: A large part of the city walls is, in fact, an extension of the old castle. Its walls witnessed crucial events in Portuguese history, from the 1755 earthquake to the epic of the Discoveries.

3. Silves Castle

Located in the former capital of Gharb al-Andalus, the Muslim Algarve, Silves Castle is one of the most impressive and well-preserved in the region and one of the largest in Portugal.

• History: Its origin dates back to the Roman period, but its current structure is mostly of Arab origin, built between the 8th and 13th centuries. It was an important political, economic, and cultural centre during Muslim rule. Its fall, in 1242, to the forces of D. Paio Peres Correia, marked the end of the Muslim presence in the region.

• Curiosities: The castle, built of red sandstone, glows with a reddish hue at sunset. Legend has it that the castle is connected to the well of Siloé, within its walls, by a secret tunnel that was used in case of a siege.

4. Paderne Castle

We move inland into the municipality of Albufeira to discover the ruins of Paderne Castle.

• History: Although small and in ruins, it is of great historical importance, as it is one of the seven castles represented on the flag of Portugal. Its origin is Roman or Visigothic, but the current structure is of Muslim origin. It was conquered by D. Paio Peres Correia in 1248.

• Curiosities: The castle is classified as a Property of Public Interest and stands out for its Muslim military architecture, with albarrana towers (towers separated from the wall) and a curious well embedded in one of them. It is located on a hill that offers a panoramic view over the rural landscape of the Algarve barrocal.

5. Loulé Castle

The next stop is Loulé, a city located in the heart of the Algarve.

• History: The Loulé Castle, of Muslim origin, was conquered by D. Afonso III in 1249. It suffered great damage from the 1755 earthquake, but parts of its wall and some towers were recovered.

• Curiosities: Part of the walls is integrated into the city, and within the castle area, you can find the Loulé Municipal Museum, which displays artefacts telling the history of the region, from prehistory to the present day. Its walls offer an interesting view of the city.

6. Salir Castle

We continue inland and towards the mountains to visit Salir Castle.

• History: The ruins of this castle, on top of a hill, are all that remains of an ancient Muslim fortification. It was the scene of intense fighting during the Christian reconquest, and was eventually abandoned.

• Curiosities: The castle offers stunning views over the mountains and the Algarve landscape. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed traces of human occupation dating back to the Neolithic, showing that the site has always been a strategic location.

7. Tavira Castle

In Tavira, we find a castle that, although in ruins, still preserves the charm and importance of the time it was built.

• History: Its history begins in the Phoenician period, but its current structure, of Muslim origin and remodelled after the Christian reconquest, was crucial for the defence of the city. It was the scene of intense fighting against the Arab forces, which was finally conquered by D. Paio Peres Correia in 1242.

• Curiosities: The castle offers a panoramic view over the city of Tavira and the Ria Formosa Natural Park. Inside the walls, there is a beautiful garden, where local plant species can be observed, transforming the ruins into a space for leisure and contemplation.

8. Castro Marim Castle

The eighth point of our itinerary is Castro Marim, a village dominated by its imposing castle.

• History: Castro Marim Castle is one of the most important fortifications in the Algarve. Its origin dates back to the Roman period, but the structure we see today was mostly built by the Muslims and expanded after the reconquest. It was the first seat of the Order of Christ, after the extinction of the Knights Templar.

• Curiosities: The castle integrates a set of three fortresses: the medieval castle, a Muslim fortification, and the Fort of Santo António, built in the 17th century. Its location, on top of a hill, allows an impressive view over the Guadiana River and the border landscape.

9. Alcoutim Castle

We end our journey by the Guadiana River, where Alcoutim Castle stands, with a privileged view of Spain.

• History: Its origins date back to prehistoric times, but the fortification was occupied and remodelled by the Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs. It was conquered by D. Sancho II in 1240. During the reign of D. Dinis, the castle was rebuilt, and its strategic importance on the border with Castile increased.

• Curiosities: In 1512, Alcoutim received a charter from D. Manuel I, and the castle was one of the first in Portugal to incorporate elements of the new Manueline architecture. Currently, the castle houses the Archeology Museum Center, with pieces that tell the history of the place, from the Bronze Age to the Modern Age.

We hope this itinerary inspires you to discover the fascinating past of the Algarve. For a complete experience, we suggest that, before you go, you check the respective visiting hours and any entrance fees. Have a good trip!