The colorful city of Silves, in the hills of the central Algarve, is hosting its annual Art Expo Algarve event on the weekend of November 14, 15 and 16. The art fair welcomes over 60 artists to exhibit a wide variety of paintings, sculpture, photography, and jewelry. There are also creative activities, demonstrations, and entertainment.
When you come to Art Expo Algarve, you can also experience a whole day, immersing yourself in the ambience and spirit of Silves.
Silves is a great walking city. As you wander the labyrinth of ancient streets where the Moors established their Algarve capital 1,300 years ago, you will discover important historic sites, unique local shops, cafes, and restaurants, and lots of original architecture and design. The atmosphere is peaceful and friendly. There’s no invasion of tourist hotels or t-shirt shops. It’s eclectic, quirky, and real.
The centerpiece of historic Silves is the towering and sprawling Silves Castle made of vivid red sandstone. Built by the Moors in the 8th and 9th centuries, and conquered by King Sancho I of Portugal in 1189, the castle is beautifully preserved today. By its side is the Cathedral of Silves, considered to be the main Gothic monument in the Algarve and one of the most important landmarks in southern Portugal. Both the Castle and Cathedral are open to the public for a small fee.
As you walk up to, or down from the castle, you will pass quaint shops, cafes, and restaurants. Because I live near Silves, my editor asked me to recommend some places that I like. Some of these places are easy to spot, and others are rather unassuming and humble. They are all wonderful.
To start with a coffee, there are many choices. The outstanding Café DaRosa, in the lovely municipal square, adorned with exquisite classic blue and white azulejo tiles, tops the list. Others that I recommended are Café da Sé, Café Inglês, Halfway Cafe, and d’Brezel Cafe.
For a delicious budget lunch and very lively atmosphere, try the chicken piri-piri which is charcoal grilled by Churrasqueira Valdemar, located between the Mercado Municipal and the Arade River. Nearby is Bifanas do Marinho, well known for humble but delectable traditional pork sandwiches.
A few steps away are three wonderful restaurants, each quite unique, and all offering tables outside and indoors. Mosaiko cooks up flavorful, exotic Moroccan dishes. Parsley and Thyme is a treasure for all, and especially for vegan diners, with exciting reimagined Indian and Middle Eastern cooking. Marisqueira Rui offers a fascinating array of seafood known for perfect preparation.
If you are in the mood for shopping or browsing, here are some bespoke recommendations. Mosaiko has pottery, wood craft, and colored lighting from Morocco. Colaborarte is a group shop featuring innovative artisans who make clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and gifts. DrogariArte is a real old hardware store that has added a large section of entertaining souvenirs, a must for gift hunters. Linen and Tonic, in their words, is a curated little world where linen clothing meets handmade, artisanal treasures.
Newly opened, the Zephyr Gallery exhibits artwork of resident artists, rotating exhibits, unique collections, and events. Raja Pura has gorgeous handmade ethnic clothing. Doçaria do Sul is a unique food shop selling Algarvian delicacies from local producers.
Also, the Silves Municipal Archaeology Museum has an excellent collection of artifacts from the Paleolithic period through the Roman and Moorish times.
The Art Expo Algarve will be held in the Fissul Convention Center, Silves. There is plenty of free parking. Admission is free to the public. The hours are Friday, November 14, from 11am to 8pm, Saturday, November 15, from 11am to 8pm, and Sunday, November 16, from 10am to 6pm. A short walk away, along the Arade River, is the heart of Silves.
The Portugal Resident is proud to be media partner of Art Expo Algarve.
Photos: ERIC ROTH
