Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 282 574 134;
www.krazyworld.com
;
Algoz; adult/child €12/8; 10am-6pm)
Near São Bartolomeu de
Messines, about 17km northwest of Silves, this animal and crocodile park also has
minigolf, ponies and two swimming pools.
Festivals & Events
Over one week each August (dates vary annually), Silves relives its past at the
Medieval Fair
. The town's important events and people are reconstructed, from Al Muthamid, the gov-
ernor of Silves, to the town being awarded its charter. Think bawdy costumes, dances,
jesters, feasts, traditional food and handicrafts…all evoking life in the 11th to 13th centur-
ies.
Sleeping
Quinta da Figueirinha
( 282 440 700;
www.qdf.pt
; 2-/4-/6-person apt from €56/96/138; )
This 36-hectare organic farm
and botanic (drought-resistant) garden, run by the kindly agronomist Dr Gerhard Zabel,
offers simple apartments in peaceful farmlike surroundings. The surrounding exotic orch-
ards are yours (more than 50 species of plants) for picking and wandering. Leaving Silves
and crossing the bridge, take the first left to Fragura and continue for 4km. The
quinta
(es-
tate) is signposted. You can self-cater, or there is a basic restaurant serving delicious,
wholesome buffet-style food.
RURAL INN
€
RURAL INN
€
Casa das Oliveiras
( 282 342 115;
www.casa-das-oliveiras.com
;
s €47-53, d €57-65; )
This peaceful place offers an
old-style B&B with a British flavour, with five slightly dated rooms in a relaxed setting.
There's a lovely garden and pool area. It's 4km from Silves train station. Ring for direc-
tions.
Vila Sodre
( 282 443 441;
http://vilasodresilves.com.sapo.pt
;
Estrada de Messines; s €42.50, d €57; )
This modern
blue-and-white villa is 1.4km east of the newer bridge. It's good value, with smart, if
faded, rooms that overlook orange orchards. The highlight is the owner - ask to see his
extraordinary wine collection.
GUESTHOUSE
€
Duas Quintas
RURAL INN
€€
