| Beaches |
Beaches near Silves:
Praia Grande - Ferragudo (Blue Flag)
Facilities: Sunshade rental, Showers, Bodyboard, Windsurfing, Sailing, Small craft hire, Bar, Restaurant
A picturesque fishing village opposite Portimão, this was a historic stretch of coastline for protecting Portugal from enemy naval attack. Next to Ferragudo, the large expanse of sand features excellent conditions for nautical sports including surfing and windsurfing schools.
Praia do Carvoeiro (Blue Flag)
Facilities: Disabled access, Sunshade rental, Showers, Small craft hire, Diving, Bar,
Restaurant
Below the cliff on which stands small white fishermen’s’ houses, Carvoeiro Beach is a picturesque landmark of the Algarve. The small sandy beach sits is home to fishing vessels bobbing in the water, whilst further exploration allows discovery of nearby grottoes and caverns. Behind the beach you will find a range of restaurants, bars and
terraces.
Praia de Armação de Pera (Blue Flag)
Facilities: Disabled access, Sunshade rental, Small craft hire, Bar, Restaurant
Previously a modestly sized fishing village, Armação de Pêra has now become a popular Algarvian beach resort, providing a range of entertainment and recreation activities. The original city is charming, with squat fisherman’s houses sitting in front of the popular sandy beach. To the east, still within the urban area, the Pescadores (Fisherman’s) Beach and is still used for the sale of fish, repairing nets, etc.
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| Events and festivals |
January - Janeiras Festival - The tradition of the Janeiras (seasonal songs) dates back to ancient times when, at the beginning of each year, the Romans would greet each other to evoke the god Janus who represented the guardian of the gateway to heaven
February 21st - Algarve Carnival
Good Friday - The statues of the Virgin Mary and Christ are taken in a procession through the town
April 25th - Liberation Day, National holiday
May 1st - May Day (or Labour Day), National holiday - May Day is a day for celebrations and traditionally the festivities include dancing and music as well as heading into the countryside for a picnic lunch
June 10th - Portugal Day, National holiday
August 15th - Assumption of the Virgin, National holiday
2nd week of August - Medieval Festival - Silves is the perfect setting for this festival. All the narrow, cobbled streets leading up to the castle become a medieval market place; trestle tables and hay bales are laid out next to the barbecues and spit roasts in the "dining" area and strolling musicians and jugglers entertain
3rd weekend of August - "Feira da Laranja"
September 3rd - Silves municipal holiday - The town celebrates with sports events and entertainment in the day and fireworks in the evening
October 5th - Republic Day, National holiday
November 1st - All Saints Day, National holiday
December 1st - Independence Day, National holiday
December 8th - Immaculate Conception, National holiday
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