What to do and see in Algarve, Portugal: The Best Ancient Ruins

June 8, 2021 Diedre Savory

The Algarve's sunny shores offer perfect escapes for all types, from those seeking the hot nightlife of flashy, energetic Lagos to those desiring secluded stays in rambling Sagres. Portugal's most southerly region offers historical attractions in former Moorish capital Silves and fascinating Tavira, great golf, fabulous beaches from Praia da Luz to Armacao de Pera, thermal springs at Caldas de Monchique, and miles of limestone caves and grottoes, cliffs and bays along its rugged coastline.
Restaurants in Algarve

1. Cerro da Vila

Vilamoura, Quarteira Portugal +351 289 312 153 http://www.marinadevilamoura.com/en/vilamoura/cerro-da-vila-museum
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 382 reviews

Cerro da Vila

Reviewed By rhonaiainf - Glasgow, United Kingdom

Never been to the Algarve, never been to Vilamoura. Only new it for Marina, golf & where footballers of the 80/90s hung out! So pleasantly surprised to find one of the best kept archeological sites we have visited, and we have visited a few! ( just ask the kids????) For only €3 per person you are given free range to walk around the dig site & small museum. The Roman bath unearthed is probably the best seen outside of Bath in terms of not being a pile of stones!!

2. Municipio de Silves

Largo do Municipio 8300 117 Largo do Município, 8300-117 Silves, Silves 8300-117 Portugal +351 282 440 800 [email protected] http://www.cm-silves.pt/pt/Default.aspx
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 92 reviews

Municipio de Silves

The SILVES MEDIEVAL FAIR takes place in August, in the historic centre of this Algarve city. Ten days of historical re-enactment of the medieval era of the ancient capital of the Kingdom of the Algarve. Silves Municipal Council, the fair's organiser, continues its support of this nationally renowned event, which promises to be one of the most exciting events on the region's summer calendar.

Reviewed By xxluvleaxx - Chester, United Kingdom

(Actually visited with my sister and adult daughter but for some reason trip advisor doesn't give just a 'family' option ????‍♀️) Silves was really one of the highlights of our recent trip to the Algarve. We first visited on a coach trip historical tour but had less than an hour there, we decided there was much more we wanted to see/do/photograph so we made a decision to visit again by local bus from Albufeira. Lots of nice shops selling things you don't see in the more popular towns, beautiful buildings and nice historical places to visit that cost a couple of €'s We visited the castle, archeology museum and cathedral as well as the roman bridge and walked to the cross of Portugal on the outskirts of town. We had lovely Bifanas in a cafe for just €1.75 and the absolute best thing about it all was the Storks nesting everywhere! Such a beautiful place. would be an absolute dream to live in such a place.

3. Castelo de Silves

Rua do Castelo, Silves 8300-144 Portugal +351 282 440 800 http://www.historvius.com/silves-castle-1227
Excellent
29%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 1,892 reviews

Castelo de Silves

Reviewed By Nix28Nix - Ayrshire, United Kingdom

Have been to Silves Castle before but the condition of it now is greatly improved. We were able to walk around all the ramparts easily. Handrails have been added on some sections for added security. The admission fee was reasonable and overall its a credit to Silves...

4. Nucleo Museologico da Villa Romana de Milreu

Rua de Faro Estoi, Faro 8005-463 Portugal +351 289 997 823 http://www.monumentosdoalgarve.pt/pt/monumentos-do-algarve/ruinas-romanas-de-milreu
Excellent
33%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 129 reviews

Nucleo Museologico da Villa Romana de Milreu

Reviewed By 654laurencec

We were surprised to find this roman villa with wonderful mosaics just outside Faro. Wewere lucky to be shown around by an excellent guide who explained the history of the villa and really brought it to life for us.

5. Torre da Medronheira

Olhos de Agua, Albufeira 8200 Portugal http://atracoesdealbufeira.blogspot.pt/p/torre-da-medronheira.html
Excellent
30%
Good
45%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
15%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 20 reviews

Torre da Medronheira

6. Roman Ruins of Milreu

En 2-6, Estoi 8005-411 Portugal +351 289 997 823 [email protected] http://www.cm-faro.pt/5825/ruinas-de-milreu.aspx
Excellent
20%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
18%
Poor
9%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 117 reviews

Roman Ruins of Milreu

Reviewed By 131annettet

Spent a fascinating hour or two visiting this site of a luxury Roman villa. The information boards were really good and helped you to envisage what it must have been like. The mosaics of fish were beautiful and the setting and atmosphere were great. We then enjoyed lunch in nearby Estou. A great morning.

7. Villa Romana do Montinho das Laranjeiras

Em 507 Between Laranjeiras and Montinho das Laranjeiras, Alcoutim Portugal http://arqueologia.patrimoniocultural.pt/?sid=sitios.resultados&subsid=53910
Excellent
0%
Good
100%
Satisfactory
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Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 2 reviews

Villa Romana do Montinho das Laranjeiras

8. Paderne, Portugal

Fonte de Paderne, Paderne, Albufeira Portugal http://www.historiadeportugal.info/castelo-de-paderne/
Excellent
50%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
17%
Poor
11%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 18 reviews

Paderne, Portugal

9. Castle of Salir

Salir Street, Loule Portugal +351 289 489 733
Excellent
19%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
16%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 37 reviews

Castle of Salir

10. Estacao Arqueologica Romana da Praia da Luz

Avenida dos Pescadores, Luz 8600-130 Portugal http://www.praiadaluz.info
Excellent
14%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
48%
Poor
4%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 50 reviews

Estacao Arqueologica Romana da Praia da Luz

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