Silves with Kids: The Perfect Algarve Day Trip for Families
Written by Brittany Britten | Updated May 2025
Planning an Algarve family vacation? Discover this perfect kid-friendly day trip to Silves—just 15 minutes from Portimão!
Why Visit Silves with Kids
If you're staying in the Algarve, Silves is an incredible hidden gem for a family day trip. Just 15 minutes from Portimão, this historic town offers a magical blend of history, play, and nature for families with toddlers and young kids.
Imagine your little ones climbing castle walls, running through themed playgrounds, and even picking fresh oranges straight from the grove!
✅ Pro Tip: Save our custom Google Map with pins for all locations mentioned here!
Your Perfect Day in Silves with Kids
Here's your guide to planning the best day trip to Silves for families with toddlers and young children.
Morning: Explore Silves Castle and Playground
Castle-Themed Playground
Start your morning by parking at Parking Parque Ribeirinho de Silves — it's free and has plenty of space.
Head toward the river to find:
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The castle-themed playground with climbing structures, slides, and lots of space for kids to run.
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The giant “SILVES” letters with climbing holds — perfect for photos and climbing fun!
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A nearby café where parents can enjoy a coffee while keeping an eye on the playground.
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A smooth circular river path, great for pushing a stroller or letting a baby nap while walking.
Silves Castle (Castelo de Silves)
After some playground time, wander up through the town to Silves Castle, one of the best-preserved castles in the Algarve.
❤️ Why Kids Love It:
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Huge red sandstone walls, towers, and turrets that inspire pretend play and adventure.
✔️ Parent Tips:
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Bring a stroller for the lower parts of town or a baby carrier for steeper paths.
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The castle grounds have uneven stone pathways — so babywearing can be easier inside.
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Enjoy stunning panoramic views over Silves and even out to the Algarve coast.
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Entry fee: ~2.80 euros for adults, 1.40 euros for children over 3 and seniors. Under 3 is free.
⚠️ Weather Note:
It gets hot in summer! Visit early in the day because there's little shade at the top.
Lunch: Kid-Friendly Dining in Silves
After exploring, grab lunch at one of these family-friendly Silves cafés we’ve tried and loved:
🍕 Cafe Ingles
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Near the castle with outdoor seating.
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Pizza, pasta, and other kid-approved meals.
🥪 Cafe da Sé
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Below the main church.
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Serves large sandwiches cut into toddler-sized portions with little Portuguese flags in each slice.
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Big hit with our kids!
🍊 Cafe DaRosa
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Located in the town square.
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Sit outside while kids run around the fountain.
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We even played a pickup game of soccer here with other visiting families.
✅ Pro Tip:
Order fresh orange juice — Silves is famous for its citrus groves and even hosts an orange festival every February!
Afternoon: Cute Streets, Orange Picking & Vineyards
Wander Silves’ Historic Streets
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Explore narrow cobbled streets with colorful doors and details kids love spotting.
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Visit local shops selling Portuguese linens, baby and toddler clothes, and cork products (cork sandals are amazing!).
Orange Picking Experience
Silves is famous for sweet, juicy oranges that fruit twice a year.
✔️ Where to Go:
Quinta de Santo Estevão - Algarve Farm Experiences
💲Pricing:
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Orange Route Tour: ~15 euros per person
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Orange Route Tour with Donkeys: ~20 euros per person
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Farm-to-Table Tapas Experience: ~45 euros per person (includes farm tour and meal)
❤️ Why Kids Love It:
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Picking their own fruit is a hands-on adventure.
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Fresh-picked oranges taste amazing!
Visit a Nearby Vineyard
If time (and energy levels) allow, wrap up the day at a nearby Algarve vineyard.
✔️ Our Picks:
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Arvad Winery
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Morgado do Quintão
✔️ Why Go:
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Quick tastings or full tours.
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Space for kids to wander while parents enjoy a glass.
We often split our day with kid-focused activities in the morning and a little grown-up treat like a vineyard visit in the afternoon.
Final Tips for Your Day Trip to Silves
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Best time to go: Shoulder seasons (March–May and October–November) for mild weather. Algarve is pleasant even in winter.
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What to bring: Sunscreen, hats, comfy walking shoes, water bottles, snacks.
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Stroller-friendly? Mostly yes — but expect cobblestones and a short uphill walk from parking to the castle. For the castle itself, a carrier is recommended for toddlers.
Silves is a magical place where history, nature, and adventure come together. Whether your little ones are climbing castle walls, playing in the playground, or picking oranges, it’s a day they’ll remember — ours sure do!
Plan Your Algarve Family Adventure
Silves is one of the best family day trips in the Algarve. Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and the whole family.
Ready to explore Portugal with kids? We've got tons of posts here!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Silves with Kids
Is Silves good for kids?
Absolutely! Silves is one of the best family day trips in the Algarve. Kids love the castle-themed playground, exploring Silves Castle, and even picking fresh oranges at nearby farms.
How do you get to Silves from Portimão?
Silves is just a 15-minute drive from Portimão. It's best to rent a car, as public transport options are limited for a quick day trip with kids.
What is there to do in Silves with toddlers?
Enjoy the castle-themed playground, explore Silves Castle's massive walls and towers, wander colorful old streets, try kid-friendly cafés, and even pick fresh oranges at a local farm!
Is Silves Castle stroller-friendly?
Partially. The lower town is stroller-friendly, but the castle grounds have uneven paths and stairs. A baby carrier is recommended for the castle itself.
When is the best time to visit Silves with kids?
The shoulder seasons of March–May and October–November offer mild, comfortable weather. Even winter is usually pleasant, but summer afternoons can get very hot, especially at the castle.