The streets of Silves’ historic centre will be filled to the brim with stalls, tents and decorations, all of these being aided by the sights, sounds and smells to create the particular atmosphere of the famous Medieval Fair.

The Fair is meant to recreate in true-to-life form and function, the period between the first Christian conquest of the city – in 1189 – and the later conquest of the Moors – in 1191.

The Silves Council has been organizing the Fiar for the past decade and this year it will be open every day starting at 6 PM and ending at 1AM – exception being made for Friday – which this year will be open from 6 PM till 2 AM for the first time.

Every day will feature two re-enacted jousting tournaments, all of which imbued with loads of medieval-inspired music and dancing, all of which have become staples of the popular event.

The event promises to take visitors back in time and one cannot argue the fact that it offers a wonderfully unique alternative to the Algarve’s traditional pulls of sea, sand and nightlife.

For those who are so inspired to put on some medieval garb, costumes are available for rent starting at 3 Euros and foodies will simply have to enjoy the chance to sample some authentic medieval foot at the traditional daily banquet which is put on for 40 Euros per person – including drinks and desert.

The main meat dishes will include boar with chestnuts, goose, pheasant, deer with walnuts, partridge, black pig, hog roast and hare stew.

The daily entry fee to the fair costs €2 per person, or €3 for a ten-day pass if you buy it ahead of the event, €4 if you buy it during the event.

One of the best starting places for a tour of the entire city is in fact an attraction in itself, the Praca de Dom Francisco Gomes features an obelisk erected in 1910 which commemorates the diplomat Ferreira d’Almeida, an important figure in Faro’s history.

From there, those looking for some peace and quiet can enjoy the Jardim Manuel Bivar, a garden featuring wonderful flower beds, tall palms and jacaranda trees. On the east side of the park you can see the Igreja de Misericordia, a 14^th century church.

Beyond the Jardim, you can see the Arco da Vila, which is an arched gateway, surmounted by a bell tower and a statue of Faro’s patron saint, St. Thomas Aquinus. Through the gateway you’ll see the very attractive historical centre of Faro.

The historical centre of Faro is dominated by the Cathedral, which saw most of its original Gothic look destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, however the tower and south window still remain from the initial building. It was of course later rebuilt and renovated and it now features elements of Gothic, Romanesque and Baroque architecture.

The interior is very quiet and reminiscent of a basilica, definitely a must-see for those who have a thing for religious buildings.

Then there’s the Largo Se, in the square in front of the cathedral, you can see the town hall and the Bishop’s Palace.

A bit to the south of the Cathedral, on the Praca Afonso III, you’ll find the Archaeological Museum, which is housed in what used to be the convent of Nossa Senhora da Assuncao, founded in 1518.

These are still not all of the attractions in the city, but only a few, make sure you employ our Faro car hire services in order to see them and many more while on your trip there.