The annual Medieval Fair in Silves is the best chance to sample the life Moors and Christians alike led during the Middle Ages. Having begun on August 7th, the fair is going to last until Sunday, August 16th.

During the medieval Arab rule of the Algarve, Silves used to the capital city and it was then that the city saw its golden days. After the Reconquista, Silves, like the entire Algarve, returned to the possession of Christian Portugal. But it never lost its eclectic cultural quality.

For the fair, knights, Moors, damsels,  minstrels, jesters, dancers and magicians crowd the streets for nine days. You can join the party, rent a costume and delve deep into the romantic (or rather, Oriental) atmosphere. For only 3 EUR, you can be a knight or a clown for a day – now, that’s not too bad!

You’ve still got a few days to enjoy the Feira Medieval in Silves. Or rather, a few nights, seen that activities start daily from 6 PM and last until 1 in the morning or later. The entry ticket only costs 2 EUR, except for the day when the jousting tournament is held.

So if you are currently in the Algarve or if you plan on spending your weekend there, put the Medieval Festival in Silves 2015 on your list. You might need a vehicle, so Algarve car rental can deal with this problem. Or you can book a Faro airport transfer for a tour and a ride.