Silves was the capital of the riverside Moorish state of the Algarve, and had more wealth than Lisbon had 1000 years earlier. That’s now within a short 40-minute drive and is one of the best day trips from Lagos to Silves in southern Portugal. Now add the red castle town with the riverside of Portimão and you have two completely different aspects of the Algarve in just 24 hours. It’ll explain how you can get there, as well as a realistic itinerary, the price of 2026 and what the place has to offer that is worth your time, if you’re travelling by train or if you arrange a private transport.
How to get from Lagos to Silves and Portimão
Short answer: The regional train is a fast way to get to Silves (about 35-40 minutes), or door-to-door private transfer. There isn’t an express bus service between the two towns and public-transport commuters make their connections in Portimão.
Let’s take a look at the heads-up comparisons of the primary options.
| Option | Journey time | Cost (2026) | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Comboios de Portugal) | 35–40 min | from €2.90 each way | Lagos station is by the marina; Silves station sits 2 km below the old town |
| Bus (Vamus) | 1–1.5 hrs | around €5–6 | No direct line, so you change at Portimão |
| Car or rental | about 30 min | fuel plus A22 toll | Take the A22, or the toll-free N125 then the N124 north to Silves |
| Private transfer | about 30 min | fixed group price | Hotel pickup, flexible stops, English-speaking driver |
Although very cheap and scenic, it takes half an hour or so by foot to reach the centre (uphill), which can be done by taxi (short). Drivers have the best choices, although it becomes very busy during summer months. For families or mixed ability groups all transfer concerns are delegated to the private guided tour. Another popular day trip from Lagos is covered in our Lagos to Sagres tour guide.
What to see on your Silves day trip
In the case of Silves, it awards being patient and exploring it slowly. Start at the Castelo de Silves, one of the best preserved of the Portuguese Moorish castles with sandstone ramparts leading to expansive views of the valley of the Arade River. Admission to adults costs about €2.80 – €3.90 at the archeology museum. The Gothic cathedral has been constructed above an ancient mosque and the Museu Municipal de Arqueologia is built around a medieval cistern, under the walls.
If time permits, leave the water out. A cruise along the Arade River is an easy-to-while-away-of-a-time way to take in the town’s sights at another level and the citrus-lined lanes are for a plate of frango piri-piri or a glass of local medronho. The theme extends to our wine day in the inland Algarve if you prefer, with our Lagos to Quinta da Tôr wine day trip.
What to do in Portimão
It’s the coast for your day – Portimão. Its golden beach – praia da Rocha is located under dramatic ochre cliffs and a wide promenade. The marina and waterfront is teeming with seafood restaurants and the Museu de Portimão (Portimão Museum) is housed in a former sardine cannery and retells the history of the fishing industry in Portimão. Walking this port, which is in contrast from the quiet roads of Silves, is a welcome break and an ideal place to stop for lunch.
A simple one-day itinerary from Lagos
- Morning: travel from Lagos and explore Silves Castle and the cathedral while the air is still cool.
- Midday: enjoy lunch in the old town, followed by a short Arade River stroll or boat trip.
- Afternoon: continue to Portimão for Praia da Rocha and the marina.
- Early evening: return to Lagos, or stretch the day into a coastal sunset.
Any time of year, History first, coast second and there is minimal walking. The same concept can be applied to travellers out further east to our Vilamoura to Lagos and Sagres day trip.
What does the trip cost in 2026?
The day around Silves and Portimão from the Lagos location is truly affordable and a self-guided tour.
| Item | Typical 2026 price |
|---|---|
| Train both ways | around €6 |
| Silves Castle entry | €2.80 |
| Lunch | €15–20 |
| Optional Arade boat trip | €15–25 |
Typically, most people who are budget travelers pay for just the basic things like €25 – €40 per person. That changes into comfort and flexibility when arranging a private transfer or guided tour, refer to inclusions in our booking FAQ.
Best time to visit Silves and Portimão
Warm days aren’t as overcrowded in the spring or early fall. It’s at its busiest during the summer months and at the Feira Medieval, which takes over Silves Castle in August with displays and entertainment all day long and singing at night. Head up the castle in the morning chill, or head to the beach in Portimão in the afternoon. Algarve tourism board website has information about dates for events; our team in Portugal is based in Lagos and can share information on events and cruise days.
Frequently asked questions
Do you think that it is worthwhile to visit Silves from Lagos?
Yes. This is the former Moorish capital with the finest castle in the Algarique and has history you aren’t going to find on the coast.
Are there any ways to reach Silves by any means other than public transport?
Yes. From Lagos it is possible to take the train several times a day (note the station is located 2 km from the centre).
What is the distance between Silves and Lagos?
approximately 30 – 40 min on the road or rail, ~ 40 km.
Do you have a good direct bus connection from Lagos to Silves?
There are no bus services in Portimão, and most people prefer to take the train or car to visit, or hire a private transfer.
How long will you stay in Silves?
After 2/3 hours enjoy the highlights, and then take your time the afternoon to enjoy a match in the town of Portimão.
Travel with a licensed local team
Lagos Transfers & Tours is an English speaking and fully licensed Algarve all-in-one operator with a 5.0 Google Rating and with all local drivers having a good knowledge of each of the viewpoints between the towns of Silves and the sea. Hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport and flexible stopping points for choosing how long to linger over the castle/beach, are all part of our private day trips.
Ready to plan your Lagos to Portimão and Silves day trip? Book online, message us on WhatsApp, or contact our team for a tailored quote. You can also read traveller reviews on our Google Business Profile.
