Day tripsCountriesPortugalPortimaoPortimao to Silves and Alvor: Private day trip

Portimao to Silves and Alvor: Private day trip

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Private ride with a local driver

4h
Round trip
Private driver
Trusted by 1+ million happy travelers across 120 countries
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4.9
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Reviews

About your trip

Step back in time under Silves’ crimson stones, then relax amid Alvor’s tranquil waterfront for two Algarve must-sees in one route with the convenience of a private driver! Spend one and a half hours exploring Silves’ impressive castle, winding streets, and rich Moorish heritage at your own pace. Then head to Alvor to enjoy its charming village atmosphere, cobbled streets, and scenic estuary views at your leisure.

Throughout the journey, your professional driver handles all the navigation and parking between the hills and the coast, ensuring a seamless and comfortable trip. By managing the logistics and timing, your driver allows you to fully immerse yourself in the ancient history of the inland capital and the coastal beauty of the estuary before a relaxing return.

Exclusively yours: private vehicle and professional driver
Discover local insights you won't find in guidebooks
Experience the freedom to explore at your own speed
Perfectly planned for families, friends, or solo travelers
From €71
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€213

What to expect

Your day trip begins wherever you are

Meet our professional driver right where you prefer in Portimao whenever suits you best. No time wasted getting to the pickup point, grab your bag and start your trip right away.

Discover more with local expertise

Your driver’s local insights will set the tone for your day trip. A hidden café here, a must-try restaurant there; insider tips you’ll love sharing later. This isn’t a guided tour but your ride will be rich with stories and discoveries along the way. And throughout the day, your driver will be available for you as needed, ready to assist, happy to help, making your trip stress-free.

Explore at your own pace

Enjoy a stress-free route with total flexibility at each stop. Your driver handles the navigation and suggests attractions that match your interests to help you create a day that's uniquely yours.

Perfect for any private group

Whether you're traveling solo, as a family with kids, or as a large group, this service is tailored for your comfort and flexibility. It's the ideal option especially if you have limited time or a busy schedule.

Good to know

  • Two-way private car transfer
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Personalized pickup and drop-off
  • Professional English-speaking driver
  • Complimentary bottled water
  • Free cancellation 24 hours before departure
  • Entry/Admission tickets to paid attractions Silves and Alvor should be purchased separately unless specified otherwise
  • Meals, snacks, and gratuity are not included
From €71
Private group ride
per person
Select date and travelers
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your pickup time.
For a group of 1-3 travelersTotal€213

Your trip at a glance

Your trip at a glance

Start in Portimao
You choose the pickup spot.
1
Silves
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Silves
Silves
Silves
Silves
Silves
Silves
Silves
Silves
Discover Silves’ Moorish legacy, sunlit castle walls, and the scent of orange trees in bloom. Once the Moorish capital of the Algarve, Silves is a city of crumbling red-stone ramparts, orange blossoms, and timeless views. Start your visit at the Castelo de Silves, wandering its impressive walls for sweeping vistas over the Arade River. Just below, explore the haunting Silves Cathedral, where Gothic arches meet Moorish echoes. Don’t miss the Municipal Museum of Archaeology, built around a medieval cistern. Stroll down Rua da Cadeia Velha, with its citrus trees and old-world charm, then relax by the riverfront with a glass of cold medronho or a bite of frango piri-piri and sticky Dom Rodrigo.
2
Alvor
Feel free to explore at your own pace and discover
Stop: 1 h 30 min - admission not included
Alvor
Alvor
Alvor
Alvor
Alvor
Alvor
Alvor
Golden beaches, lazy estuary walks, and a peaceful old town make Alvor an easy delight. Framed by dunes, cliffs, and quiet cobbled streets, Alvor is a charming coastal escape. Begin on the Alvor Boardwalk, a peaceful path through estuary wetlands, ideal for birdwatching and sunset walks. Head to Praia de Alvor for low-tide beachcombing or venture to Praia dos Tres Irmaos for hidden coves. In the old town, wander Rua Marques de Pombal, lined with tiled houses and flower pots. Cap it off with grilled octopus, clams a Bulhao Pato, or sweet almond pastries at a harbor-view cafe.
Back to Portimao
We’ll take you back to your starting point.
Duration of the stops can be changed upon request after booking
Have questions or need help?Contact our Customer Support. We are available 24/7

Daytrip is loved all around the world. Here's why.

5.0
5176 reviewson Tripadvisor
or
4.9
991 reviewson Trustpilot

Know more about your day trip

Silves was the ancient capital of the Algarve during Moorish rule and remains one of Portugal's most historically significant towns. The imposing red sandstone castle (the best-preserved Moorish castle in Portugal) and Gothic cathedral dominate the skyline. During your 90-minute visit, you'll discover how this inland town controlled the region's trade and defense for centuries.
While Alvor is known for beautiful beaches, the 90-minute stop allows you to explore its charming old fishing village character. Wander the pedestrianized cobblestone streets, visit the 16th-century church, enjoy the wooden boardwalks over the Alvor estuary nature reserve, or sample fresh seafood at traditional restaurants. The village offers authentic Portuguese atmosphere alongside its natural attractions.
This 4-hour tour is perfect for travelers wanting to explore beyond beach resorts without committing a full day. The tour can be arranged for morning or afternoon, allowing you to enjoy hotel amenities or beach time during the remainder of the day. The short driving distances between locations maximize your exploration time in both Silves and Alvor.
Silves preserves significant Moorish heritage in its impressive red sandstone castle with massive walls and cisterns that once supplied water to the entire city. The narrow, winding streets of the old town follow original Moorish layouts. Archaeological excavations continue to uncover Islamic-period artifacts, some displayed in local museums. These elements provide insight into the Algarve's multicultural past.
Both destinations offer authentic shopping opportunities. Silves has shops selling traditional cork products, local wines, and pottery. Alvor features artisanal stores with handmade Portuguese goods and fresh local produce. Unlike more touristy areas, these towns provide opportunities to purchase authentic Algarvian crafts and foods directly from local producers during your visits.
Silves requires moderate walking with some uphill sections to reach the castle and cathedral at the town's highest point. The historic center is compact but features cobblestone streets and inclines. Most attractions can be visited within a 15-minute walk from where your driver will park. Those with mobility concerns can still enjoy beautiful views and the charming lower town areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Day tripsCountriesPortugalPortimaoPortimao to Silves and Alvor: Private day trip