The castle is believed to have been erected on top of late Roman Visigothic fortifications dating from the 4th or 5th century and was started around 715 by the first Moorish occupants. There is also an old Roman Bridge (Ponte Romana), which crosses the river.
The city’s Gothic Cathedral (Sé Velha) was built in the 13th century on the site of a Mosque.

It continued to be an important city, especially for trade, until the 15th century but when the River Arade became blocked with silt  the city lost its access to the sea. There is still an old Roman Bridge that crosses the river.

Most of the town and nearly all its ancient buildings were destroyed by the earthquake of 1755, however today it is a highly visited city
and a peaceful little town …….. lets go take a look !! Click on picture for video of Silves

SILVES VIDEO

Below are links to various events, and the approximate date in which you can expect the upcoming 2010 events. OR GO DIRECTLY - CLICK HERE FOR A SELECTION OF ALL KINDS ALGARVE VIDEOS INCLUDING MANY BEACHES, TOWNS, HIKES, GOLF COURSES AND MORE !!.

OR click on the links directly beside each event listed below ….

March 6-7 2010 - The Chorizo Festival in Monchique - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

This is a very traditional type fair where of course you find plenty of sausage to eat on location and to take home. Lot’s of very traditional vendors selling local goods as well. Each night has live performances.

End of May 2010 - The Snail Festival (Carrocal) in Castro Marim - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Enjoy snails galore in Castro Marim. This is a new festival for the region, but last year was a great turnout and everyone had alot of fun.
There were 4 countries cooking up snails in their own traditional way with live music in the later evening. The Venue is set in the new interpretation center built just on the outskirts of the town. Sit under the stars and enjoy the variety of snails.

Beginning of June 2010 - The Wonders of Sagres in Sagres - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Step back in time with this event in Sagres. Lot’s of “medieval” festivities happening, merchants selling assorted goods. It is in the Fort so the location is AMAZING and the views are FANTASTIC. Music fills the air, sword fights, jesters etc help bring you into the spirit.

June 11 - 13 2010 International Showjumping Competition Portimão CSI 4 at Sociedade Hipica de Belmonte, Portimão. CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO
This is a peaceful and enjoyable day watching a beautiful animal compete with some of the best in the sport. If you have a day to spend here and what to do something a little bit different I suggest to check it out. View the competition from last year see the video here. It was a UPSET victory!

June 23 - 26 2010 - Festival Med in Loule - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Loule puts on a great party in the historic part of town. Streets are closed off and lined with vendors selling a variety of goods. There are several areas where different types of music is played. Enjoy over 40 live performances over these 4 nights including the venue inside the castle walls, great ambiance!
The streets also have piped music so your never without sound while you stroll the streets in between performances. The town is full of life, it’s a great time and worth a visit.

Beginning of July 2010 - Algarve Classic Cars starts in Villamoura - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

If you love classic cars this is the biggest collection of the oldies you can find anywhere in the Iberian Peninsula. The cars date back to the early 1900’s and the selection and range of years is quite amazing. The event gets going at the VIlamoura Marina where we can check out these cars for the day as the park in one central area. The following day the cars strut their stuff through the streets of the Algarve including the towns of Loule, Albufeira and Portimao.There are also “races” that take place, it’s a fun time.

July 16 -18  The Le Mans race returns to the Algarve - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Check out last years action at the Portimao Autodrome. This was the first time Lemans came to Portugal and it is back again this year.
It’s was intense action and we got right alongside the track to see these cars zoom by close up. The paddock was also open to spectators where you could get autographs of the racers and see their cars close up. We have two video’s of the days events, check them out.

Mid July 2010 - Nights of the Enchanted Moor in Cecela Velha - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Cecela Velha is a very small town found in the Eastern part of the Algarve. During this the event this entire little town is filled with merchants selling a variety of North African goods and of course the food as well. To get you further in the spirit there is belly dancers, snake charmers, camel rides and more.

Late July 2010 - Arte Doce Festival in Lagos - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Can you say SUGAR !! HMMM… if you love sweets this is the place to be. It’s the biggest event of it’s type in the region and the selection of traditional Algarve sweets really can’t be beat. Take home boxes are also very popular Of course there are meals to be had other then sugar and you can catch a live band every evening. Come on out and experience the BUZZ in the air.

Early to mid August 2010 - Sardinha Festival in Portimao - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Sardinha´s are one of THE most recognized foods in the Algarve so it only makes sense that they have a festival dedicated to these delicious and nutritious little fish! The smell of the Sardines grilling fills the air cause let’s face it at least 10,000 of these babies are grilled up every day…WOW. SO if you love Sardines (and by the way if you don’t there are other foods to eat as well) come on out. There are plenty of merchants to stroll about after dinner and at around 10 PM watch the live acts on stage.

Mid August 2010 - Festival do Marisco (Shellfish) in Olhao - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

The selection of Shellfish at this event was absolutely amazing and the prices of the dishes we really reasonable and it was very tasty !
Enjoy the outdoor venue right by the Olhao Market (a great place to buy fresh fish). The doors only open around 7 PM so it’s a dinner only event. Plenty of tables are there to accommodate the hungry seafood lovers. As with many Algarve festivals this one has it’s share of local vendors selling all kinds of goodies and there is live music every evening.

August 7 - 15 2010 - Silves Medieval Festival in Silves - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 VIDEO

Silves will step back to the 12th, 13th and 14th centuries …
The streets of the historic town centre will be bustling with life, exuding a distinctive atmosphere in a unique setting and environment. Along the city’s streets, alleyways, cul-de-sacs and corners, visitors will encounter typical scenes from everyday medieval life.
Beggars, traveling musicians, jugglers, exotic characters and processions of wealthy citizens are just some of the attractions that await you in this journey to the past.

End of August 2010 - Fatacil in Lagoa - CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

This is THE BIGGEST fair in the region and is running into I believe it’s 31st year. There is literally something for everyone here. Lot’s of food, lot’s of entertainment, lots of stuff to buy and lot’s of interesting information make it a complete fair for the whole family !

August 26 - 29 2010 - Castro Marim Medieval Days - CLICK HERE FOR PART 1 CLICK HERE FOR PART 2 VIDEO

During this event, Castro Marim will transform into a medieval stage, recreating various experiences from life in the Middle Ages, including tournaments, traditional games, street entertainment, medieval crafts and other traditional shows. History brought to life.

The first place car going into this series of specials remained on top ! We caught them in the hills and at the winners circle …. watch all the action with Algarve Channel 5 !!

Click on the picture to see the days events & awards !!

Rally Race in Monchique

TAKE A LOOK AT THE VIDEO BELOW TO FIND OUT

Human Mattress World Record Video

Attended the Opening day at the Portimao Autodrome Friday Oct 16. Was a GREAT day ! Caught lots of action, sat in a few race cars, got up close and personal with lots of classic race car models and even got to interview Bobby Rahal and Robert Harvey. Bobby was racing his 1970 Chevron B16 and Robert was racing the 1968 Chevron B8 - SWEET !!

ll this will be on VIDEO so STAY TUNED for this video on Algarve Channel 5 which will be online by Wednesday Oct 21 at the latest

SEE YOU THEN !!!

UPDATE -VIDEO IS NOW ONLINE - CHECK IT OUT CLICK ON THE PICTURE BELOW

Historic Festival Video

Check out this video to view the course …..

Vila SOl Golf Course VIdeo