The orange is, more than any single dish, the taste most associated with Silves. The town sits at the heart of the Algarve's citrus country, surrounded by valleys of orange groves, and the sweet juicing oranges grown here are a defining product of the area.
Citrus has a long history in the Algarve. Orchards became part of the landscape of the south over the centuries, and the sweet orange in particular spread widely from the sixteenth century, when Portuguese trade routes brought new varieties from the East — so much so that in several languages the orange came to be named after Portugal itself. The warm, sheltered valleys around Silves proved ideal ground for the fruit.
The oranges of Silves are at their best from December to April, and in season they are sold fresh at roadside stalls and markets, their juice golden and honey-sweet. They also feed a wider tradition of orange-based sweets and preserves. For the visitor, a glass of fresh local orange juice is the simplest and most direct taste of Silves.
⭐ Must-try:
Laranja de Silves
Highlights
- Sweet juicing oranges from the valleys around Silves
- Silves lies at the heart of the Algarve's citrus country
- Best in season from December to April
- Sold fresh at roadside stalls and local markets
- The basis of a wider tradition of orange sweets and preserves
Frequently asked questions
Why is Silves known for oranges?
Silves sits at the heart of the Algarve's citrus country, surrounded by valleys of orange groves growing sweet juicing oranges.
When are the oranges of Silves in season?
The local oranges are at their best from December to April, when they are sold fresh at roadside stalls and markets.
How are the oranges of Silves enjoyed?
Most directly as fresh juice, golden and honey-sweet, but they also feed a tradition of orange-based sweets and preserves.