Historical Algarve & Wine Route

Soak in the culture of a charming hillside village before traveling to an acclaimed wine estate, where you’ll indulge in a decadent spread of Algarvian wines and delicacies. Drive inland through a ruggedly scenic landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and almond trees to Silves, the region’s former Moorish capital, which boasts a commanding Gothic cathedral and the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, an astonishing structure featuring square turrets and seemingly impenetrable ramparts.

Journey to the Quinta dos Vales estate for an enlightening tour of one of its newer wineries and put your newfound knowledge to the test as you partake in several vintages, which may include a fruity rosé, a complex viognier with intense tropical fruit aromas or a full-bodied blend of cabernet sauvignon and trincadeira. Tantalize your palate with a complement of regional treats such as smoked ham, olives, cheese and freshly baked bread. Satiated, you may have time to wander the wine estate and admire the extraordinary colorful sculptures that adorn its luxuriant grounds.