Silves Levada Circular

Tracy Burton

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This mostly level circular route starts about three kilometres west of Silves, close to Falacho.

The walk begins on a peaceful rural track with superb views of nearby foothills. Here, the agriculture is on a small scale and houses nestle into the folds of the landscape.

Soon after passing traditional housing, you will join one of the few walkable levadas (irrigation channels) in the Algarve. Much of the footpath running alongside the levada is lined with bamboo, fig and other vegetation, providing much-needed shade in hot weather. Depending on the time of year, you can pluck a fresh fig or two from the overhanging branches.

Make time for the briefest of detours: a little path crossing the levada leads to a viewpoint overlooking the confluence of two rivers: the Arade and the Odelouca. This delightful spot is the perfect spot for elevenses or even lunch.

Rejoin the levada and continue alongside the Arade. Horses and cattle graze on the floodplain below and large butterflies flutter overhead. Keep your eyes peeled for chameleon too and watch them change colour in front of your very eyes.

If you want to get closer to the river, leave the levada at Clube Nautico Silves (see instructions) where you can eat, drink or just swim in the pool (2,50 euros).

Rejoin the levada, crisscrossing from one side to the other and, for a while, enjoy views upriver towards Silves. Finally, rejoin a track to return to the start of the walk.

Portugal - South Portugal - Central Algarve - Silves

Features

Butterflies, Cafe, Flowers, Good for Wheelchairs, Great Views, Mostly Flat, Public Transport, Restaurant, River, Toilets, Wildlife
3/7/2024 - Ian Runcie

A very enjoyable walk, mostly flat along a now defunct levada. Grand river views and plenty of interest.

3/7/2024 - Ian Runcie

Thank goodness for ww photos: the rubbish bins have crossed the road so keeping them on the right would result in going in the opposite direction at the start. Two concrete posts are shown in the pic for ww1, which are less likely to go walkabout, so I suggest ww1 should read 'keep the two concrete pillars on your left'. You also may like to say when suggesting parking that when starting the walk you will be taking a right turn at the T junction. Ww2 is also a problem, the lower road to the right is now firmly marked as no entry. Didn't seem to matter as the two join up again ahead, so instructions could now say take the upper road to the left. Or you could just drop this way mark altogether.