The Best of Salir: Castle, Church, and Corn-Ear Festival

Last Updated on 2nd July 2023 by Sophie Nadeau

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Salir is a speck of a village with little by way of attractions but a whole load of personality. Nestled in the mountains, this verdant landscape is off the beaten path and is home to fewer than 3000 people. Here’s your guide to the best of Salir, as well as what to know before you go.

It’s said that the name Salir derives from the fact that, when the village (then known as Castelar) was conquered by D. Paio Peres Correia, the Saracens residing there cried out ‘Salir’ (meaning escape).

Contents

Introducing Salir
Annual events in Salir
Highlights of Salir

Introducing Salir

Salir is predominantly focused on agriculture, with its biggest exports being things like olives, figs, carob beans, and cork. Popular Portugueses souvenirs from the surrounding region include things made from esparto grass, honey, medronho brandy, lace, and metalwork.

The only convenient way to reach the village is with your own vehicle and a visit to Salir can be combined with a trip to the nearby town of Alte as they are only a short distance from one another. Salir is also just a fifteen minute drive away from Querença.

During the 12th-century Salir was occupied by the moors, who constructed the castle, the remains of which can be seen today.

Nowadays, Salir is situated within the municipality of Loulé, Portugal and is a quiet spot to escape the crowds of the Algarve coastline. The wider parish has 5000 residents and encompasses 180 square kilometres. The defining feature of Salir is its low, white houses and narrow streets.

Annual events in Salir

Two annual events see numbers in the village swell for the festivities:

Festa da Espiga (Day of the Corn-Ear) takes place exactly 40 days after Easter, on the Feast of the Ascension. The event is marked by parades with floats, folk music, good local food, and residents hang corn ears outside their homes to symbolise good fortune.

The event has proved so popular that it has become a must-see regional event and thousands travel to the little village to enjoy the festivities. This day traditionally marks the beginning of harvest time and the parade itself represents many traditional trades: bee-keeping, sowing, pruning, bread-making, and basketry, among other things.

The other annual event that is of particular importance is Salir do Tempo, which takes place at the end of July and tries to recreate how Salir would have been like during medieval times.

Highlights of Salir

Church

Sitting in pride of place in the main village square, the church of Salir is dedicated to S. Sebastião. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, though it can still be admired via its exterior. Nearby, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding Loulé countryside, known locally as the Serra do Caldeirão.

Castle of Salir

Known in Portuguese as the Castelo de Salir, it must be said that there are little more than a few crumbling walls left of what was once a mighty fortification, constructed to protect nearby residents from Christian attacks. The castle was built between the 12th and 13th-centuries, in a period known as the Almohad period.

Salir Archaeological Museum

Close to the former castle, there’s a small museum detailing the history of Salir and its surroundings. Highlights include learning more about the castle and seeing some more of its ruins up close.

Please note that the museum is closed at the weekends and is open from 9 AM – 5 PM with a one hour closure in the day between 1 PM and 2 PM.

Janela la Serra

With just a handful of eateries in the village, there’s not a great choice, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t great food. We personally had a tapas style lunch at Janela la Serra and loved the traditional dishes served with unrivalled views. There are several vegetarian options on the menu.