Silves, Portugal

Capital City

With a population of just 37,126, Silves is a sleepy Algarve town that struggles to offer the conveniences you'd expect of a modern European city. The cork industry and agriculture remain important here, but the once-prosperous medieval capital has faded into obscurity. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, and the climate, while Mediterranean, can feel stifling in the summer months. While Silves' historic castle and riverside setting make for scenic day trips, this is a place better suited to retirees and those seeking a quiet rural life than ambitious expats looking to build a career.