History of the Algarve
The first people in the Algarve were Phoenician traders who established small colonies along the coast. They were followed by Carthagian, Roman and Visigothian settlers.
The arrival of the Arabic Moors in the 8th century was to leave a lasting legacy. It was the Moors who gave the Algarve its name - El Gharb (Land of the West). They were also responsible for the region’s many Arabic place-names (typically beginning with “Al”), its architecture - particularly evident in today’s mosques and castles - and the physical features of many of the Algarvian inhabitants.
The Age of Discovery highlights the Algarve on Portugal’s timeline. In the 1400’s Henry the Navigator commenced his sea expeditions from the south-west port of Sagres. These were to establish Portugal as a formidable imperial power. Used as one of the pain points of departure, the Algarve also played its role in Portugal’s subsequent presence in colonial Africa.
The Algarve has suffered several earthquakes in its recorded history. The infamous 1755 earthquake, that destroyed much of the region, also gave it a new lease on life. The Algarvians rebuilt their communal home, creating what exists today as one of the biggest tourist destinations in the world.
The Algarve was to face a more modern day occupation in 1807, this time by its Spanish neighbour. In 1808, it became the first part of Portugal to liberate itself.
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